robertgeorgeakabob said:

Vendetta1 said:

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christian. The song 1+1+1 = 3 is speaking about man, woman and God.

When I was an avid believer in God, I also believed Jesus was the son of God and I'm about as far from a Witness as you can get.

If Jesus and God are the same, why did Jesus ask God why He was forsaking Him?

anywho,

Good thread Tremolina. I am curious as to some of the songs you are talking about where a religious reference is more subtle.

the idea of the holy trinity is what defines christianity from other bible-based religions. witnesses denounce the holy trinity, as does the jewish faith which spawned the book in the first place. are jews christian? so i repeat, JW is not Christian, Prince is not a Christian. 1+1+1=3 is him refuting the idea of the holy trinity.

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

lust said:

robertgeorgeakabob said:

the idea of the holy trinity is what defines christianity from other bible-based religions. witnesses denounce the holy trinity, as does the jewish faith which spawned the book in the first place. are jews christian? so i repeat, JW is not Christian, Prince is not a Christian. 1+1+1=3 is him refuting the idea of the holy trinity.

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

thats me told! lol. to be fair you have a point.

robertgeorgeakabob said:

lust said:

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

thats me told! lol. to be fair you have a point.

Sorry, didn't mean to come across like that.

lust said:

robertgeorgeakabob said:

the idea of the holy trinity is what defines christianity from other bible-based religions. witnesses denounce the holy trinity, as does the jewish faith which spawned the book in the first place. are jews christian? so i repeat, JW is not Christian, Prince is not a Christian. 1+1+1=3 is him refuting the idea of the holy trinity.

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

Exactly. The Bible, despite containing some wonderful verses of literature, does not contain a fully coherent narrative as as many would like to think. Any "believer" has to fill in a lot of the blanks themselves, cherry pick verses ("Oh, that part is just a metaphor, and this part is real" etc.), come to terms with its inherent contradictions, ignore refuting science/historical evidence, and rely on "faith" and the word of their pastors etc. in order to make the narrative "work". And as a result, there are tens of thousands of official "Christian" denominations (of which the JWs are included, according to wikipedia).

I mean, c'mon. There is more consensus on the story of Harry Potter than there is one supposedly inspired by God himself. Go figure.

lust said:

robertgeorgeakabob said:

thats me told! lol. to be fair you have a point.

Sorry, didn't mean to come across like that.

hey don't worry i didn't take it like that. i appreciate what you had to say and you're right. a few years ago i worked in the warehouse of a massive evangelical christian publishing company and the amount of literature that was anti-jw left me with the impression that christianity and witnessing are totally at odds with each other. whilst jw's may consider themselves a christian faith every other denomination seem outraged at the idea. i think prince preaches the jehovah way, not the christian way, the replacing of jesus with lord during anna stesia on one night alone is telling. guess it's all about semantics, "what does it mean to be a christian?" as an atheist i have my own answer, but i don't want to offend anyone's sensibilities.

feel free to interject and disagree with me anytime, thats why i come here!

robertgeorgeakabob said:

lust said:

Sorry, didn't mean to come across like that.

hey don't worry i didn't take it like that. i appreciate what you had to say and you're right. a few years ago i worked in the warehouse of a massive evangelical christian publishing company and the amount of literature that was anti-jw left me with the impression that christianity and witnessing are totally at odds with each other. whilst jw's may consider themselves a christian faith every other denomination seem outraged at the idea. i think prince preaches the jehovah way, not the christian way, the replacing of jesus with lord during anna stesia on one night alone is telling. guess it's all about semantics, "what does it mean to be a christian?" as an atheist i have my own answer, but i don't want to offend anyone's sensibilities.

feel free to interject and disagree with me anytime, thats why i come here!

I am coming from the same view point as you so I guess it's easier to see the similarities in the various faiths as being more important than the differences. I am sure many within religion see it differently though. To me, it's all the same. I'm sure that a JW and a Catholic who are at odds with each other would see a Sunni and a Shia as ultimately just two muslims.

robertgeorgeakabob said:

years ago i worked in the warehouse of a massive evangelical christian publishing company and the amount of literature that was anti-jw left me with the impression that christianity and witnessing are totally at odds with each other

This is one of the issues with Christianity. There is a lot of in-fighting and every sect is sure they are 100% correct, and all others are less so...

toejam said:

lust said:

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

Exactly. The Bible, despite containing some wonderful verses of literature, does not contain a fully coherent narrative as as many would like to think. Any "believer" has to fill in a lot of the blanks themselves, cherry pick verses ("Oh, that part is just a metaphor, and this part is real" etc.), come to terms with its inherent contradictions, ignore refuting science/historical evidence, and rely on "faith" and the word of their pastors etc. in order to make the narrative "work". And as a result, there are tens of thousands of official "Christian" denominations (of which the JWs are included, according to wikipedia).

