Judas

Judas Lyrics
 

"I struggle with my feelings about the church in particular, but I guess it's quite honestly completely separate, isn't it? Religion and the church are two completely separate things. In terms of religion, I'm very religious. I was raised Catholic I believe in Jesus, I believe in God, I'm very spiritual -- I pray very much. But at the same time there's no one religion that doesn't hate or speak against or be prejudiced against another racial group or religious group or sexual group and for that I think religion is also bogus. So I suppose you could say I'm a quite religious woman that is very confused about religion. I dream of and envision a future where we have a more peaceful religion or a more peaceful world a more peaceful state of mind for the younger generation."

    -Lady Gaga on her religious beliefs

    Lady Gaga's boundary-pushing behaviour and performances have been heavily analyzed since she first rose to fame in 2008. Critics often suggest that Gaga's behavior is an act designed to generate attention, but Gaga claims this is not the case. A clearly intelligent and eccentric woman, Gaga has an explanation for almost everything she does. Of her controversial meat dress, Gaga said "if we don't stand up for what we believe in, if we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones." Gaga also has a strong explanation for the scandalous Judas video, claiming it is not religious and instead attempts to make a social or cultural statement. However, many disagree, claiming that using religious imagery in her video and song was used for shock value alone. Religious groups also disagree with her statement and many claim that they found the song and video offensive. 

    Was Lady Gaga's Judas song and video intended to cause controversy by offending religious groups? Or was it simply a religious expression of Gaga's stance on cultural and social issues? Answer in the poll below. 

    "Though Lady Gaga's video for "Judas" is bound to offend some Christians for its irreverent and highly sexualized take on Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot, it's pretty obvious that the singer is more interested in exploring Christian iconography than stirring up cheap controversy. Gaga's take on the New Testament represents Christ's Apostles as a biker gang, and filters the biblical story though her distinct visual style and the over-the-top sexual tension."

-Rolling Stone writer Doug Goodwin gives his take on the Judas video.