Response to Gianni B's post "Get Out of Hell Free Card"

In response to Gianni B's post on Living in Technicolour entitled "Get Out of Hell Free Card", I too often pondered about the concept of redemption, and its somewhat ‘loose’ interpretation in modern day society. As a practicing Catholic, and having been an alter server for many years of my childhood, I was taught that through proper penance God is forgiving of our sins. However, I was also taught that repenting before death does not guarantee access to God’s Kingdom, a common misconception in popular culture - as is highlighted in the scene from Homer the Heretic Gianni B referenced:  

Lisa: Why are you dedicating your life to blasphemy?

Homer: Don't worry, sweetheart. If I'm wrong, I'll recant on my deathbed.

The creators of The Simpsons evidently picked up on this mistaken idea of faith, and its workings. Conversely to this, I was taught that sin is a choice and that choosing to act in discordance with God requires work in our lives, as well as after our lives, to bring ourselves closer to Him through our actions (hard work nonetheless!).

In Kanye West’s collaboration with Jay-Z for their new album Watch the Throne that was recently released in 2011, Kanye makes reference to Jesus Walks. He addresses the concept of redemption in the song Otis in a perceivably confident manner: “I made ‘Jesus Walks’ I’m never going to hell”. This clever lyric can certainly be understood in many ways, but from my understanding this pun certainly alludes to what Gianni B stated about redemption being easily attainable as a popular belief in today’s society. Perhaps Kanye is referring to his ability to overcome what others may have believed to be impossible – i.e. rapping about Jesus and selling records. Moreover, he may be referring to bringing ‘Jesus’ into mainstream hip hop, something that may not be particularly common, but that is a particular feat in his career. Although Kanye’s attempt to incorporate his faith into his music is inspiring in many ways, to what extent is this a tactic ultimately used to sell records? After all, he was certainly able to differentiate himself from other rappers and the all too familiar context of their songs (sex, guns, drugs, gangs, etc.), all the while creating ‘buzz’ around Jesus in hip hop, and in turn himself.