I mean, c'mon. There is more consensus on the story of Harry Potter than there is one supposedly inspired by God himself. Go figure.

I actually disagree, but

Thanks for this thoughtful post, Tremolina.

Yes, I think whatever your religious beliefs, this struggle between (or the effort to reconcile) the sacred and profane makes Prince's body of work unique and interesting. As someone mentioned, probably lots of people had some sort of spiritual questioning/struggle similar to his, whether only in adolescence, later in life during crisis, or lifelong. Our conclusions may be different, but we've probably all had the same questions at some point in our life.

I remember an article w/ people who knew him as a kid in MPLS, and I think it was an old teacher or church youth leader who said that Prince was always wrestling with these thoughts even as a teen, so the religious themes in his music aren't an act.

Personally, the mixture of religious themes and the shockingly "unchristian" (i.e., sexually explicit) themes is fascinating, as someone who grew up Seventh-Day Adventist and knowing that Prince did too (partly).

I believe that the reason Prince is so controversial is because the public doesn't know whether he takes God and religion seriously or he's just selling it.

WOW! LOL

Reading all of these posts, there is a lot I can say, but I wouldn't want to turn this into a DEBATE.

First off, this was a great post Tremolina! Prince has always been spiritual, and has highlight spirituality since his genesis! I actually love it! I believe spirituality at its core is very important. Things such as RELIGION/Law/Rule/Dictatorship makes the whole spiritual journey more complicated. Especially when you ask everybody what 'TRUTH' is. Now we can argue about Pre-JW and Post-JW's spirituality ALL DAY AND NIGHT. But we won't reach anywhere if we just program our GPS according to a circular circumference.

There is a lot we don't know, but from the archive and record of what has been laid down. It's clear that the reconciliation of what's suffering and grown is a struggle in life. "In Lust you will suffer, but in love you will grow..Shockadleica is a feeling nobody should know" Haha. He's obviously highlighted these themes, and I appreciate the effort to bring them to light. GRANTED, I don't agree with many of his beliefs now. But many of them I do relate to in some fashion. Songs like: Colonized Mind, Act Of God, The Everlasting NOW, etc. These are songs that can be dissected and reach many different faculties.

It matters to him, and as a listener to Prince; I think it's not a stretch to say; that while listening to some of his lyrics, we were NEVER challenged to think outside the box. Although, there should be no box to begin with. Haha

BUT anyways, I think the wrestling and reconciliation of sex and God are very spiritual and natural. The definition that births so many causes is what I find fantastic in his music.

I would love an album of just 'Spiritual/uplifting/inspiring songs' Songs such as:

Into The Light/I Will

The Holy River

Power Fantastic

Boom

The Ladder

Graffiti Bridge

Anna Stesia

The Cross

I mean how often are these themes presented by the MASSES. From a Artist like Prince. I like the fact that he's BOLD with it, and has always had no problem talking about it. We seem to ignore the CORE desire, IMO. So merely the discussion and highlighting of a supernatural is very intriguing for me.

P.S I never thought about '1+1+1 is 3" in the context that someone here outlined it. I do know that Jehovah Witness's don't agree with the trinity. Although I do, I did not look at it as he was speaking about the '3'. As someone said most Christians believe (Such as I) 1+1+1 is 1. I always thought he was saying 'This is the way it's going to be if you want to be with me' which is something I did not really like, because he made it TOO CONTROLLED AND ORGANIZED. I'm all for 'If I see its 7, you can say 11, still I wish you heaven'. That's my motto! If you see something else, I still wish you the best in love.

But I mean, talking about this brings so many other sections to the table. lol

ALL I can say is the "Reproduction of a new breed leader" has stood up and organized. I think that's the Jehovah's Witness Prince. Haha

Nevertheless, I appreciate the spiritual perspective of his music. It's one of the things I admire about him. When it gets 'Too Preachy' I just use my other eye, I don't have to listen to it, there are other songs out there. Prince is not my teacher, he's just a medium of expression I enjoy. lol

EyeJester7 said:

WOW! LOL

Reading all of these posts, there is a lot I can say, but I wouldn't want to turn this into a DEBATE.

