Papa Don't Preach Kabbalah

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Diabolique's fascinating article on Madonna's involvement in the Kabbalah Centre in Stylus Mag:

http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/article030602page01of01.html

Interesting links at the end too.

― colin s barrow (colin s barrow), Wednesday, 11 June 2003 22:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm trying to read this but there are like three line breaks between each sentence, which makes it look like a list of aphorisms.

― s1utsky (slutsky), Wednesday, 11 June 2003 22:48 (twenty-two years ago)

Excellent article - glad to see people in the press taking her to task for this bullshit. It saddens me (I want to say offended, but that isn't quite right) to see her project this fractured, half-assed, and dumbed-down version of Jewish mysticism into the mass consciousness. On the one hand I like to think that the traditions and teachings of Kabbalah are a bit too old and profound to be damaged by someone like her - on the other hand, the kabbalist tradition is one of constant development and challenge, and I'd hate to think that Berg's stupid charlatan-ry will somehow wheedle its way into kabbalist tradition.... I kinda doubt it, but who knows. I bet no one thought Scientology would outlive L. Ron Hubbard either.

― Shakey Mo Collier, Wednesday, 11 June 2003 22:58 (twenty-two years ago)

If the article is correct and Madonna is a brainwashed member of a cult, then Shakey's post above seems a bit unfair. Isn't projecting a fractured, dumbed-down version of Jewish mysticism that will damage the teachings of the Kabbalah more the fault of Berg and the Kabbalah Center than of Madonna herself (who is brainwashed remember)?

I saw her televised interview and thought her themes of humility, motherhood, one with everyone and the universe etc. to be a result of just getting older and raising a family; I'm disturbed to think she's been duped into a cult, but aparantly many others have been as well. In any case, taken at face value those themes seemed pretty worthwhile, if a bit drippy on the surface. She looked (and I know she's an actress, or at least an image manipulator) relaxed, grounded and happy.

I think it's gutsy for someone with such a high profile to espouse spiritual beliefs, especially ones outside the immediate mainstream, and I have to trust that Madonna is doing it with all good faith. It would be unfortunate if a charlatan really is behind it all.

― Sean (Sean), Wednesday, 11 June 2003 23:16 (twenty-two years ago)

Hmmm yeah - reading that back it looks like I blame her for this, when really it's Berg who should be blamed for being such a cavalier and irresponsible asshole. Madonna may very well be charting her course in good faith, it just disappoints me to see things I value sorta - dare I say it - defiled.

I'm trying to think of a musician that "got religion" and didn't make an ass of themselves (and said religion) and I'm having a hard time. Cat Stevens? Uhhh.... Most religious artists I respect were spiritually grounded to begin with, or just returned to their roots - cf. Johnny Cash.

― Shakey Mo Collier, Wednesday, 11 June 2003 23:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes Shakey, I can't think of too many either. It seems like famous types (musicians or otherwise) get on some kind of spiritual trip and are suddenly only to keen to start preaching to the rest of us. 10, 20, 30 years of study? Forget it! That's too long for a public performer. They're like, gimme the robes, I'm hitting the stage with this stuff right now!

― colin s barrow (colin s barrow), Wednesday, 11 June 2003 23:52 (twenty-two years ago)

she's not really much of an actress.

― amateurist (amateurist), Thursday, 12 June 2003 02:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Stop the presses!

― s1utsky (slutsky), Thursday, 12 June 2003 03:42 (twenty-two years ago)

She might get a 'White Album' or 'Friends' out of the experience yet. Go Maddy!

― dave q, Thursday, 12 June 2003 06:33 (twenty-two years ago)

'Self-flagellation'? 'Sheep's heads'? And this writer is DISAPPOINTED? What the fuck do you WANT from an iconic pop star, for fuck's sake?

― dave q, Thursday, 12 June 2003 07:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Richard Thompson to thread? (Or hey, why not B Zimmerman)

― dave q, Thursday, 12 June 2003 07:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Pop star in "joining freaky cult" shockah! Kabbalah Kults are better than scientology any day, if you ask me.

― kate (kate), Thursday, 12 June 2003 07:23 (twenty-two years ago)

word, kate.

― chaki (chaki), Thursday, 12 June 2003 08:53 (twenty-two years ago)

oh! i just had a terrific idea! thx therefore to madonna and the cult guy and the guy who wrote that piece and everyone on this thread! more quite soon (realistically: the weekend)

― mark s (mark s), Thursday, 12 June 2003 08:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Is Madonna going to be Elizabeth Taylor in 10 years. Cuz if she is, I'll just stop paying attention right now.

― dave225 (Dave225), Thursday, 12 June 2003 10:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm upset because Stylus is apparently featuring the "Ten Most Pretentious Pictures Of Thom Yorke Evah" article, and HALF THE PICTURES DO NOT LOAD!!! This upsets me. Greatly.

― kate (kate), Thursday, 12 June 2003 10:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Because if one of them is not the picture of Thom in red pleather trousers, then it is incomplete.

― kate (kate), Thursday, 12 June 2003 10:46 (twenty-two years ago)

'Self-flagellation'? 'Sheep's heads'? And this writer is DISAPPOINTED? What the fuck do you WANT from an iconic pop star, for fuck's sake?

What is a great pop star without a good religious wacko phase.

― Nicole (Nicole), Thursday, 12 June 2003 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Surely you mean a BAD religious wacko phase. Far more entertaining.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 12 June 2003 12:12 (twenty-two years ago)

Look here, brother... who you jivin' with that cosmic debris?

― dave225 (Dave225), Thursday, 12 June 2003 17:58 (twenty-two years ago)

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