Alice Cooper – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? (Jul. 18, 2018)

In this interview, ‘Loudwire’ sits down with Alice to play ‘Wikipedia – Fact or Fiction‘. After seeing a few of these (and relying on Wikipedia from time to time with these posts), it only seemed fitting to address the one based on him. I was actually pretty shocked to find most of the info was legit according to Alice (only two minor inconsistencies – you’ll have to watch the video to find out what those were). In fact, most of the ‘fact or fiction’ videos on YouTube find the majority of the information posted to be factual. Which is pretty impressive. However, all it takes is a slight deviation from the truth to lead down a rabbit hole of falsities.

This post was prompted by a number of events that occurred this past week. 1) Last week’s post originally left out some details about why and how Alice wrote ‘Pick Up The Bones‘. After a little more digging, the additions were made. However, this small omission led us to purchase a couple of books which should help with the history of Alice Cooper for future posts (we will be using those references to correct any previous posts if need be). 2) Another reason for this post is linked to an online discussion that took place this week. In the discussion, it was stated that creeds, theologies, and doctrines of man have been used to divide the church. Even Biblically-based creeds have been used to create some strife. So many arguments have been fought based on how Christianity ‘should’ be practiced – AKA ‘Religion’. This prevents the body of Christ from unifying as one. 3) Finally, the Chris Pratt article, referenced yesterday on the Facebook page, was the tipping point for this post. There’s so much ‘fact’ and ‘fiction’ that surrounds the very idea of what a Christian believes or what & how the Bible tells us to live our lives. This post will address some of those concerns.

Hate. One of the latest notions and misconceptions about Christianity is that it is built on hate. That somehow, we, as Christians, are called to hate anything and everyone that does not conform to our belief system, Biblical principles, and/or understanding. With religion, this might be a proper conclusion. (Afterall, it was the Pharisees, with government support, that wanted Christ put to death.) However, the Bible and God’s heart are the purest forms of Love NOT hate. And we are actually called to be the opposite of Hate. (See Love.) What God does hate is sin. But why does He hate sin? Sin separates us from Him – it’s the antithesis of His nature. Isaiah 59:2 reads, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear”. Sin is a binding debt (Matthew 6:12-15), a burden (Psalms 38:4), leads to darkness (1 John 1:6), etc. Ultimately, He hates that sin deceives us and entices us into believing that the ways of the world are a better way of living than His ways. Other key verses that reference Sin and God’s hatred towards it are: Mark 7:20-23, Ephesians 4:30, Romans 6:16.

Condemnation. Touchy, touchy subject. However, looking at Romans 2:1-29, it’s fairly simple to see that the Bible warns and convicts the hearts of those that dish out condemnation towards their fellow man/woman. Apart from Christ, there were and are no individuals on this earth that have the ability to live a sinless life. Therefore, instead of walking in condemnation of others, the Bible actually teaches us to instead self-evaluate our own lives giving us the chance to see places where His incredible tolerance and love are still molding us in the areas we fail. Why is it so amazing to see how patient and loving God is with others, when we know how patient He has been in our own lives? Other key verses that reference Condemnation are: Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Love. The ever-familiar John 3:16, “For God so Loved the World that He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” carries the message of all scriptures. However, there’s so much to say about His Love. Along with it comes His faithfulness, our salvation, a place to rest, confidence, the ability to love others, our hope, our trust. In fact, the Bible has given us the purest definition of who He is and who we should be in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” Found within those verses is who we, as Christians, are called to be. Simply remove the word Love and place your name. When dealing with others, do your actions hold up to that test? We are called to walk this earth as an example of Christ. Relying on His Spirit to guide our thoughts. Other key verses that reference God’s Love are: Romans 5:8, Galatians 5:22, 1 John 4:7.

Salvation. All of humanity has missed the mark (Romans 3:23). We’ve sinned against God, and the penalty for that sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8). His death bridged all of humanity to its Creator. Abolishing sin. All that is required of us is to believe, profess, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord allowing Him to change our hearts and minds through the application of His Word (Romans 12:2). Our Salvation comes through Him (Romans 10:8-10). When John 3:16 is recited it should also be accompanied by verse 17. This verse states, “For God did NOT send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through Him.” God wants nothing more than all of the world to embrace His gift – the gift of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The price of our sins paid in full. There’s no debt too high, no irredeemable soul, no person unworthy of His Love. We see the greatest example of this in the life of Paul. A man blinded by his hatred for Christianity yet still saved by the Love and Grace of our Lord, who met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9 – see Salvation post.) Our Lord wants nothing more than for us to except His love – no matter our past or our current condition in this life. Other key verses that reference Salvation are: Hebrews 7:25, Luke 23:40-43, Ephesians 2:8.

Relationship. It’s often noted that Christianity is encapsulated by living a certain way or by following a certain set of laws, practicing a number of traditions, or praying certain prayers. However, a relationship with Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit is really what’s at the heart of our faith. The Bible references the need and want for God’s children to relate to Him in multiple verses throughout the Bible. In John 15:5 it states, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We are literally connected to Him. Our lives are complete and flourish based on our connection (or relationship) to (with) Him. Know that the Bible, as a body of work, is overflowing with verses, summaries, and an overall theme for God’s design for relationship with Him. Other key verses that point to relationship are: John 1:10-13, John 14:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:6-7 and so many more – the entire works of the Bible are literally about God seeking relationship with His creation.

Unity. Our faith calls for unity not separation. The traditions and rituals of man divide nations, religions, races, tongues, etc. However, the acceptance and love of Christ unifies us all under God. Acceptance in Him brings acceptance and unity to even the most different walks of life (Galatians 3:26-28). With Him as the cornerstone and foundation, lives are made whole and peaceful (Ephesians 4:3). We’ve also been called to be good to all people (Galatians 6:10). While it may seem trivial or sound childish, doing unto others as we would have them do to us is a unifying way to live (Matthew 7:12). Christians are NOT at odds with non-believers but instead with the enemy. Other key scriptures about Unity are: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Colossians 3:13-14, Psalms 133:1.

In conclusion, the enemy will do his best to twist, distort, and manipulate everything placed in your life. Even the slightest mistruth could lead you astray. it is important for us to fact check everything according to God’s Word, our GPS and blueprint for this life. Don’t take anything for granted. Double check references, scriptures, outlines, etc. Part of knowing God is studying His Word while praying and meditating through the Holy Spirit on what you read. Focusing NOT on this world but instead on… what He reveals. His plans for you. His Love for you. His Grace given to you. His Guidance and Wisdom. May you dive deeper, knowing that every layer of self you peel away will be replaced with a piece of Him.