First off, this was a great post Tremolina! Prince has always been spiritual, and has highlight spirituality since his genesis! I actually love it! I believe spirituality at its core is very important. Things such as RELIGION/Law/Rule/Dictatorship makes the whole spiritual journey more complicated. Especially when you ask everybody what 'TRUTH' is. Now we can argue about Pre-JW and Post-JW's spirituality ALL DAY AND NIGHT. But we won't reach anywhere if we just program our GPS according to a circular circumference.

There is a lot we don't know, but from the archive and record of what has been laid down. It's clear that the reconciliation of what's suffering and grown is a struggle in life. "In Lust you will suffer, but in love you will grow..Shockadleica is a feeling nobody should know" Haha. He's obviously highlighted these themes, and I appreciate the effort to bring them to light. GRANTED, I don't agree with many of his beliefs now. But many of them I do relate to in some fashion. Songs like: Colonized Mind, Act Of God, The Everlasting NOW, etc. These are songs that can be dissected and reach many different faculties.

It matters to him, and as a listener to Prince; I think it's not a stretch to say; that while listening to some of his lyrics, we were NEVER challenged to think outside the box. Although, there should be no box to begin with. Haha

BUT anyways, I think the wrestling and reconciliation of sex and God are very spiritual and natural. The definition that births so many causes is what I find fantastic in his music.

I would love an album of just 'Spiritual/uplifting/inspiring songs' Songs such as:

Into The Light/I Will

The Holy River

Power Fantastic

Boom

The Ladder

Graffiti Bridge

Anna Stesia

The Cross

I mean how often are these themes presented by the MASSES. From a Artist like Prince. I like the fact that he's BOLD with it, and has always had no problem talking about it. We seem to ignore the CORE desire, IMO. So merely the discussion and highlighting of a supernatural is very intriguing for me.

Great Post

I think there are songs like that that reconcile the spiritual aspects of sex, whereas Shocadelic highlights the opposite of Power Fantastic, which is the Lust part

God the Love Theme was put 2 a sexual scene in Purple Rain

But you prob already know that Power Fantastic is like Shockadelica's twin, both songs are about Masturbation

a.)Late at night, when the world is sleeping
U r frightened, 'cause the Power's creeping
In your room is something u're afraid of
Life or doom is what this feelings made of
Power Fantastic
Is in your life at last
U're a little apprehensive
'Cause what it is is what u want and need

Minor G is the chord of pleasure

b.)The lights go out
The smell of doom
Is creepin' into your lonely room

The bed's on fire
Your fate is sealed
And you're so tired

The lights go out
The smell of doom
Again is creeping into your lonely room

Is this a dream
Or is this real
Or is this just a mirage you feel

Do Me Baby & Tamborine falls into the arena of Shocadelic, the lonely aspect of lust

a.) Youre leaving me no choice
Ok, what are u gonna do...u just gonna sit there and watch? alright...
Are u sure u don't wanna close your eyes?
...well, isn't it supposed to take a long time?
Im not gonna stop till the war is over...
Help me! there...ok...ok
Im so cold....just hold me

b.) Oh my God, there I go
Falling in love with the face in a magazine (uh oh, not again)
All alone by myself
Me and I play my tamborine

Tamborine
Tamborine
Tamborine
Tamborine
Long days, lonely nights
Tamborine

Computer Blue the full song showcases the struggles with love lust & God from a painful place

As they walked slowly through the corridor
He named the hallway "Lust"

On the verge of a breakdown
What is life without love?
It's hell, Computer Blue!

Father, Father, the sun is gone
(Father, Father) The Dawn, the Dawn
Father, Father, where is the Dawn?
(Where is the Dawn, Father?)

Shall I go 2 church on Sundays?
Shall I stay home and pray?
Shall I try 2 make her happy?
Shall I try 2 make her stay?

OldFriends4Sale said:

EyeJester7 said:

WOW! LOL

Reading all of these posts, there is a lot I can say, but I wouldn't want to turn this into a DEBATE.

First off, this was a great post Tremolina! Prince has always been spiritual, and has highlight spirituality since his genesis! I actually love it! I believe spirituality at its core is very important. Things such as RELIGION/Law/Rule/Dictatorship makes the whole spiritual journey more complicated. Especially when you ask everybody what 'TRUTH' is. Now we can argue about Pre-JW and Post-JW's spirituality ALL DAY AND NIGHT. But we won't reach anywhere if we just program our GPS according to a circular circumference.

