Marilyn Manson Vs. The Pope Essay, Research Paper

Marilyn Manson vs. Pope John Paul II

Would you rather live a life full of sex, having every kind of sex imaginable, in every exotic position, with anyone you wanted, or live a life of celibacy? Well, if you?re like most people, the first choice sounds a lot more tempting. Marilyn Manson and Pope John Paul II have each chosen one of these lifestyles, and both are influential members of our society. Although they are both well known, they are very different people. From the personal life to the stage, Marilyn Manson, in general, is a better person than the Pope.

Marilyn Manson is a longhaired, black lipstick wearing, tattooed rock star that had his three lower ribs removed so he could perform oral sex on himself. As far as religion, he thinks that people should be allowed to determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. Satanism has made a great impact in his life. He might seek his god by praying or by smoking a fat joint. He doesn?t concur with the belief that people should put limits on their lives, and admires Satanism for portraying that quality. Through Satanism, Manson is able to enjoy anything, from casting spells on his worst enemy, to having incredible sex orgies. His virtues are whatever he chooses for them to be at any given time. His behaviors may peregrinate from throwing kittens into the mosh-pit at a concert, to being a calm and collected guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Pope John Paul II adheres to traditional Roman Catholicism. He rules as the leader of the Catholic Church. He believes in leading a narrow and limited life according to the official Catholic interpretation of the Bible and God?s volition. He opposes all forms of birth control, thus leading members of the church to unbidden pregnancies. His law prohibits Ministers from being married, while at the same time condemning sex outside of a married relationship. This places the ministers in a very awkward position sexually. Often many turn to homosexuality. However, the Pope does not condone this either. In fact, during a recent visit to San Francisco, the Pope announced to the city that same-sex relationships are wrong. The Pope expects everyone to live by perimeters that are irresponsible, and do not work together. Instead, they cross swords with each other. This is the opposite attitude of Manson who has no limits, and supports personal freedom and choice, especially if you choose to buy his albums.

Marilyn Manson is the lead singer of Omega and the Mechanical Animals. The band, like Manson, lives by their own morality. People look to Marilyn Manson for one thing, and one thing only, musical performance. He loves to put on a show for his followers. He even went as far as staging a fight between fellow band members on stage during a recent concert in Australia. Marilyn Manson?s behaviors may or may not influence others. He is not a religious leader. In fact, Manson views himself as nothing more than a normal person. He doesn?t believe himself to be better than anyone else. To him, what the audience does is their business. The audience is the most important thing to him, and he wants them to have the best time possible. He works to please others, and indeed earns his living.

The Pope on the other hand attempts to control his followers. Being ahead of the Catholic Church, he is a profound religious leader. Those values and guidelines, which the Pope sets forth, are certain to influence church members. Anything that is misinterpreted by the Pope is likewise misinterpreted by the church. The Pope believes himself to be “next to God”, and even condemns the behaviors of those who sin. This places him above others both morally and spiritually, but as I recall, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. If no man is perfect, how can one put himself next to the one whose glory they have fallen short of?

Marilyn Mason has many gifts and talents. Musically, Marilyn Manson is amazing. His unique, creepy twist on the Eurhythmic?s Sweet Dreams caught the music world by surprise. His raving antics about society in The Beautiful People are energetic and help to alleviate anger. His carefree personality is blatantly portrayed in Don?t Like the Drugs, But the Drugs Like Me. His guitar playing is genius, and his lyrics are heartfelt. Manson earns his fame and fortune through hard work.

Millions love the Pope. He travels from country to country blessing others. People bow down to kiss his ring when he holds out his hands. They look to him for guidance and direction. Members of the church provide everything the Pope needs for him. Rather than working for a living, he lives off of those that do. Abundant offerings of gold and silver are prepared for the Pope by church members, allowing him to live a lavish lifestyle, not dreamed of by most people. People pay thousands of dollars to buy things that he has blessed, and yet he is the one who is blessed with their offerings.

Both Marilyn Manson and the Pope are well know and respected individuals. From an orgy throwing rock star, to a sexless religious leader, both have the potential for great influence in our society. I have shown Manson?s carefree attitude, and the Pope?s unreasonable limits. In addition, I have shown Manson?s humility as opposed to the Pope?s arrogance. Finally, I have shown how Manson supports himself, and how the Pope is supported by others. Perhaps people should look beyond the hype and illusion. What is on the surface is not necessarily what is on the inside. I have shown the similarities and the profound differences between these two individuals, and through this have indeed shown that Marilyn Manson, in general, is a better person than the Pope John Paul II.