Disclaimer: clicking the links to the news articles below will show pictures of the VMA performace.
I purposely have not watched any clips of Mylie Cyrus’ VMA performance. I recommend that you don’t either. For one, you will never be able to erase whatever you see from your memory. The Psalmist says “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3) and we should follow suit.
But that’s not the point of this post, it’s just free advice.
The point is that while I was disappointed and sad (but not shocked) by Miley’s recent performance, I was encouraged by the response to it. Major news networks including NBC featured stories highlighting the vulgarity and uselessness of the performance. It seems that even the secular culture sat up and said “ok, enough with that- it’s too far”.
Now, this cultural reaction will not mean any negative effect on Miley’s career. In fact, analysts suggest she can expect a 10-20% increase in sales.
But it does mean that there is still a cultural conscience that can be appealed too. There is still something present in America that causes people to stop and say “that just isn’t right”. And as Christians, that should give us hope. It should give us confidence too.
Our churches should have the confidence to stand up for our convictions, and encourage people to stop buying and therefore justifying this kind of display. We should have the courage to broadcast biblical answers to the questions that people are currently asking regarding morality. Our confidence should be rooted in the fact that our cause is righteous, and strengthened by the fact that there is still a glimmer of national cultural conscience.
If there had been no negative reaction to last week’s VMA performance, I would be admittedly discouraged. Instead, I am hopeful that the flame of righteousness still burning in America can be fanned into a revival once again.