Elvis and Religion

[Sivle Nora]

Hey, does anybody besides me feel that Elvis was more than an entertainer?

[Leroy]

Yes!! I sure do!!

[Elvisgirl]

yeah of course. he is much more than that

[Lonniebealestreet]

Go on, Sivle. I don't think you've quite made your point yet. Probably everyone here thinks of Elvis as more than an entertainer, so kindly relate the title of your thread to your question for us.

[Sivle Nora]

Well it just seems to me that Elvis clearly posesses characteristics of a messianic or Christ like figure.

[Leroy]

I think that's a bit too far. Maybe it's just what some of us like to see in him. He had some spiritual capabillities though. Some gifts other entertainers lack. There was a kind of electricity going back and forth between Elvis and his audience, like an exchange of energy that went far beyond a simple rock concert. I do believe he had some powers. It's a common thing for people of the South.

[waymore44]

I believe honestly that Elvis was blessed by God in a way that no other entertainer has been. Who else is loved this much? Who else has had that much charisma, looks, personality, originality, and pure talent? Unfortunately he let the cares of this life like so many people, myself included take his eyes off of what was important. He let the devil dupe him into depression and despair. His only comforts were the women, the friends and the drugs. Those things only last for a little while and will eventually fail you. These were things he knew but yet he continued to do because he couldn't help himself. He had been saved when he was younger. He obviously had a relationship with God. How can you hear him sing "He Touched Me" or "How Great Thou Art", and deny that? I believe that Elvis lost his desire to live and was in complete misery and God knew this. He was not bearing fruit anymore so the Lord took him home.

MATTHEW 21

19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.

[Captain Elwood David]

EP once shouted at an audience member to "G-O-D-D-A-*-* Shut-Up" when he was singing a gospel song -------> he later busted a gut laughing about it, that he used the Lord's name in vain & nobody in the audience even batted an eye as a result of it.

--------------------------

In essensce:

EP's life (personal & career-wise) ....... & his religious influences (planted by his mother) ..... were deuling dichotomies that drove The Man / His Life / The Legend ..... both pre & especially post-1977 (It has become even more so, predictably & understandably, posthumously, within the fandom.) WHY? EP is a reflection of human-nature (ie: ourselves) & our own searches / struggles.

It is definitely a FASCINATING subject area worthy of further / deeper study .... Elvis as a secular saint. It is also a very, very, real phenomenon out there - unlike with any other "celebrity."

It is a bizarre aspect of The Elvis World whose threads can be found winding thru just about everything in The Elvis World. Ironically, it is also a large driving force behind The Elvis World. It goes to the very heart / crux of THE MYTH vs. REALITY that is all pervasive in The Elvis World, as well.

Viewed in these terms, ........ absolutely, YES, there is much, much more to Elvis.

"It is always the music, & so much more."

- Me


- Capt. "EL."

[Lonniebealestreet]

Very well said, Cappy...I like the self-quote too. :D

Speaking of quotes of yours, not knowing how this thread had developed since my last posting (but having some idea--which wasn't really on target), I was just sure that your reply was going to include the term "fissured ceramics". :lol:

I'm glad this thread didn't go down the road I thought it might. Thanks for keeping it real, everybody.

I just want to briefly add that if one is to think of any latter-day figures as possibly being messiahs, then Elvis--despite some personality traits which on the surface might make him seem anything but--is a not so illogical contender.

[Captain Elwood David]

Thanks, Bobby, ......


I was just sure that your reply was going to include the term "fissured ceramics". :lol:
Ah, yes ........ lol!! ........ The Fissured Ceramics Brigade ...... well, ...

That is what I was alluding to with the "bizarre" terminology. ;)


I just want to briefly add that if one is to think of any latter-day figures as possibly being messiahs, then Elvis--despite some personality traits which on the surface might make him seem anything but--is a not so illogical contender.
There is indeed a lot to admire about EP The Man & all fans definitely know about The Music aspect (because that is where it ultimately begins, but never ends - despite many that claim the contrary for their own reasons).


- Capt. "EL."

[Sivle Nora]

I don't have a clue what you're talking about. Anyone care to fill me in?

[Cryogenic]

The way I see it is...

There's more to life than music. Music is tapping into something deeper. And again, there's more to life than music.

Cryptic? Maybe.

I'm not a religious person myself but I sure do appreciate Elvis' gospel recordings and his own attempts at searching for things greater than himself. You DO have to wonder what it's all about and why we exist if there aren't bigger things going on.

