The recent illumination of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate Taylor Swift’s tour has ignited discussions about the appropriateness of using a symbol of Jesus Christ for secular purposes.
While the initiative aimed to bring joy to fans and coincide with the World Day of the Poor (by collecting donations of food and water for the needy), it raises questions about the alignment of such practices with biblical teachings on the sanctity and holiness of God.
One key consideration is the nature of Taylor Swift’s music, which has been known to incorporate new age and occult themes in her music videos. The Bible warns against participating in practices contrary to God’s holiness and calls believers to focus on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (see Phil. 4:8). Using a statue of Jesus Christ to celebrate an artist known for such themes raises concerns about whether it honors the Lord who sacrificed His life for mankind’s sins.
The Bible also cautions against idolatry, emphasizing that believers should worship the one true God. Using Christ the Redeemer, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, to project imagery from secular songs may be perceived as blurring the lines between sacred and secular, potentially compromising the reverence due to God.
Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:2). While cultural engagement is important, the question arises: Does projecting secular imagery onto a religious monument align with the biblical call to live as lights in the world (Matt. 5:14)? Christians are prompted to reflect on how such practices contribute to the broader cultural narrative and whether they uphold the distinctive values of the Christian faith.
As Swift’s tour continues, the celebration extends to landmarks like Rio’s giant Ferris wheel, featuring lyrics from her hits, which none have taken issue with thus far. While creative and engaging for fans, the broader Christian community may grapple with the tension between cultural engagement and maintaining a commitment to honor and reflect the holiness of God in actions and choices.
The controversy surrounding the illumination of Christ the Redeemer invites Christians to consider the implications of using sacred symbols for secular celebrations. The debate calls for a thoughtful exploration of how cultural engagement aligns with biblical principles, emphasizing the need for discernment and a commitment to uphold the sanctity of God in all aspects of life.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
John Burton 
Abby Trivett 
