 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Tina and Erica Campbell of the multiple Grammy Award-
winning sister duo, Mary Mary, have come under serious fire and intense
scrutiny after releasing their new video for their hit song, God in Me, from their
2008 album,The Sound. The heavily urban tune has crossed over and is
receiving heavy radio airplay on secular radio stations and in dance clubs
across the country.
The premise of God In Me is based upon the notion that an individual's appeal
to others is not rooted in their own abilities, rather, it's the power of God at work
in that person's life. The trendy beat and catchy lyrics have quickly made it a
favorite among Mary Mary's fans.
The lyrics, "You think I'm so fresh, you think I'm so clean, you think I'm so sweet,
it's the God in me...” in essence, try to convey a unique message that says, what
others perceive as being “fresh and clean,” or cool is really the glory of God
shining through that person. The lyrical content is placed over a thumping
beat—vocoder and all—and points the listener to God and His favor, which is a
very good thing.
But, somewhere between the success of the song and the making of the video,
something got lost in translation. Blogs, websites, radio shows and more, have
been buzzing about whether or not Mary Mary went a little too far by including
cameos from secular rappers and artists in the video like: Kanye West along
with his video vixen female friend, Amber Rose; rapper Common; Heavy D; plus,
entertainer and former sidekick to Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Fonzworth Bentley,
and more.
If the song is about showing forth the glory of God, many are having trouble
understanding why those whose lifestyles contradict the message of the song,
are included in the video. Last month, EEW asked our readers to weigh in on the
issue and boy did you ever! Due to the volume of responses, we were unable to
post them all, but here is what a few of you had to say about this hot button
issue:
Marjorie, Long Beach CA
I hung my head in shame when I saw this video. The Lord saved me 2 years
ago and I really look up to and respect Mary Mary! I don't want to look at the mess
I came out of being put out there as Christ-like. I'm so ashamed, hurt, and
disappointed.
Anonymous
Mary Mary's new video and song is fantastic. Is Christianity and Gospel exclusive
to only a select group? Isn't Mary-Mary's main purpose is to share God's word? A
nonbeliever could watch the video because of their favorite star's presence and
become a believer. People must realize that God's message can be interpreted
and communicated in many different ways. Everyone doesn't respond to
traditional Gospel and Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, DA TRUTH and
other contemporary artists has the ability to save lives with their music.
Kennisha, DFW Texas
Dear EEW,
I have mixed feelings about this video. I think we should be careful about what
our motives are. I'm not sure if they genuinely are trying to reach out to the
secular artist who were featured on their video, or if this was for publicity. But, I
think we should most certainly be careful about who we allow to be on projects
that are for the Glory of God. When I saw it, immediately I was shocked. I just
hope their motives are pure because God knows the truth!
Rhonda, Ohio
When I saw the video with foul-mouthed rappers living any old kind of way being
showcased in a CHRISTIAN video I literally got sick to my stomach. Not because
I am so perfect, but because they don't even profess Christ. I am a 61 year old
grandmother and my heart breaks for this generation! My grandson told me that
one of the rappers, Common, is a Muslim! I can't believe what's happening in
the church today. Where is our stand for righteousness?
Linda P., location undisclosed
I heard Mary Mary in an interview saying they grew up in the ghetto so their music
is influenced by where they grew up. But what happened to being in the world
and not of the world? I grew up in a house with two smokers, but now that I'm
redeemed and bought with a price should I smoke cigarettes and justify it just
because of where I grew up? Doesn't make any sense in my opinion.
Sharon, Buffalo NY
Church people can be so judgmental sometimes. I'm not saying it's right to have
rappers in a gospel video but I am saying that we have to be careful about
judging people's motives and intentions. On the other hand, a part of me feels
like Mary Mary should know better. Weaker Christians might be influenced too
negatively by seeing worldly artists put on display and cast in such a positive
light.
winning sister duo, Mary Mary, have come under serious fire and intense
scrutiny after releasing their new video for their hit song, God in Me, from their
2008 album,The Sound. The heavily urban tune has crossed over and is
receiving heavy radio airplay on secular radio stations and in dance clubs
across the country.
The premise of God In Me is based upon the notion that an individual's appeal
to others is not rooted in their own abilities, rather, it's the power of God at work
in that person's life. The trendy beat and catchy lyrics have quickly made it a
favorite among Mary Mary's fans.
The lyrics, "You think I'm so fresh, you think I'm so clean, you think I'm so sweet,
it's the God in me...” in essence, try to convey a unique message that says, what
others perceive as being “fresh and clean,” or cool is really the glory of God
shining through that person. The lyrical content is placed over a thumping
beat—vocoder and all—and points the listener to God and His favor, which is a
very good thing.
But, somewhere between the success of the song and the making of the video,
something got lost in translation. Blogs, websites, radio shows and more, have
been buzzing about whether or not Mary Mary went a little too far by including
cameos from secular rappers and artists in the video like: Kanye West along
with his video vixen female friend, Amber Rose; rapper Common; Heavy D; plus,
entertainer and former sidekick to Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Fonzworth Bentley,
and more.
If the song is about showing forth the glory of God, many are having trouble
understanding why those whose lifestyles contradict the message of the song,
are included in the video. Last month, EEW asked our readers to weigh in on the
issue and boy did you ever! Due to the volume of responses, we were unable to
post them all, but here is what a few of you had to say about this hot button
issue:
Marjorie, Long Beach CA
I hung my head in shame when I saw this video. The Lord saved me 2 years
ago and I really look up to and respect Mary Mary! I don't want to look at the mess
I came out of being put out there as Christ-like. I'm so ashamed, hurt, and
disappointed.
