Morgan Wallen, the Holy Bible, and Culture

In the gospel of John chapter 8, Jesus encounters a woman caught in the act of adultery. She is brought to him by teachers of the law and Pharisees, who accurately state the Law of Moses commanding that such a woman be stoned. The whole approach, however, is an academic trap. The religious leaders are trying to form a basis to accuse Jesus.

Jesus proceeds to write on the ground with his finger. The questions persist. Finally, Jesus straightens up and says, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." He then returns to writing on the ground.

The leaders step away one at a time, the older ones first.

I was challenged by my friend and Cloud Nine Higher theme model Blonde Goddess to consider this passage of scripture in light of my pulling her Morgan Wallen CMA awards night video from my Facebook page and website.

This past week, following the published video of expletives and racial slurs, Wallen's career sank almost overnight in a sense. Virtually every connection he has in the industry, from his record label to management to iHeart and other online streaming services, rebuked him, pulled away from him, terminated his contracts, etc. However, Billboard reports that his sales have soared simultaneously.

My favorite music industry organization SOLID Nashville published an email on Friday promoting diversity and in further rebuke of what happened. Major recording artists immediately went on social media and distanced themselves from Wallen and this video.

I respect all views but do not even wish to watch the video that was reported. I grew up in Ashland City, TN and now live in Nashville and now remain a proud Southerner. I am also a Christian. Do we forgive? Certainly. Wallen's career is not in my hands, but I would imagine that it will go downhill fast. As for those who continue to buy his music, I have no issue. 

But from all reports, this is no cultural issue. We must draw the line between culture and hatred. There is no place for what happened in my view. It is disgusting and repulsive.

I am proud of the diversity in my law practice and in this illustrated blog, too. "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight." Jesus loves us all, and we should love and respect each other. 

James A. Rose

Publisher