Just when Christians begin to get over one controversy, another one arises, capturing our attention and infuriating us, even though it is relatively minor compared to what really matters. In recent years, controversies have been stirred up by situations such as Sam Smith’s “Unholy” costume, in which he dances around the stage in a red devil costume, or Lil Nas X giving the devil a lap dance in the music video for his hit song “Montero.” Now we are faced with the reality that many Christian leaders are expressed disappointment Taylor Swift’s latest song album Some of the lyrics of the recently released song contain explicitly “anti-Christian” language.
[Romans 14:22] It emphasizes the warning against imposing personal beliefs on others, especially on issues that tend to cause disagreement in Christian discussions.
These concerns come primarily from Christian parents. I was worried Regarding Swift’s impact on children and the message of her new album: While I sympathize with parents’ efforts to responsibly guide their children, I take issue with the rigid stance taken by many, even going so far as to call for a boycott of Swift’s music. While I respect the right of individuals to live their beliefs and raise their children accordingly, I believe this issue deserves a more nuanced conversation that reflects the freedom and liberation inherent in the Christian faith.
Romans 14:22 It emphasizes the importance of respecting different beliefs, especially non-essential theological matters that are subject to interpretation: “So what you believe about these things, let it be between you and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”
This passage emphasizes the warning against imposing personal beliefs on others, especially on matters that tend to cause disagreement in Christian discussions.
Furthermore, I advocate looking at Swift’s latest album from a different perspective. I categorically reject the notion of a “sacred/secular” division because it undermines the omnipresence of God’s sovereignty and suggests that elements outside the sacred realm do not reveal aspects of God. Regardless of religion, all individuals reflect the image of a divine Creator and often express this essence in their own way, including through their artistic endeavors.
Familiarity with the Bible makes clear the crucial difference between descriptive and prescriptive texts.
In conversations with people in my social circle, I often encounter concerns about exposing oneself to potentially harmful influences and the need to protect one’s mind. After all, the mind is the source of life.Proverbs 4:23Although I appreciate the concern for my health, I am not concerned about such exposure for two reasons: first, I believe God resides within me, and second, I approach these materials without a prescriptive mindset.
Familiarity with the Bible makes clear a crucial difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages. Descriptive passages provide insight into a narrative or contextual reality without necessarily prescribing specific behavior. Prescriptive passages, on the other hand, provide universal principles or commands. For example, I would not advocate a prescriptive reading of the Book of Job because it describes the erroneous theological viewpoint expressed by Job’s friends.
Similarly, I would not recommend treating David’s lament psalms as an accurate mindset for us to have, since some of these psalms often involve wishing for the death of other people, even children (Psalm 109). While these illustrate the range of emotions permitted in communication with God, I do not advocate interpreting every word as a direct prescription for action. Similarly, verses describing polygamy, slavery, and familial rape do not serve as prescriptions but rather illustrate the depth of human sinfulness.
This approach also extends to what contemporary Christian culture labels as “secular.” While it may be tempting to take a defensive stance against media and entertainment that runs counter to Christian values, I believe such an attitude is inconsistent with the way Christ wants us to engage with the world around us. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus offering grace and mercy to sinners, not condemnation. Paradoxically, these Pharisees often showed more indignation toward sinners than Jesus did, even when the sin ran against Jesus personally. But instead of condemnation, Jesus offers acceptance and transformation to those who fall outside the religious norm, inviting them to find contentment in Jesus rather than the ways of the world.
The apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of isolating ourselves from the larger world: “When I wrote to you previously, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I was not referring to unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, are greedy, swindlers, or worship idols. The way to avoid such people is to leave this world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10, NLT).
It is a solemn recognition that we share the same human weaknesses as those we may condemn: we sin in the same way, and we rely on God’s grace in the same way.
What if, instead of retaliating, we humbly listened to those who have genuine frustrations, pain, and fears about Christianity?
Paul immediately follows with, “It is not my responsibility to judge those on the outside, but it is certainly your responsibility to judge those who sin within the church” (1 Corinthians 5:12, NLT).
Similarly, Paul exhorts the church in Thessalonica: “Just as we previously instructed you, lead quiet lives, mind your own business, and work with your own hands, so that unbelievers will respect the way you live, and you will not have to depend on others” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NLT).
Did you notice the similar wording here that we see in Romans 14:22? The quiet life Paul encourages doesn’t mean we don’t advocate for change in the world, but it means living peacefully and avoiding unnecessary chaos and conflict. It means focusing on our own affairs and working diligently, rather than meddling in the affairs of others. In this way, we can be respected by those outside the Christian community and avoid being a burden to others.
Whether or not Taylor Swift’s album was intentionally provocative to people of faith, it offers an opportunity to embody the teachings of Jesus by choosing not to take offense. The early church was distinguished by acts of radical generosity and a willingness to harbor animosity toward anyone. Instead of retaliating, what if we humbly listened to those who have genuine frustrations, pain, and fears about Christianity? We may want to ignore their feelings, but their experiences are often painfully real.
If we view artists as fellow image-bearers of God, and recognize that their works offer insights into the nature of God, we can engage with the world with humility, seeking to understand and empathize rather than attack or defend, and we may discover that God resides in the very places we have hitherto ignored.
