Beyonce's Pastor Defends Her Against Christian Critics
Beyoncé Knowles' pastor, Rudy Rasmus, defended the singer against Christian critics who have scrutinized her explicit lyrics and videos from her latest album.
Rasmus, who leads St. John's United Methodist Church in downtown Houston and is a longtime friend of both Beyoncé and husband Jay Z, gave his opinion regarding the message behind Beyoncé's music without noting whether it contradicts the purity of Christianity or not.
"I've answered that question many times and the answer is still the same. Beyoncé is a consummate entertainer, and an entertainer entertains. Is the entertainer's entertainment an expression of that person's life and reality? I don't know. But I know when Arnold Schwarzenegger straps on a 30 caliber cannon and blows planes out of the sky, nobody asks the question, 'Arnold why are you walking around for those 90 minutes in that suit with that 30 caliber cannon? What kind of person are you?' I don't think I've heard that question. But at the end of the day, Arnold Schwarzenegger is an entertainer," Rasmus said, according to The Grio.
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He also noted that Beyoncé "is tremendously gifted" and that "the world would void an extreme talent if we silenced her or censored her."
During his interview, the pastor also spoke about the power couple, saying he has not given them marriage advice since officiating their wedding in 2008. Furthermore, he said the key to the longevity of their marriage is grounded on trust, respect and love.
Since Beyoncé released her self-titled album in December, Christians and non-believers alike have criticized her videos and sexually-charged lyrics on her provocative tracks, including songs titled "Blow" and "Drunk in Love."
Among the most of explicit videos is "Partition," in which Beyoncé cage dances for Jay Z before getting on the floor in her underwear. In the video, she sings about a sexual encounter taking place in the back seat of a car and refers to the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
The artist also drew criticism earlier this year from Christians after she posted an image on her Instagram account where she is shown sitting in the center of a "Last Supper" painting, in front of Jesus' image.
"Is nothing sacred anymore? This is clearly an act of disrespect towards Jesus Christ, whom Beyoncé covers up with her pose," Tim Wildmon, president of American Family Association, said in a statement.
It is that precise form of criticism that Rasmus defended Beyoncé against while even noting that she has the right to earn a living through her talents.
In response, Christian author and blogger Diana Hobbs, called out Rasmus for being "wrong."
"Unfortunately, Rasmus' ideology omits accountability to God and ignores the call to honor central biblical virtues like modesty and the Scriptures' admonitions against glorification of the flesh. Since when did creativity (for a Christian, at least) trump honoring the Creator? I cannot imagine God on his throne applauding or supporting all His word goes against," Hobbs said.
