Mears: Pop culture overshadows religion

Why is 18-year-old pop star Justin Bieber ranked number one on the most Google’d list, while Jesus Christ is second? It is clear to see who and what is important to most people today: pop culture.

Throughout the ages, religion has been one of the prime cornerstones of the world. From going to church to celebrating religious holidays, people have been expressing their religious views and following a set of religious beliefs for all of history. Yet, it seems as if in recent years, people are more focused on who is doing what and where in pop culture rather than their religion. This is clear to see from Google’s most Google’d list standings with pop star Justin Bieber ranking as number one over Christianity’s Jesus Christ.

It is almost as if nowadays, social networking sites have become the new Bible and pop stars, actors, and actresses have become those in power. People follow pop culture closer than they do their religions. According to a poll by Church Society, the number of people attending church in 2012 is almost half of what it was in the 1970s, while the number of people attending a media event such as a concert or the premier of a movie is increasing every year.

As a society, I feel as if we need to distance ourselves from pop culture, and bring ourselves back to the basics: religion. Be it you believe in this or that or in nothing at all, today’s society needs to stop following pop culture and holding it above everything else in life.

We need to turn off our televisions, put down our phones, get out and celebrate what we believe.