Insane Clown Posse have claimed they believe in God and have immortalised this in their latest single “Miracles”. The Guardian reports the breaking news that, apparently, they’re evangelical Christians. I don’t read anywhere that it says that but given their penchant for telling scientists to stop ruining the mysteries of life it fits quite nicely with the popular stereotype of a backward thinking, fearful and ignorant evangelical explaining mysteries by saying God did it because they don’t have a naturalistic explanation. So, regardless of what they actually said what’s the harm in greasing the wheels a little, y’know, economising with the truth and slapping a title on them?
F*****’ magnets, how do they work?
And I don’t wanna talk to a scientist
Y’all motherf****** lying and
getting me p****d.
I mean come on, with that kind of unequivocal religious language they’re hardly going to be Hare Krishnas are they?
So are the Insane Clown Posse really evangelical Christians? It doesn’t matter. To answer that question is to miss the point.* For what it’s worth this writer gives a big resounding no. But not because of their “fruits”, more because of their art. Anyone who says they want to “f*** science” and generates the type of inane rambling they have been responsible for will be able to see that they are parodying American evangelicals. What makes it so hard to spot is the sad fact that it’s not beyond evangelicals to smack on a shed of make up, swear loads then claim that Jesus was an illiterate gangsta who would’ve cursed it up a storm while rough ridin’. Christian Side Hug anyone? It’s these types of nonsensical, cringe worthy, appeal to the masses wif da lingo type stunts that make it so hard to tell when Christians are being serious.
Their schtick mimics much of evangelicalism’s anti intellectual approach to science but probably pushes the boundaries too far to be Kauffmanesque satire. What I mean is, they’re good but they’re not that good. But they are that good aren’t they? Because everyone’s talking about it. Everyone from wild haired science professors to evangelical Christians are condemning them. And isn’t that the mark of great satire? That every side of the debate either ends up infuriated or mocking the other but no one can really tell who the joke is on?
It’s a shame to say their fans don’t posses the same subtleties they do. Or don’t. I don’t think I’ve made my mind up yet whether they’re post modern artistic geniuses or a bunch of self important wannabe genius comedians (I’m leaning to the latter). Over on the Christianity Today blog, some of the fans of ICP give the game away in the comments section. One fan claims he’s a minister with tattoos who has been inspired by ICP. Another agrees saying that they have helped them through some dark times on their walk with God. The problem is, they’re the first four comments, the syntax and grammar are all almost identical and they were all posted within 24 hours of one another by users Rev Bigirishjuggalo, Jack the Juggalette, Impboy and Polkat.
One can only sit and wait now while the commentators try to refute their comments one by one. Way to blow the game guys.
Maybe I’ll be the first to say it but perhaps ICP actually *want* all of this negative attention because that’s the truest form of post modern art, you’ll never really know the answers, it’s just parody. Right from the red faced evangelicals to the arm cutting Juggalos, ICP have gotten everyone talking. You never know, gasp, they may even get some publicity and sell some records.
* The point being that religious people are very very very stoooopid for those who didn’t quite pick that up from the post.
Some thing said here are very untrue but i get the point
To make the sweeping statement that “religious people are very very very stoooopid” is in itself both “stoooopid” and bigoted. Evangelicals hardly represent those on the planet with faith in a Creator.
pax
Just read your “About” page. I guess I am now confused how to reconcile your claim to be a Christian with the remarks of this post. *shrug*
Hi,
Thanks for your (poorly observed) comment. The asterixed note at the bottom of the page was a clarification of the point that ICP may be trying to make through their possible parody of evangelical Christians. It doesn’t represent *my* view. I am an evangelical Christian and, by the by, I do actually think some evangelicals can say and do very stupid things. But that’s not necessarily on account of their being evangelical, more on account of the fact that they are human and their actions and sayings are no more stupid than a buddhist’s, atheist’s, taoist’s or flying spaghetti monster…erm…ist…
Have a good day now.
Strangest part of this is that someone googled my name and found your blog? I assure you that I and the other Juggalos that posted on that blog are completely different persons. In fact I pride myself on the fact that my grammar and punctuation are up to par? However, I digress. The point I wanted to make here is that you say I ‘CLAIM’ to be an ordained minister. I assure you I am indeed ordained and can provide you proof if you’d so desire? I think what you missed in my comment sadly is that I was not inspired by ICP but that they did indeed turn my head back in the direction of having faith and believing. I would be more than happy to discuss any type of questions you have in reference to what you read or why I said the things I did.
I also wanted to point out that through all the negative things that have been said, the words Evangelical Christians was never mentioned once by Insane Clown Posse. In fact comments from Violent J himself state that he doesn;t even consider himself a Christian, simply someone who believes in God and has had the opportunity to introduce his ideals to others through his music.
Love them or hate them, it matters little to them. They in fact THRIVE on the negative attention as it brings attention to the label and gets people listening. Most walk away unchanged, but a few stick around and not only enjoy the music but find something they didn’t have before. A sense of self, and belonging.
Good day.
//In fact I pride myself on the fact that my grammar and punctuation are up to par?//
LOL. Get out of town.
DD
You guys are great. XD
//the words Evangelical Christians was never mentioned once by Insane Clown Posse.//
I made that point in my first paragraph didn’t I?
//In fact comments from Violent J himself state that he doesn;t even consider himself a Christian,//
Aaaaaand he wouldn’t be the only one.
//They in fact THRIVE on the negative attention…//
I knoooooow. Gee dude, that’s kind of the point I’m making with this blog post. They’re so post modern it’s funny.
Be well sir.