If having an orgasm while riding a fake bucking horse doesn’t bring you closer to Jesus, then I don’t know what will. Marilyn Manson’s controversial songs, dress, messages and videos have created a stir in American culture for years. Parents have protected their children from him, libraries have kept his CDs off of their shelves, and critics have belittled his credibility. Manson’s image may be controversial and fabricated through wardrobe and makeup, but his faith seems real in his 2004 song, “Personal Jesus.”
As the video begins, it is hard not to get lost in the beautiful and erotic images of nearly naked women passionately riding fake horses, Manson’s face paint, and crucifix blood markings on his hands. The song reflects much of what Manson’s other songs convey- anger and discontent. In “Personal Jesus”, Marilyn provides a solution. Images of presidents flash in the back of the stage as Manson abruptly dismisses institutions like the US Government that do not have a personal relationship with you. Manson shows that it is possible to distrust institutions, but still embrace religion.
Manson offers to be your personal Jesus. Manson wants his audience to “reach out and touch faith”, and “pick up the receiver, I’ll make you a believer.” Manson, through lyrics, offers something the big government and large institutions cannot: personal respect and care. Manson is not claiming to be Jesus, nor is he belittling Christianity, but he is offering to bring you closer to God, through a means of friendship and humanity.
Manson embraces the idea that a large element of spirituality lies within relationships with others. His idea of closeness to God through human interaction is not original. Respected theologian Martin Buber believed that interactions between a person and an object of two people have a transcending moment. Interactions with two people can be spiritual experiences and bring you closer to God. Buber calls the transcending experience an “I-Thou” relationship.
Manson may be dismissing the institutions you love and challenging your thinking, but he is promoting spiritual advancement. He is setting an example for friendship, and caring. He is encouraging I-Thou relationships, as an alternative to nameless representation. As he holds the baby in the video, he embraces it as a human being. This embrace is what he has to offer, and how Manson shows the theory of an I-thou relationship. When the screen cuts away from Manson and the baby, the baby drops to the floor and explodes like a piggy bank. Manson is telling his audience that they deserve to be a child of God, and through each other, experience God.
In a dark and sexy way, Marilyn Manson invites his audience to share in a personal experience. His means may be unique and alarming, but his message, booting idolatry and embracing humanity, to live and feel with your spirit has been repeated for generations.
Accepting friendship and close relationship may be a lot like the women riding horses in the music video. Vulnerable, wearing only underwear and gripping to hold on, the women have a look of pain, ease and passion at the same time. The horses move robotically, as if they will never stop. The robotic horses cut through the wind, blowing the women’s hair, torqueing their bodies, and making them into something they didn’t used to be.
Just as Buber modeled almost a century ago, Marilyn Manson embraces the personal relationships that lead to spiritual experience. He offers to be the personal Jesus, because his audience deserves it.
Embrace the chaos that Marilyn Manson brings to your mind and appreciate his art. Even if the voice may scare you, pick up that receiver, and try to stay on that horse.
…Does this writer know that Manson didn’t write this song?