Chris Brown and Rihanna
I must admit, the first time I became aware of the magnitude of Chris Brown was on my way back from a ministry trip. He was on the cover of the June 2008 issue of Ebony Magazine and, because it was free, I brought two of them home for my daughters. Why? Because I wanted them to read an article in that particular issue about black women and AIDS. I figured that with Chris Brown on the cover as eye candy they would eventually digest the main meal, which was far more nutritional for their minds.
Now, Chris Brown is back in my life for a reason just as serious as AIDS: physical abuse. Because of his fame, his youth, the fame of the very woman he struck (Rihanna), the time it occurred (days before they were to perform a duet at the Grammy Awards Ceremony), and the pervasive nature of this problem, Chris Brown has become a lightning rod on this subject. And once Oprah gets involved well you know it’s going to be very, very big (Oprah Speaks Out on Chris Brown’s Assault on Rihanna).
Like substance abuse and sexual abuse, physical abuse transcends all cultures, ages, educational backgrounds, and even religious backgrounds. Here’s where this issue really becomes an even bigger problem: these things are just not supposed to involve Christians, right? Yet who can forget what happened on August 23, 2007, when the news reported that Prophetess Juanita Bynum was being kicked by her husband while on the ground in a hotel parking lot (Cops: Televangelist Juanita Bynum Assaulted by Husband). The televised 2003 Christian Cinderella-esque wedding, complete with an 8-karat (7.76 to be exact) diamond ring was certainly not supposed to end in a parking lot beat down four years later. This unexpected event just goes to show us how the problems of a secular society are almost always the same problems of the saintly church.
We certainly need to pray more regarding this problem, given that it is very dangerous and yet can remain very private. At Pentecostal Tabernacle, we are actually in the process of launching a project that begins to address this issue. Thus, the current focus on this problem could not have come at a better time for us, but the ordeal was quite unfortunate for both Rihanna and Chris Brown. I invite your thoughts.
sending...
hello Bishop daddy,
I my attention of course becuase it has to do with CHRIS BROWN..hahahaa. I still can’t believe that Chris brown did what he did but I guess when your not living the life of Christ, then anything could happen. You also made a good point about the other situation with Juanita an dher husband. It’s sad to hear about Christian acting like non-Christians. If he is a true Christian and we are serving the same God as him then he should not be acting that way. but I just wanted to reply to your article because no one else has…
I LOVE YOU and Keep Up the Good Work!
Oh my, my, my!!! I don’t know what to write except that we all need prayer. Chris Brown, Rihanna, me, you, Sis. Juanita, the whole world needs JESUS and the sweet Holy Spirit. The sad thing is this, because so many reject HIM is the reason why there is so much chaos. Hopefully enough people will pray for Mr. Brown and Sis. Rihanna and the very thing that satan attempted to destroy them God will turn it around for their good. Heal them Lord in Jesus Name for only YOU can.
Amen
As one of the followers of both Chris Brown’s and Rihanna’s music careers, I was shocked when I heard what happened. I was so upset and I took Chris Brown off of my music playlists. Talking to both Christian and non-Christian friends, I’ve heard various opinions about what really happened, the reasons behind it, and what should happen. Physical abuse is unacceptable, regardless of the “reason” behind it. The cases of Rihanna and Juanita bring to light an issue that is often kept secretive and rarely addressed. Truly, in these times we all need God’s guidance in who we choose to be in relationships with and who we marry. Basically we need to use wisdom in the choices we make. Only God can fix the situation with Rihanna and Chris Brown… and hopefully this case will prompt others in abusive relationships to seek HIS help as well.
Dear Bishop: Prayer is great and education about violence is critical. I would like to see a coalition of clergy meet to engage each other and their congregations in a discussion and campaign AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY. This would be critical in helping our youth who follow the lives of the Hip and Rich.
Perhaps BU School of Theology might be a resource for you.
Rev. Imani Sheila Newsome Camara
Dean and Professor BU School of Theology
Domestic abuse is destructive in so many ways. It destroys individuals, communities, families, bonds, and countless other relationships. Once the seeds of domestic abuse have been planted inside an individual’s heart, it can be a hard task to remove them. If the Church is to grow into the 21st Century into a space of progress, we must aggressively address this issue. Education and open dialogue is key to prevention and I commend any Christian who is making this a top priority. God bless.