[EnigmaticSun]

Today, there are people like George W. Bush who likes to act 'messianic' and the Pope, who is considered to be the 'replacement' of Jesus Christ on the earth. I think both of these guys are hurting a lot of people - the first one by sending kids in to war, making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The second one stimulates the spreading of AIDS in Africa by condemning condomn use - he is also not very helpful to the catholic boys who have been and are being abused in the roman church. And what is the gay and lesbian bashing thing all about?

I think Elvis has at least the same worldwide recognition (and probably more) than Ronald Reagan, father and son Bush and Bill Clinton altogether. Elvis was a normal human being like we all are but at least he is not responsible for war and poverty!

Spiritual songs were a very important influence for Elvis and the religious songs helped him to develop a very special voice, so very different from other 'rock stars' like Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Frank Zappa or Freddy Mercury.

I guess Elvis confronts people with their spiritual and religious longing through his voice. Having said all this, it seems to be clear that Elvis had a relationship with Jesus - of course the Mexican Sundial Suit was a beautiful manner to symbolize 'the sun/son of god who gives his life for the earth to live'.

[TheTiger77]

I believe honestly that Elvis was blessed by God in a way that no other entertainer has been. Who else is loved this much? Who else has had that much charisma, looks, personality, originality, and pure talent? Unfortunately he let the cares of this life like so many people, myself included take his eyes off of what was important. He let the devil dupe him into depression and despair. His only comforts were the women, the friends and the drugs. Those things only last for a little while and will eventually fail you. These were things he knew but yet he continued to do because he couldn't help himself. He had been saved when he was younger. He obviously had a relationship with God. How can you hear him sing "He Touched Me" or "How Great Thou Art", and deny that? I believe that Elvis lost his desire to live and was in complete misery and God knew this. He was not bearing fruit anymore so the Lord took him home.

MATTHEW 21

19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.

I TOTALY AGREE WITH WHAT YOU'RE SAYING HERE!

It was time to go home. Elvis knew it too. You always hear folks saying that he knew he was soon going to die.

What i love most about Elvis Presley, is i can relate to him as a real person. I can see man who is struggling in this world trying to balance the world and faith. I think of my daily struggles trying to be a Christian in this world, but utilimately being a faulted human being first. I do not have half of what was thrown on this man's sholders! He is the true example of what goes on. Some times i sit in church and i look around and think how everyone else seem's to be handling life much better then i am. But if you were to put them all under the same scope Elvis Presley was, you'd see that struggle. That's what should be out there in the Christian World. Life is a struggle and you will not totally hide from it. Even in your most uplifted state of mind and your best years, you are human and will struggle no matter what.

BUT

Struggling with Jesus on your side is much better then struggling alone! You can't win alone. With God, you win in the end...no matter what!

I feel like im rambling here, haha.

I just feel good in knowing Elvis is in heaven and all his struggles that we can all see now, are good for us to see. I think went he went home finally, he was relieved!

///also let me say one more thing///
I think he's life is a good example of what happens to a human being when another human being try's to make him bigger then God. Put's him up on a pedistal so high, only God can truly reach him. It's too much and nobody can stand up to it. Nobody is meant to stand up to it. It's in the Bible as such.

Ok i'm done now, hahaha.....Leave your donation at the door!

Trish

[EnigmaticSun]

Well, look at all the beautiful remarks on this website. Could become an interesting discussion!

Of course everyone has his or her own relationship with God and Jesus. We are all unique - that's what makes life so exciting. I like the term 'unity in diversity' because of it.

I believe that the dead will be resurrected: it's a very important theme in Jesus' life, for example the resurrection of Lazarus was a miracle which Jesus made possible. Resurrection and life after death had already been a theme in Hebrew and Egyptian religion, which are the two major streams out of which Christianity evolved - and Jesus, the chosen son of god, also called the first of human beings (re)born and resurrected out of death revealed to the people of the earth how important the life after death is (some call it 'heaven' or 'the kingdom of God').

Although this may sound incredible, there are scientists who have theories about resurrection constructed with cosmological models. I can recommend the work of Frank J. Tipler, an American scientist specialized in physics who has written a book about the universe and the omega point theory as (scientific!) proof of life after death. The guy has got a website, so if you're interested visit http://www.math.tulane.edu/~tipler/summary.html !

When Elvis is resurrected I would like to meet him! I would definitely want to make music with him - and maybe he can then ask the (also resurrected) modern 'pop stars' what they were thinking when they were making pop music extremely boring and dull!

And, Elvis loved children very much and at that point of the evolution of the universe maybe Elvis can ask evil parents why they are the cause for so many unhappy children.

Of course, on the youngest day (of resurrection), some members of presidential families like the bush dynasty will be running scared because of a guilty conscience - so afraid that He might show. But as far as I know, there will be no more injustice in the kingdom of God and what was hidden, shall be revealed: the truth will come out!

