he was doing the Lord's work?
It caused a bit of controversy with the record company at the time who said his fans wouldn't approve. He replied by saying "well they ain't Christians then."
Personally I think he was trying to make a point to society about locking people away and forgetting about them.
2007-02-13 19:29:06 · 12 answers · asked by Dustbowl Blues 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Cash was trying to revitalize his career when he played at San Quentin/Folsom prison. Any spirtual/sociological motivation was incidental/retroactive. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Cash fan. However, his career was going down the toilet in those days and the prison concerts were a gimmick that worked out very nicely for him. Just like with his stated reason for wearing black, he was a good enough showman to be able to portray his showmanship as something much more than showmanship. Nothing wrong with that IMO.
2007-02-13 19:41:26 · answer #1 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps he had some empathy with criminals as he had so many near misses with the law himself. He didn't seem very Christian when he caused the destruction of a large area of natural forest, including almost an entire population of endangered condors.
I think like many artists he used his talents to draw attention to certain issues that were close to his heart, but he was no angel. Besides, depriving a person of their freedom when they have been found guilty beyond reasonable doubt is a lot more humane than some biblical punishments. Inmates get three meals a day, a roof over their heads and entertainment, a much better deal than a lot of the world's innocent poor. It's not like they are in prison for picking flowers.
2007-02-14 07:28:58 · answer #2 · answered by queenbee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was doing the Lord's work all right.
I'd love to see some of today's "star celebrities" playing in a jail. Imagine mister bonio and that oaf Clayton playing in a tough jail. They'd end up with sore botties.
2007-02-14 03:34:59 · answer #3 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That was just the movie. IRL, Johnny Cash played prison shows pretty regularly.
2007-02-14 03:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by Doc Occam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Cash was about bringing to the fore the suffering of the people society locks away and forgets about. Prisoners should be hung instead to ensure the problem goes completely away.
2007-02-14 03:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by tickTickTICK 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think he enjoyed performing and he was a Christian. I'm not altogether convinced that he performed at the prisons in order to do "the Lord's work" ... it was publicity. That's just my opinion ... Johnny never told me so.
2007-02-14 03:37:10 · answer #6 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well jesus always hung out with the dregs of society lepers prostitutes etc. so as a good christrian johnny cash went were the message was needed most.
2007-02-14 06:30:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are asking if we presume to know the mind and the will of God.
Jesus said we will know them (Christians) by their fruits, meaning the products or results from their efforts. What was his fruit from doing those shows? Answer that question and you will have your answer.
2007-02-14 03:36:11 · answer #8 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know what shows he sang, but I do appreciate him and I am a Christian.
2007-02-14 03:34:21 · answer #9 · answered by Avon Lady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lord's work...I guess making people happy is...um...kind...he wasn't exactly feeding the poor...but I guess he was doing what he believed...I guess
2007-02-14 03:38:34 · answer #10 · answered by suan_tian 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