We (happy capitalists) humbly pray ...

I hate to admit it, but in my adolescence and backslidden days, I really loved Janis Joplin and this particular song, as irreverent as she wanted to be. All the stars back then, from well before the Beatles, wanted to make their name by acting in irreverent fashion.

Has that changed any today? Nope. This world has an evil spirit, and people think they have to act evil to be popular.

On the other hand, people don't want to be bound, in their capitalistic endeavors, by people who would judge them, no matter what they spend their money on. Some things just appear wrong, such as preachers who buy great luxury while preaching to the masses, which include many, many poor people.

If preachers are going to preach, they must forego some things that otherwise they might be entitled to. They have to be a model for all kinds of people, and show a little modesty and self-restraint.

I have a problem with Prosperity Teaching and have had for quite a long time. But I think it's been checked somewhat. If people want to minister in the Gospel, and have wealth on the side, they should show some tact. We shouldn't flaunt what we have in front of those who have nothing.

It helps to know that stars and celebrities we have supported with our money are wasting their money. It should make us think about where we want to put our money?

RandyPNW said:

as irreverent as she wanted to be.

Click to expand...

Poor Janis was lashing back at a life of being bullied and her resulting poor self esteem. She died lonely and alone also. Some people with the greatest gifts seems to have the worst lives given them to overcome. Hers was too much for her. She just wanted to be loved, but got used and abused.

But regardless... a beautifully sarcastic song of the day

our own reasoning being the pit we fall into ...

Xeno.of.athens said:

I am sure that there is a deeper theological sense to this question posed by an artist.

Click to expand...

As the old saying goes, God isn't Santa Claus.

RandyPNW said:

I hate to admit it, but in my adolescence and backslidden days, I really loved Janis Joplin and this particular song, as irreverent as she wanted to be. All the stars back then, from well before the Beatles, wanted to make their name by acting in irreverent fashion.

Click to expand...

Indeed - taking God's name in vain was a big thing... still is in many circles.
I did not realize just how bad her voice sounded back then - until I listened again to that song just now. I throat hurts just to hear her sing like that.

In any case - it turns out that to help the poor one has to have wealth of some sort - and only capitalism produces wealth in the world in which we live. Notice how many capitalist countries are needed to help out non-capitalist ones.

I’ve always disliked Janis Joplin, as being among the more unpleasant left wing agitators of the countercultural movement.

The Liturgist said:

left wing agitators of the countercultural movement.

Click to expand...

Who are today's right

Xeno.of.athens said:

I am sure that there is a deeper theological sense to this question posed by an artist.

Click to expand...

If it has a deeper theological sense, it's probably a criticism of the kind of faith that loves material goods and sees material abundance as a reward. I mean, she came up in a particular part of southeast Texas where white religion was culture and she didn't fit in with that stifling facade of faith. She went where she was accepted, which was the part of town where they sang the blues. Janis was an amazing artist, and I bet God delighted in her song and sense of humor. God loves the beauty humans produce, most certainly.

BobRyan said:

Indeed - taking God's name in vain was a big thing... still is in many circles.
I did not realize just how bad her voice sounded back then - until I listened again to that song just now. I throat hurts just to hear her sing like that.

In any case - it turns out that to help the poor one has to have wealth of some sort - and only capitalism produces wealth in the world in which we live. Notice how many capitalist countries are needed to help out non-capitalist ones.

Click to expand...

Well said. Joplin had an incredible strength and range, it seems, to her voice. And I've always been drawn to blues music--perhaps it's because I have that kind of personality?

Savoy Brown said it so well:
I'm tired of trying to be something I know ain't me
I'm tired of living up to what people expect me to be
You know some people are different
Now ain't that a crying shame
Now wouldn't be a real drag if we were all the same

By nature I'm an iconoclast, though I try to obey God and obey Him around others, when I feel like pulling their chain.
I admire the gifts Joplin and others like her have had, and would acknowledge that. However, it's a different matter when I have to reject the message they were trying to give. Pure cow pasture material!

But yes, I would agree. Capitalism and Wealth are not evil. It feeds the world when it is working right in a spirit of compassion. The Bible says, moreover, that we should strive to owe nobody anything. Makes us not answerable to banks and governments who would put us in bondage. Well said!

Whenever I'm curious about a song I go to Songfacts.

I like to get histories on songs and artists, as well.