[Lonniebealestreet]

I acknowledge that most of what's said here is healthy discussion, but knowing how such topics can quickly degenerate into less than productive conversation, we need to steer clear of religion and politics here when they do not directly relate to Elvis (not to mention their being off-topic). Thanks.

[Captain Elwood David]

I acknowledge that most of what's said here is healthy discussion, but knowing how such topics can quickly degenerate into less than productive conversation, we need to steer clear of religion and politics here when they do not directly relate to Elvis (not to mention their being off-topic). Thanks.
Amen. ;)


- Capt. "EL."

[Wendy56]

Absolutely!!! Count me on that list Sivle... I DO BELIEVE (KNOW :P) Elvis was, is and will be MORE than just an "entertainer". I think too that many TCB members have those kind of thoughts, right?...
Elvis means so much! :clap:

[KPM]

Elvis was a man, who walked a road none of us can ever know. He was so chrismatic. He was blessed by God and knew it. But I feel he always felt he should be doing more with the blessings he was given. He just wasn't sure of what it should be. The fact that we see this in him, the special qualities, shows he maybe was right. But he was a man and his weaknesses(all of us have our weaknesses)perhaps kept him from finding what he should have done. Priscilla claims he would have become a preacher, maybe so who knows. I believe, like Billy Graham, for all his weaknesses I will see him in heaven.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I recently heard an interview with Elvis from 1956, and it was refreshing to hear such a young thankful, respectful, unassuming and deeply religious entertainer go on about how he owed all his success to Jesus and how his faith helped him, and about his parents and the col. (little did he know!) doing so much for him, and all the fans. I think it says alot about the man that kept the young kid still inside and never took for granted his success or his fans.

He remained deeply religious, and was always searching for the truth, constantly questioning and probing. This is a sign of the true Christian, the one on the verge of becoming enlightened. I believe he may have reached enlightenment and not known it. The ones that reach this level never know it, they never think they found the answer,(unlike Geller who thinks he did a long time ago and was responsible for Elvis's spritual guidance. HE just put Elvis on a path ! I think Elvis was closer to the Truth than Geller ever thought about getting. He should have been Geller's guide!!!!!) they never are resigned to follow the rest of the sheep. This person gets the closest to God, I think. Some of his religious songs, especially live, really are heavenly and right up there with angels "rejoicing on high". You have to have some kind of inside track to feel and emote that kind of sprituality!

[0349054]

I think Elvis was a very charismatic person, and as he often wondered, "Why was he Elvis Presley?". I don't think he was a messianic or Christ like figure, but thats just my opinion. Elvis was simply the best I have ever seen at what he did. But he was just an entertainer, as he said himself. It's one of the reasons he never voted, because people would vote for someone because Elvis did, which is foolish and I think he recognised the power he had over people and attempted to distance himself from influencing people over lifestyle changes due to his beliefs. Although he wasnt shy about expressing them in private!

[cutiepie]

Apologies in advance if I offend....:notworthy

In another time and place, Elvis could have been considered a god. Consider the reaction he incites in men and women--reckless abandon and joy; people who would give their very lives for him, adulation in life, death, and beyond...

I wonder what future anthropologists would think if they took a gander at Elvis culture! :hmm:

[0349054]

Very true, years ago he may very well of been considered a God like figure. He was very special. But I think, and I cant speak for him, but I do think he woulden't be best pleased at that comparison!

[KPM]

If you can give a view of the 2 DVD set called the Gospel side Of Elvis Presley you will hear many inteviews about the spiritual side of Elvis and his love of gospel music. There are quite a few good points about his search for the why of his life. Check it out, if you haven't already. IAlso there are good gospel songs and performances.

[1100ccRider]

Apologies in advance if I offend....:notworthy

In another time and place, Elvis could have been considered a god. Consider the reaction he incites in men and women--reckless abandon and joy; people who would give their very lives for him, adulation in life, death, and beyond...

I wonder what future anthropologists would think if they took a gander at Elvis culture! :hmm:

True. While alive, just look at the atmosphere surrounding his concerts -- more a revival, even a descent of the Messiah, than a musical event. Other rock concerts have approached similar levels of hysteria, but contemporary reviews point out that an Elvis Presley show was not like any other rock concert. So, yes, he was a Christ-like figure in the way that many other people perceived him.

This leaves alone the whole Christ-within-us philosophy through which we all are, really, Christs. I'm talking about Elvis here and, any way you cut it, he was something special: certainly in the impact of his public persona, but he was also a very interesting man and a spiritual man torn and ultimately tortured by dichotomies.

