For forty years “Weird Al” Yankovic has cranked out parody after parody of hit songs, and some of them are better than the original song he’s mocking. With his accordion he broke through with a parody of the Knack’s “My Sharona” with his “My Bologna.” As his fame grew and his musical talents developed, his parody’s deepened as well. During the 80’s he caricatured Huey Lewis and News, Madonna, The Kinks and Cindy Lauper. He continued playing his accordion by arranging pop songs into polkas which were often as popular as his parodies. He even delved into writing some of his own songs.
Taking something original to spoof as an exaggeration for the sake of humor is the heart of a parody. They are a distorted reflection of the initial song. Others have chosen this form of artistic style, but none seem to have the longevity and endearing passionate success as “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Parodies are a lot of fun, especially if you’re familiar with the song it’s spoofing. On the other hand a parody of Christianity is a sad expression of faith, and too many Christians spend their days spoofing Christ instead of providing an authentic-original Christ to the world.
Beyond the easy target of charlatans who claim God is telling them to bilk or con millions out of the people, let’s bring this closer to home. Because even in our defense of the Gospel, we may be just a parody of Christ’s expectations for our lives.
If we sing with all gusto, “The Old Rugged Cross,” but refuse to carry our own cross (Lk. 9:23), we may be a parody of Christ ● If we plead with God and others for forgiveness, but refuse to forgive (Mt. 6:15), we may just be spoofing Jesus ● If we look in the mirror and only see what we want to see instead of the blemishes that need fixed (Jas. 1:24) then we may be making a mockery of Christianity ● If we condemn people for failing to follow the “whole council of God” but pick and choose which commands we’ll obey (Mt. 7:1), then we may be misrepresenting God’s Word ● If we pride ourselves on what we do for God, but fail to realize who we are before God (Lk. 18:9-14), then maybe we’re simply satirizing the Christian faith ● If we show no compassion for the poor, but demonstrate plenty of concern for the wealthy (Jas. 2:1-9) then we may be distorting Christ’s presence in the world ● If we are willing for everyone to wash our feet, but are unwilling to wash anyone else’s feet (Jn. 13:14), then we may be insulting Jesus ● If we’re willing to hold to doctrinal purity at the expense of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), then we may be lampooning the Gospel ● If we can quote the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20), but resent it when God brings the Great Commission to our back door, then we may be perverting the very Gospel God expects us to preach.
All of us run the risk of simply making a parody out of the genuineness of Christ and his teachings. When we “parody,” it’s not funny and it’s not even fun. People want the authentic and real Jesus and it’s our challenge to deliver a real, authentic, genuine melody of Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)
*Apologetix is a Christian band who parodies pop songs into Christian songs. Their name is derived from “apologetics” which is a defense of the gospel.