Pastor Ed,
Here is an artist comparing MJ's death to JC's:

http://blogs.sohh.com/sohh_tv/2009/07/014551.html

I don't know that there is much to provoke thinking in the article cited, besides expressing an understandable disdain for Jackson's lifestyle choices.

The funeral was a traditional African American-style funeral, in which the deceased is memorialized and Christ is glorified in some measure, without regard to the deceased.

I am also not sure if the bible supports the concept of a "Christian funeral". I watched the entire event and thought the service was appropriate in every way.

Finally, I would suggest that Rev. Bernice King and Pastor Lucius Smith, more than all others, brought a faithful witness to to love and saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ

Pastor Bryan Hudson
Indianapolis, IN

Couldn't agree more. One need not search for long in order to find faith and spirituality apart from Christ, especially in our culture.

The world must be presented with truth of the Gospel, the need for the Gospel. That burden rests squarely on the shoulders believers and the Church.

The religious atmosphere proclaimed Michael as America's god. The casket being rolled down to ''We are going to see the King'' was a direct attack on Bible christianity.

The tragedy of it was that even professing Christians viewing it did not later protest it.

The funeral was a traditional African American-style funeral, in which the deceased is memorialized and Christ is glorified in some measure, without regard to the deceased.

I am also not sure if the bible supports the concept of a "Christian funeral". I watched the entire event and thought the service was appropriate in every way.

Finally, I would suggest that Rev. Bernice King and Pastor Lucius Smith, more than all others, brought a faithful witness to to love and saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ

Bryan, Surely you did not find the display of symbols of the major world religions as acceptable for a "Christian" funeral?

Maybe I'm confused. so Michael Jackson didn't have a Christian funeral - did we expect him to?

The artists/family didn't express exclusively Christian sentiments - did we expect them to?

The national media didn't clarify the mish mash of spiritual images as not Christian - did we expect them to?

Christians didn't protest the blurring of Christianity at the funeral - why should we?

We don't need to attack the secular culture, we only need to advance the culture of Christ, as Christ would have us do it.

Josh

I tried to express the thought that the funeral was more of a cultural expression. Certainly, one can infer meanings as it may seem appropriate.

Beyond our disappointment with MJ's choices, I cannot see the value of piling on. His family and children need our prayers.

Robert, I agree that it is not necessary or beneficial to attack secular culture. Why would we expect a secular culture to glorify God and honor Christ, even in the way it handles and mourns death.

Nevertheless, I believe it to be absolutely necessary that Believers understand the culture in which they live as they are to deliver the Good News of Christ to it. Is this not what the above post is alluding to?

Unfortunately, the artists, media and culture aren't the only parties "guilty" of making statements contrary to the truth of the Gospel. I have heard some claiming to be Christians and Christian leaders spout many lies contrary to the Gospel over the past week. I will not attack secular culture, but I will attack wolves who proclaim a false Gospel.

It amazes me that people celebrated the King of Pop on the way to his grave but spit on the King of Kings while He sits on His throne.

People need the Lord. Don't be unashamed. Tell all people of the greatness that is our Lord.

and by unashamed...I meant ashamed. :p