My conservative, evangelical roots delivered many admirable results. Among them, I had little interaction with pop culture. I didn’t know much about bands, movies, or celebrities. That may explain why professional sports played a large part in my life as a kid.
Few people achieve instant recognition from their first name alone. Dolly was one of the few. When Dolly Parton died last week, many in my generation felt her loss. She was an icon to them, a superior talent, lived a compelling rags to riches story, and a generous socialite notably to the children of East Tennessee.
I felt nothing, not because I am numb to death, but because her life holds nothing personal for me. I’ve never watched the movie that features her hit single “9-5.” Apart from the famous line in the song, I know no other lyrics from that song or any others she’s written.
Several years ago, Brenda and I went to Dollywood near Knoxville to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Dollywood loves the Christmas season. That’s my top Dolly Parton interaction, but Tim Walz, the soon departing governor of Minnesota, the state where I live, had more to say about her.
In an official declaration, Walz wrote, “The world is a better place because of Dolly Parton. Dolly is an American icon who devoted her life to philanthropy and advocating fiercely for literacy and LGBTQ+ rights, often standing alone for what was right.” His wording was intentional.
He was not declaring the righteousness of philanthropy nor praising the promotion of literacy. He was declaring the righteousness of what God says is wicked (Romans 1). None who know Walz is surprised by this. Like other progressives, he takes every opportunity to support perversion.
In the last two years, there has been a relief from the aggressive promotion of The Acronym, but do not be mistaken, this is temporary and will rise again. Knowing this, Christians stay alert. We teach our children God’s design in creation, marriage, and righteous sexuality (Genesis 1-2). We live a righteous sexuality. We bend our minds toward God not away from him. To quote the governor, we stand for what is right.
If given the opportunity, I’d like to ask Mr. Walz how we determine what is right? Who gets to decide? On what basis? Jesus said we don’t get to throw around the idea of morality without foundation. Jesus said morality begins and ends with God (Mark 10:18). Christians always submit to what God says is right. He does not hide his declarations.
As always, thanks for reading, and I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.