Religious liberty is under threat.
People of faith understand that there is a spiritual battle afoot in American culture.
And one country music legend gave a chilling message that resonated with all Christians.
Country music superstar Dolly Parton has smartly stayed out of politics over the years, cultivating fans on both the left and right.
But during her Mountain Magic Christmas special on NBC, she gave one message that unified all Christians.
During a performance of her hit song “Go to Hell,” Parton said, “My brothers and my sisters, I am here to tell you that Satan is real…He is real and walking around amongst us, trying to destroy everything that’s good and beautiful…He wants to break our hearts and minds, destroy our dreams and plans. He wants to tear us up in little pieces, break us down, and send us straight to hell.”
Parton is touching on the spiritual fight that remains constant.
As 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
The culture has been degraded in ways that open the door for sin.
Radicals have pushed so far that sin has become celebrated, especially in the entertainment world.
The performers nodded along as she continued, “Oh my God can do anything. My God can heal the sick, mend broken hearts, and take our souls to heaven. So Satan, listen up, in God’s name I rebuke you. I stand up in his name, look you in the eye, and laugh in your ugly face.”
Religion and the entertainment industry often do not mix.
Actor Matthew McConaughey once said in an interview, “I have had moments where I was on stage receiving an award in front of my peers in Hollywood, and there were people in the crowd that I have prayed with before dinners many times, and when I thanked God, I saw some of those people go to clap, but then notice that, ‘bad thing on my resume’ and then sit back on their hands.”
Superstar actor Chris Pratt has been targeted numerous times for his Christian beliefs.
He responded to the backlash, “I didn’t know that I would become the face of religion when I’m really—I’m not a religious person. I think there’s a distinction between being religious—adhering to the customs created by man, often appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God—and using it to control people, to take money from people, to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred. Whatever it is. The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride.”
The left has become increasingly hostile to Christianity, so it’s important that Christians not forget the spiritual conflict that’s happening around them at all times.