There is a lot we don't know, but from the archive and record of what has been laid down. It's clear that the reconciliation of what's suffering and grown is a struggle in life. "In Lust you will suffer, but in love you will grow..Shockadleica is a feeling nobody should know" Haha. He's obviously highlighted these themes, and I appreciate the effort to bring them to light. GRANTED, I don't agree with many of his beliefs now. But many of them I do relate to in some fashion. Songs like: Colonized Mind, Act Of God, The Everlasting NOW, etc. These are songs that can be dissected and reach many different faculties.

It matters to him, and as a listener to Prince; I think it's not a stretch to say; that while listening to some of his lyrics, we were NEVER challenged to think outside the box. Although, there should be no box to begin with. Haha

BUT anyways, I think the wrestling and reconciliation of sex and God are very spiritual and natural. The definition that births so many causes is what I find fantastic in his music.

I would love an album of just 'Spiritual/uplifting/inspiring songs' Songs such as:

Into The Light/I Will

The Holy River

Power Fantastic

Boom

The Ladder

Graffiti Bridge

Anna Stesia

The Cross

I mean how often are these themes presented by the MASSES. From a Artist like Prince. I like the fact that he's BOLD with it, and has always had no problem talking about it. We seem to ignore the CORE desire, IMO. So merely the discussion and highlighting of a supernatural is very intriguing for me.

Great Post

I think there are songs like that that reconcile the spiritual aspects of sex, whereas Shocadelic highlights the opposite of Power Fantastic, which is the Lust part

God the Love Theme was put 2 a sexual scene in Purple Rain

But you prob already know that Power Fantastic is like Shockadelica's twin, both songs are about Masturbation

a.)Late at night, when the world is sleeping
U r frightened, 'cause the Power's creeping
In your room is something u're afraid of
Life or doom is what this feelings made of
Power Fantastic
Is in your life at last
U're a little apprehensive
'Cause what it is is what u want and need

Minor G is the chord of pleasure

b.)The lights go out
The smell of doom
Is creepin' into your lonely room

The bed's on fire
Your fate is sealed
And you're so tired

The lights go out
The smell of doom
Again is creeping into your lonely room

Is this a dream
Or is this real
Or is this just a mirage you feel

Do Me Baby & Tamborine falls into the arena of Shocadelic, the lonely aspect of lust

a.) Youre leaving me no choice
Ok, what are u gonna do...u just gonna sit there and watch? alright...
Are u sure u don't wanna close your eyes?
...well, isn't it supposed to take a long time?
Im not gonna stop till the war is over...
Help me! there...ok...ok
Im so cold....just hold me

b.) Oh my God, there I go
Falling in love with the face in a magazine (uh oh, not again)
All alone by myself
Me and I play my tamborine

Tamborine
Tamborine
Tamborine
Tamborine
Long days, lonely nights
Tamborine

Computer Blue the full song showcases the struggles with love lust & God from a painful place

As they walked slowly through the corridor
He named the hallway "Lust"

On the verge of a breakdown
What is life without love?
It's hell, Computer Blue!

Father, Father, the sun is gone
(Father, Father) The Dawn, the Dawn
Father, Father, where is the Dawn?
(Where is the Dawn, Father?)

Shall I go 2 church on Sundays?
Shall I stay home and pray?
Shall I try 2 make her happy?
Shall I try 2 make her stay?

WOW! You're awesome! I really had no idea it could be about masturbation? DAMN! LOL. That's something! Reading how you broke it down, it makes sense. Don't get me wrong, I did had a clue that it was about masturbation, but the clue was not physical like you made it. lol. Power Fantastic is very much the twin of Shockadelica. The lyrics are nearly identical, and I had no idea it could be reconciled the way you did it. I mean, I'm laughing, but I'm blown away by that! I like that! Haha. SEX, LUST, God, and all of those extensions are so deeply conveyed in his music and that's POWER FANTASTIC to me. What a LESSON! Haha..Thanks for the break down!

angel345 said:

I believe that the reason Prince is so controversial is because the public doesn't know whether he takes God and religion seriously or he's just selling it.

True. I always get questions like that - "Is he really a Jehovah's Witness or is it just an act...". I normally answer with: "Prince thinks he's a Jehovah's Witness" .