He was a rock god. A massive cultural influence. If the Beatles really were bigger than Jesus -- and I mean this in the spirit that John Lennon originally intended when he naively uttered this assumed off-the-record tongue-slip --then Elvis was on a par with anyone's God. I bet that future anthropologists would assume that people worshipped Elvis as a god -- they'd be right and, unfortunately, that's a key factor in the demise of Elvis the man.

[1100ccRider]

If you can give a view of the 2 DVD set called the Gospel side Of Elvis Presley you will hear many inteviews about the spiritual side of Elvis and his love of gospel music. There are quite a few good points about his search for the why of his life. Check it out, if you haven't already. IAlso there are good gospel songs and performances.

If that's the He Touched Me set, it's worth a look. Uses some duplicate performances, though.

The biggest fault with this set, to my mind, is that it fails to acknowledge Elvis' interest -- far from a dalliance or one of his usual short-term obsessions -- with Eastern philosophies and beliefs once termed 'occult' but now labeled 'New Age' or 'New Thought.' They were important to him throughout his adulthood and complemented his more traditional grounding in Christian (and, to some extent, Jewish) teachings.

Watching He Touched Me, you could easily come away with the false impression that Elvis was a Christian fundamentalist. He was most certainly not, and his mind remained open and willing to explore all avenues in search of ultimate truth. The Bible is one book; there are many others.

[geordie]

:blink: :'( :blink:

friends, lets get real here please, elvis was ( and still is ) the best entertainer the world has known.thats it, full stop, making out he was anything more is totally preposterous :doh:

[1100ccRider]

:blink: :'( :blink:

friends, lets get real here please, elvis was ( and still is ) the best entertainer the world has known.thats it, full stop, making out he was anything more is totally preposterous :doh:

Sure, but discussing the way in which he was perceived as or like a deity, and the pseudoreligious trappings of his pop-culture life after death, is not only central to understanding what happened to Elvis but is relevant to how he is seen today. He was just a man, obviously, more complex than some and more straightforward than others, but he was much, much more if only by virtue of his rarely fully-tapped talents and his perhaps unprecedented personal charisma. That doesn't mean that he was somehow living on a different plane of existence, or even more spiritually evolved than many of us, but it does mean that the god comparison is apt when discussing how he was seen and continues to be seen.

[Cryogenic]

One thing that I like is the hammy aspect of his personality: just look at that ostentacious karate suit and stance he's pulling in that picture on the front page at the moment. He just didn't care. He wanted to have fun. Afterall, you only live once.

I really admire that. Unfortunately, it has put him in line for all kinds of spoofs and mockeries over the years - but screw it! I think it's something he had that we can all learn from him.

[KPM]

Probably the reason the He Touched Me DVD set just touches on his interest in other religions and studies is because gospel music is basically vested in the Bible and it was the his love of that music which brought about the DVD.
J D Sumner said Elvis read about all kids of religions but knew that Christ was his savior. His well worn and personally noted Bible is proof of how much he went there for comfort and guidance. But he was always open to looking at other sides and cultures.

[0349054]

Cryogenic - your right! And just like the Karate pose on the front page at the moment, he was always at something like that, right back to the 50's when he just became famous he was still doing poses! And he always looked cool when he did them.

[EnigmaticSun]

This surely is a lively discussion, with so many persons voicing so many opinions.

My best guess is that Christianity was in Elvis' roots and upbringing. His parents, so very dear to him, brought it into his life and he grew up with it.

Because Elvis was born out of so many different influences, he was very much able to comprehend the uniqueness of other cultures and people.

Unless I'm very much mistaken, there was Jewish and Indian blood in him and that is also something that a person carries with him - rightfully so!

A person who says that Elvis himself would be quite shy whenever being confronted with people seeing him as a messiah, is quite right.

Nevertheless, Elvis was such a great cultural influence and continues to be so - his music and talent is ageless. People adore Elvis for the man he was/is, not just because of his fame and/or fortune.

[suspicious_mind]

Well it just seems to me that Elvis clearly posesses characteristics of a messianic or Christ like figure.


No way.
Theres only ONE God.
Elvis wasnt a messiah or a Christ-like figure.
Elvis was just blessed. Plain and simple. Just like alot of us are in this world. Elvis was just one of them that knew how to give back like he knew he should. He was one to look up to in alot of ways.
But just cause you have a big heart dosent mean you are messiah or christ like. It just means that you know who to thank for having that heart in the first place. :D

[Getlo]

No way.
Theres only ONE God.


Er, you forgot to add IMO at the end of that statement ... ;)