Christians : Are you fans of Elvis Presley?

Question

(Please read, I really am going somewhere with this.)

If so, which Elvis did you prefer? Did you like young, skinny, sexy, hip-swaying Elvis, or did you prefer older, bloated, drugged up Elvis who died on a toilet?

My guess would be that, for most, they would prefer the former, regardless of their belief. Why? Because it's prettier, and much better to remember and embrace. That said, the older, bloated Elvis, while sad and ugly, is still a part of the Elvis story.

This is how many atheists, myself included, feel that Christians should view not only the Bible, but Christian history. You cannot choose to only embrace the parts that make you feel good, you must at least acknowledge the horrors within the Scriptures, as well as the atrocities committed by Christians in the name of God over the years.

I will be very curious to see who, among the believers, will see my point here.

Answer 1

I get your point and agree. Though God does eventually work all things out for the good for those who love Him and are called to His purpose, there are lots of negative. He doesn't fix what is done; there are still consequences. Many Christians, even some with the best intentions, really mess things up. They can be hypocritical and rude. Sometimes they reflect more evil traits than good. They get all caught up in sin and do much harm and little good. We don't like to admit our mistakes, but we need to. Our children are taught about David and Goliath stories, but rarely David and Bathsheba ones.

Answer 2

The life of Elvis Presley could be a parable straight from the Bible !
Completely ignoring the point of your question, I liked the Elvis-in-Hawaii-comeback-special Elvis. Before he got real fat. All glitter and side-burns in a white spangly jumpsuit. All that perspiration. Very human.

Answer 3

The "horrors" within the scriptures as such there are any open to interpretation - are the history of humanity - stories of flawed, imperfect beings struggling for perfection, redemption and reconciliation back to their Maker. Many lessons for us today in their lives, these stories, those struggles - if we will but take the time to read, study and learn.

As to the "atrocities committed by Christians in the name of God" - one of the devil's most perfect and commonly accepted lies - again has much more to do with the evil in men's own hearts than any blanket indictment of a very pure faith which clearly teaches loving our neighbors, forgiving our enemies and turning the other cheek to every perceived slight or offense - and yet has never been perfectly executed by Christians anywhere.

Not because the faith is flawed, but because we as human beings are flawed.

Answer 4

Hi Deke,
This is an interesting way to open the question and I like it. I believe that the "division" among many of the so-called Christians comes from their refusal to read, study, and obey HIS HOLY WORD. Many do not have any idea what CHRIST did or said while HE was on Earth yet they choose to call themselves Christian and throw rocks at everyone who is NOT of their standing belief. I do not attack anyone when I have a level sugar rating. It seems to fall quite often and I try to come back and say that I am sorry when I remember attacking others. I do believe that much of the Old Testament was written to let GOD'S People know that HE expected obedience from THEM. I do not believe that HE has changed but I believe that we are given more lenience toward HIM and HIS New Testament WORD as it was written. Have a wonderful week. (I am checking sugars again.)
Thanks,
Eds


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Answer 5

I understand your point, but there's also another point to be made.

Why would we embrace hypocrisy? When people chose to do atrocities in the name of Christ, they were being hypocritical. They proclaimed to believe in the message of Christ, but did what was un-Christlike. Jesus came and gave His very life for sinners, but the Spanish Inquisition devalued life by torturing people. Its hypocrisy.

We should do our best to stay true to the message of God. That is where are allegiance lies - not with "Christians," but with Christ.

That said, we cannot erase, nor should we, what "Christians" have done. In the evil things that people have done throughout history in the name of Christ, we can see how terrible people can be and how people can corrupt even the most beautiful message. And Jesus specifically points out that many will cry out His name, but that He never knew them; many will do things in the His name, but will not have the right heart.

Christians should never shy away from the awful history that accompanies those who claimed to practice this religion. Instead, it becomes an opportunity to learn, to ask for others' forgiveness and to reflect on the condition of our own hearts.

Answer 6

Now that you took the liberty to bad mouthed a dead man telling Christian how they should feel about him, I disagree with your assessment of him. I am black and was taught that Elvis was a racist. This too is a bloated lie! I do not go to Graceland or try to bring him back from the dead, but I do admire his sensitivity to God. Approximately two years ago, I saw a documentary on Elvis that will never be shown on regular t.v. It was about his life off stage, and it was recorded by the gospel singers he hung around. Yes, Elvis died of a drug overdose. This does not mean that he did not get the opportunity to repent. You were not there and neither was I. In his lifetime, he grieved performing on stage but no one knew it; his first love was gospel music. After every concert, he sang gospel often for eight to nine hours. The real Elvis is not the Elvis you protray. I do not believe God turned His back on Elvis when Elvis needed Him the most. No God is no respector of persons, so He was not impress with Elvis's title. Elvis was just another creation. What He did remember was all those years of praise and worship this man had given him after every concert. His addiction was like your addiction. Yes, the addiction led to his death. Be that as it may, God knows all things. He knew where and when Elvis would die. Also, we all get fat. Elvis does not have the monopoly on gaining weight. Do you have Elvis kind of money? If you did, you too would gain weight. I am not deitizing the man. I simply repent of having judged him like most minorities. We all love a juicy lie and hearsay. When I saw the truth, I was totally floored. He prayed more than anyone I know, and I was raised in the Church. He also operated in the gifts which was apparent in his prayer meetings. His prayer meetings and gospel singing would last for hours. He even refused to sing on Talk Shows like the Ed Sullivan Show if he could not sing gospel. Notice, Elvis NEVER received a grammy for any of his secular songs or records. ALL of his grammys came from his gospel songs. Think about it!!!! You do well to give God the praise like Elvis. We all need God to free us of overwhelming bondages and satanic strongholds.

Answer 7

One of the best analogies I've ever read.

An interesting insertion would be when Elvis met the Beatles. After the usual polite greetings and conversation, John Lennon got to the point: "When are you going to make another great rock and roll record?" Elvis is said to have gotten a very sad look and mumbled a non-reply. This was when Col. Tom had him making all of those silly films.

Answer 8

I will agree with primoa19 without the Elvis part.

To me Elvis was just another human being singing worldly songs which as a believer I'm totally against, so I do not even think about him as someone of any importance.

I hope you are not idolising Elvis because you might be dissapointed to find out where he ended up.

Answer 9

I do see your point........but I have to disagree with it.

Scripture as a whole tells a story of redemption. There are some parts that are uglier than others......but the outcome is the same.

I choose to embrace all of it's truth.....whether I want to or not. The bad things that so-called Christians did in the past have no bearing on us today.

If that were the case then I would have to despise all German people because of one man......Hitler. He was a bad apple......but did not represent the views of all Germans.

But to answer your original question:
Of course I liked the younger, good-looking Elvis.

Answer 10

I was never a fan of Elvis Presley, & he lived in my younger yrs. Even before I became a Christian in 1970, I still was not a fan of his. Sorry you did not go anywhere with this question. By the way, I know exactly what the scriptures says, since I have been a Christian for over 37 yrs. Yes In those 37 yrs. I did learn many things, & if you think some of the things done back in the OT is bad, wait until God judges this world. Too many people only look at God as a God of Love, God is a God of Love. But he is also a God Of judgement & wrath.