But outside of the public, I think it's fair to say that most of us fans recognise that he does take God and his religion seriously. But of course what that means is completely up to his fantasy.

toejam said:

angel345 said:

I believe that the reason Prince is so controversial is because the public doesn't know whether he takes God and religion seriously or he's just selling it.

True. I always get questions like that - "Is he really a Jehovah's Witness or is it just an act...". I normally answer with: "Prince thinks he's a Jehovah's Witness" .

But outside of the public, I think it's fair to say that most of us fans recognise that he does take God and his religion seriously. But of course what that means is completely up to his fantasy.

Yeah, pretty much

Vendetta1 said:

robertgeorgeakabob said:

this is something a witness would say, not a christian!!!!

Sorry but you do not get to define anything for me. Nor can you tell me that JWs are not Christian when I KNOW they are.

The problem I have with religion is that you can ask 50 people the same question about it and get 50 different answers. Your definition is different than mine. Let's leave it at that because it is obvious you have no idea what you are talking about.

wrong forum guys...but for the record vendetta1 is WRONG.

the traditional/evangelical christian is not the same nor believes the same as a JW.

especially when it comes to the trinity and who JESUS is.

toejam said:

lust said:

I am pretty sure that what defines christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Jews don't believe this so they are not christian. Jdubs do so they are. Beyond that different sects of christianity have varying arguments about the trinity and wether Jesus is god or gods son or both. . Still all christians by defenition though along with Mormons and whoever else accepts the jesus story. As you were.

Exactly. The Bible, despite containing some wonderful verses of literature, does not contain a fully coherent narrative as as many would like to think. Any "believer" has to fill in a lot of the blanks themselves, cherry pick verses ("Oh, that part is just a metaphor, and this part is real" etc.), come to terms with its inherent contradictions, ignore refuting science/historical evidence, and rely on "faith" and the word of their pastors etc. in order to make the narrative "work". And as a result, there are tens of thousands of official "Christian" denominations (of which the JWs are included, according to wikipedia).

I mean, c'mon. There is more consensus on the story of Harry Potter than there is one supposedly inspired by God himself. Go figure.

toe jam please stick to commenting on something you know about, like Princes music ....oh wait...lol

thepope2the9s said:

Vendetta1 said:

Sorry but you do not get to define anything for me. Nor can you tell me that JWs are not Christian when I KNOW they are.

The problem I have with religion is that you can ask 50 people the same question about it and get 50 different answers. Your definition is different than mine. Let's leave it at that because it is obvious you have no idea what you are talking about.

wrong forum guys...but for the record vendetta1 is WRONG.

the traditional/evangelical christian is not the same nor believes the same as a JW.

especially when it comes to the trinity and who JESUS is.

True, they do deny the trinity, but as far as labeling and categorization, they're under the Christian denomination.

artist76 said:

Thanks for this thoughtful post, Tremolina.

Yes, I think whatever your religious beliefs, this struggle between (or the effort to reconcile) the sacred and profane makes Prince's body of work unique and interesting. As someone mentioned, probably lots of people had some sort of spiritual questioning/struggle similar to his, whether only in adolescence, later in life during crisis, or lifelong. Our conclusions may be different, but we've probably all had the same questions at some point in our life.

I remember an article w/ people who knew him as a kid in MPLS, and I think it was an old teacher or church youth leader who said that Prince was always wrestling with these thoughts even as a teen, so the religious themes in his music aren't an act.

Personally, the mixture of religious themes and the shockingly "unchristian" (i.e., sexually explicit) themes is fascinating, as someone who grew up Seventh-Day Adventist and knowing that Prince did too (partly).

I am most delighted.

Interesting tid bit about P always having struggled with these issues. Whereas many other people have dealt with it too, not many have been able to express it like Prince. I think he is a brave man.

angel345 said:

I believe that the reason Prince is so controversial is because the public doesn't know whether he takes God and religion seriously or he's just selling it.

Maybe, but his fans know he is and his lyrics are most controversial among them.

EyeJester7 said:

WOW! LOL

Reading all of these posts, there is a lot I can say, but I wouldn't want to turn this into a DEBATE.

First off, this was a great post Tremolina! Prince has always been spiritual, and has highlight spirituality since his genesis! I actually love it! I believe spirituality at its core is very important. Things such as RELIGION/Law/Rule/Dictatorship makes the whole spiritual journey more complicated. Especially when you ask everybody what 'TRUTH' is. Now we can argue about Pre-JW and Post-JW's spirituality ALL DAY AND NIGHT. But we won't reach anywhere if we just program our GPS according to a circular circumference.