Anonymous
Mary Mary's new video and song is fantastic. Is Christianity and Gospel exclusive
to only a select group? Isn't Mary-Mary's main purpose is to share God's word? A
nonbeliever could watch the video because of their favorite star's presence and
become a believer. People must realize that God's message can be interpreted
and communicated in many different ways. Everyone doesn't respond to
traditional Gospel and Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, DA TRUTH and
other contemporary artists has the ability to save lives with their music.
Kennisha, DFW Texas
Dear EEW,
I have mixed feelings about this video. I think we should be careful about what
our motives are. I'm not sure if they genuinely are trying to reach out to the
secular artist who were featured on their video, or if this was for publicity. But, I
think we should most certainly be careful about who we allow to be on projects
that are for the Glory of God. When I saw it, immediately I was shocked. I just
hope their motives are pure because God knows the truth!
Rhonda, Ohio
When I saw the video with foul-mouthed rappers living any old kind of way being
showcased in a CHRISTIAN video I literally got sick to my stomach. Not because
I am so perfect, but because they don't even profess Christ. I am a 61 year old
grandmother and my heart breaks for this generation! My grandson told me that
one of the rappers, Common, is a Muslim! I can't believe what's happening in
the church today. Where is our stand for righteousness?
Linda P., location undisclosed
I heard Mary Mary in an interview saying they grew up in the ghetto so their music
is influenced by where they grew up. But what happened to being in the world
and not of the world? I grew up in a house with two smokers, but now that I'm
redeemed and bought with a price should I smoke cigarettes and justify it just
because of where I grew up? Doesn't make any sense in my opinion.
Sharon, Buffalo NY
Church people can be so judgmental sometimes. I'm not saying it's right to have
rappers in a gospel video but I am saying that we have to be careful about
judging people's motives and intentions. On the other hand, a part of me feels
like Mary Mary should know better. Weaker Christians might be influenced too
negatively by seeing worldly artists put on display and cast in such a positive
light.
Zachary, Atlanta
I just think we're making the devil's job too easy for him now. So many of
my friends are into this hip hop garbage and we don't need to bring these
same rappers infecting the mind of our youth and present them in a
positive light. Sin is sin and we need to start calling it what it is.
Alesha, Utah
Whatever happened to Christianity being a lifestyle? I have heard so many
people defending Kanye West and Common and saying who are we to
judge? But the Bible says a tree is known by the fruit it bears. I think the
lifestyle that these secular artist lead should exclude them from being
glorified in a video. Shame on Mary Mary.
Nadya, location undisclosed
EEW I'm glad you're raising this issue because I've wanted to speak on it. I
have talked about this issue with many of my Christian friends, co-workers,
pastor, and fellow church-goers. Most of them are outraged about
“sinners” appearing in the video, but as Christians, are we only supposed
to mingle and associate with other Christians? If that's the case, then most
Christians certainly wouldn't have approved of the lifestyle of Jesus
CHRIST. He ate and fellowshipped with sinners in order to help win them
over. What if Mary Mary is doing the same thing? We just need to think
about it that's all.
Rachel, Hartford CT
EEW I commend you for raising this issue! I'm not in Mary Mary's shoes so
I can't really say what I would do if I was under the kind of pressure they are
under to sell albums and be successful. Saved or not, I used to work in the
music industry and those label executives don't care about God or anything
else. Money is their God and I'm pretty sure Mary Mary needs to produce as
much as possible. Now, with that being said, God is the ultimate judge
and only he knows the intent of their heart. I don't necessarily agree with
what they've done and I'm not sure God is pleased either. But only he the
Lord knows. We don't. But thank you EEW for giving us a forum to discuss
it because it needs to be talked about.
__________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: The views represented by readers do not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of EEW Magazine nor any of its advertisers nor
affiliates.
I just think we're making the devil's job too easy for him now. So many of
my friends are into this hip hop garbage and we don't need to bring these
same rappers infecting the mind of our youth and present them in a
positive light. Sin is sin and we need to start calling it what it is.
Alesha, Utah
Whatever happened to Christianity being a lifestyle? I have heard so many
people defending Kanye West and Common and saying who are we to
judge? But the Bible says a tree is known by the fruit it bears. I think the
lifestyle that these secular artist lead should exclude them from being
glorified in a video. Shame on Mary Mary.
Nadya, location undisclosed
EEW I'm glad you're raising this issue because I've wanted to speak on it. I
have talked about this issue with many of my Christian friends, co-workers,
pastor, and fellow church-goers. Most of them are outraged about
“sinners” appearing in the video, but as Christians, are we only supposed
to mingle and associate with other Christians? If that's the case, then most
Christians certainly wouldn't have approved of the lifestyle of Jesus
CHRIST. He ate and fellowshipped with sinners in order to help win them
over. What if Mary Mary is doing the same thing? We just need to think
about it that's all.
Rachel, Hartford CT
EEW I commend you for raising this issue! I'm not in Mary Mary's shoes so
I can't really say what I would do if I was under the kind of pressure they are
under to sell albums and be successful. Saved or not, I used to work in the
music industry and those label executives don't care about God or anything
else. Money is their God and I'm pretty sure Mary Mary needs to produce as
much as possible. Now, with that being said, God is the ultimate judge
and only he knows the intent of their heart. I don't necessarily agree with
what they've done and I'm not sure God is pleased either. But only he the
Lord knows. We don't. But thank you EEW for giving us a forum to discuss
it because it needs to be talked about.
__________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: The views represented by readers do not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of EEW Magazine nor any of its advertisers nor
affiliates.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
© & TM 2008-2012 EEW Magazine a division of Hobbs Ministries a Subsidiary of Training for Reigning Inc. Custom graphics and logos are registered trademarks of EEW Magazine and may
not be reproduced or replicated in any form.
not be reproduced or replicated in any form.
