Kathy Griffin’s Statement of Faith September 15, 2007
Posted by Paul Edwards in Arts and Faith, Catholic Theology, Kathy Griffin.trackback
The reactions from conservatives and the Christian community to comments made by comedian Kathy Griffin during her Emmy award acceptance (taped on September 8 and aired on E! Entertainment Television on September 14) have been swift and pointed. William Donohue of The Catholic League is leading the charge, characterizing Griffin’s speech as “obscene and blasphemous” and a “vulgar, in-your-face brand of hate speech.” John Gibson of FOX News’ Big Story says Griffin “blasted Jesus.” Lauren Green, the religion correspondent for FOX News, says Griffin insulted “a man who preached love and acceptance.” What, exactly, did this comedian say that has the entire Christian community on the defensive?
A lot of people come up here and they thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. He didn’t help me a bit. If it was up to Him Ceasar Millan would be up here with that damn dog. So all I can say is, “Suck it Jesus! This award is my god now!”
Kathy Griffin is well known for her vulgarity and her obscenity. There is a sense in which the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is commending her profanity by recognizing her with this award. To their credit the Academy edited the offensive remarks when the Emmy’s were broadcast, but why are we shocked that an atheist Hollywood actor would deny Jesus had anything to do with her talent, and would we really want her to give Jesus credit for such an act?
Christians would deny that Muhammad or Buddha or Confucius had anything to do with their talent. In doing so are we guilty of blaspheming another religion’s God, or are we just singularly committed to our own? Griffin’s comments are not blasphemous as much as they are creedal. When Kathy Griffin says, “Suck it Jesus! This award is my god now,” she is making a statement of faith, albeit a humanistic, atheistic one.
Without question Kathy Griffin was “taking the name of the Lord in vain.” But Griffin herself admits He isn’t her Lord. I would argue that some Hollywood actors who take the podium and thank Jesus for their award may also be guilty of taking the name of the Lord in vain - if it’s just mere words with no heart and no evident commitment to Jesus to back them up. The name of Jesus doesn’t have to be used in a profane way to constitute a violation of the third commandment. It merely has to be used in an empty, meaningless way. We who live to honor Jesus are often guilty ourselves of taking the name of the Lord in vain in little and big ways every day. When, without thinking, we say things like, “Thank God,” or “Thank You, Jesus” in response to the minor successes we experience ( i.e., we got the copier unjammed or we finally succeeded in getting an internet connection), are we not also guilty of using Jesus’ name vainly?
Jesus words, “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,” come to mind in relation to some celebrities who tip their hats to Jesus in the way Griffin refused to do. Of course Griffin carried it a step further by profanely challenging Jesus to “Suck it.” That certainly goes beyond a flippant use of Jesus’ name. Hers seem to be the words of a person who deep down knows she needs Someone besides herself to thank, and resents it.
Outside a miracle, she will be given the same opportunity as Howard Stern and the rest of them to give an account. The head will bow and the tongue will speak a different story at that time.
I sure am grateful for a good defense attorney!
Wow. How offensive to those who love Christ but how honest for someone who doesn’t. I definitely would say that she’s no atheist—but an idolator like everyone else who would claim atheism. She’s a worshipper indeed.
If you’re going to criticize Kathy Griffin for her comments, at least quote her correctly. She did not say ” Caesar Millan would be up here with that f***king dog”, she said “damn dog”. Lighten up! It seems that every rap star who wins a music award for their vulgar songs thanks Jesus in their acceptance speeches. Kathy’s remark was just pointing out the hypocrisy. Anyone who has ever watched her show “My Life on The D-List” would know what a kind and caring person she is. She has performed in prisons, done much charitable work, and entertained the troops overseas. Maybe she could have chosen her words better (she uses the term “suck it” frequently in her act) but I think she is hilarious!
Hilarious? wow ….
I don’t think God would find her to be hilarious.
God of course does not need us to defend His name; however, He does not want us to condone someone who takes His name in vain (either by thanking Him when they do something that does not bring glory to Him or just plain insults).
Ohhh, God’ standard is so different than ours.
But, like Paul mentioned already, she is what she is: her own god.
Ben
I also was surprised at the “hilarious” statement. I was at a loss for words. (I know you find this difficult to accept). Lost, sinful, rebellious, needy, blinded~~these are words that come to my mind, but “hilarious”, was not in my list.
Good to hear from you once again!
Don
But then again I might be wrong, God might find it hilarious:
Ps.2:4
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Ps.37:12, 13
The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.
But Ps. 2 continues:
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree:The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
The message is the same: repent.
10Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11(P) Serve the LORD with(Q) fear,
and(R) rejoice with trembling.
12(S) Kiss(T) the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his(U) wrath is quickly kindled.
(V) Blessed are all who take refuge in him.