There is a lot we don't know, but from the archive and record of what has been laid down. It's clear that the reconciliation of what's suffering and grown is a struggle in life. "In Lust you will suffer, but in love you will grow..Shockadleica is a feeling nobody should know" Haha. He's obviously highlighted these themes, and I appreciate the effort to bring them to light. GRANTED, I don't agree with many of his beliefs now. But many of them I do relate to in some fashion. Songs like: Colonized Mind, Act Of God, The Everlasting NOW, etc. These are songs that can be dissected and reach many different faculties.

It matters to him, and as a listener to Prince; I think it's not a stretch to say; that while listening to some of his lyrics, we were NEVER challenged to think outside the box. Although, there should be no box to begin with. Haha

BUT anyways, I think the wrestling and reconciliation of sex and God are very spiritual and natural. The definition that births so many causes is what I find fantastic in his music.

Thank you.

And I agree with the bolded part, but how many other artists have actually dealt with it? Not many I think.

I agree that Prince has always been a spiritual person. People get so hung-up on the overtly sexual nature of his songs, that they judge him accordingly.

MissRuby said:

This is something with most fascinates me about Prince. I'm a very spiritual person however i am far from religious yet some of his song referencing God are favorites (The Cross gives me shivers every time). I think it's because above all love seems to be an overriding theme in these songs. Call me naive but I beleive if someone has faith based on love (whether it be God, Jesus or The Universe) its a beautiful thing. I know it would never happen but I think if I could have a conversation with Prince I actually think faith would be the top subject on my list. I would love to see what he had to say as a person, not an artist.

It's always interesting to hear what he has to say, but it doesn't always come out as well as it may in a song.

Tremolina said:

angel345 said:

I believe that the reason Prince is so controversial is because the public doesn't know whether he takes God and religion seriously or he's just selling it.

Maybe, but his fans know he is and his lyrics are most controversial among them.

Or some fans simply ignore it, as long as he's got good music and a show.

angel345 said:

Tremolina said:

Maybe, but his fans know he is and his lyrics are most controversial among them.

Or some fans simply ignore it, as long as he's got good music and a show.

Yes. But ignoring it, doesn't mean it isn't there.

Tremolina said:

artist76 said:

Thanks for this thoughtful post, Tremolina.

Yes, I think whatever your religious beliefs, this struggle between (or the effort to reconcile) the sacred and profane makes Prince's body of work unique and interesting. As someone mentioned, probably lots of people had some sort of spiritual questioning/struggle similar to his, whether only in adolescence, later in life during crisis, or lifelong. Our conclusions may be different, but we've probably all had the same questions at some point in our life.

I remember an article w/ people who knew him as a kid in MPLS, and I think it was an old teacher or church youth leader who said that Prince was always wrestling with these thoughts even as a teen, so the religious themes in his music aren't an act.

Personally, the mixture of religious themes and the shockingly "unchristian" (i.e., sexually explicit) themes is fascinating, as someone who grew up Seventh-Day Adventist and knowing that Prince did too (partly).

I am most delighted.

Interesting tid bit about P always having struggled with these issues. Whereas many other people have dealt with it too, not many have been able to express it like Prince. I think he is a brave man.

I found the article:

http://www.startribune.co...=2&c=y

Here's the relevant part:

As youth leader for Park Avenue United Methodist Church -- where Prince had his first wedding in 1996 -- Art Erickson saw him almost every day throughout his teens. Prince came to play ball, and also went to church camp. Erickson made the rounds at local schools, so he often would join Prince at lunch. Blacks, whites and biracial kids segregated themselves, and Prince normally sat with the biracial kids, Erickson said.

One day, the budding musician told Erickson that his home life was troubled, and that his stepdad had sometimes locked him in a room for hours. There was a piano in the room, and Prince taught himself to play, said Erickson.

He believes Prince's continuing religious odyssey is not a gimmick, but a search to find meaning in his remarkable, controversial life. "There are periods in people's lives when they sense the bottom, and reach out for something," Erickson said. "Prince has been doing this for years.

Tremolina said:

angel345 said:

Or some fans simply ignore it, as long as he's got good music and a show.

Yes. But ignoring it, doesn't mean it isn't there.

No, it doesn't, but for some it's entertainment, and for some it's enlightening. As fans, it depends who you ask. But then what do I know. I'm more of a MJ fan. We're loons

[Edited 1/14/12 8:50am]