#xulamasscomm

Last year on November 13, Kirk Franklin released his 12th album “Losing My Religion”. Controversy was sparked by the album’s title. Franklin used an analogy between marriage and religion on the Tom Joyner’s Show. “So basically, it’s just like marriage cannot guarantee intimacy, religion doesn't guarantee relationship.” Franklin explained that religion doesn't guarantee anyone a relationship with God. In other words, attending church doesn't put you any closer to Christ. “Religion, throughout the years, has become a very oppressive thing that doesn't allow people to get to know the God it was created to try to lead them to,” Franklin said. In addition, Franklin expressed that we don't need man to have a relationship with God and that the preacher isn’t God. 

I’m currently working on an article about the importance of attending church to strengthen your relationship with Christ. As a young adult, I believe that one should attend church for encouragement. It is helpful to be surrounded by other Christians who are worshiping the Lord. However, I do agree with Franklin that sitting in a church doesn’t make you a Christian. After one leaves church, it is up to them to continue their Christian lifestyle. On the other hand, the pastor shouldn't be treated and shouldn't want to be treated like God. Nor should they beat you up, mentally, about your downfalls and making mistakes. They should remain humble and stress that no one is perfect even themselves and encourage you to ask for forgiveness and keep defeating the devil. 

Is there a better place to be a photographer than in Chicago? Chicago has many great features such as the buildings, the people, and attractions. Slimm, formerly known as Maurice, is there to bring you closer to the streets. “My favorite thing to take pictures of is people in Chicago,” said Warner. “Everybody has their own story and everywhere you go, you’ll see somebody different.” Warner is a sophomore at Harold Washington College and majors in Marketing. He got his inspiration to be a photographer from a friend and has been taking pictures for eight months. “I’m just living the moment; it’s only a hobby.” Check out Maurice’s work on http://www.slimmgotem.com @slimmgotem

Students at the University of California Berkeley believe an on-campus abortion clinic is ‘necessary and relevant in student-life.’ The student government passed Senate Resolution 69 which stated that the abortion clinic will improve “academic performance and mental health.” The university is already equipped with trained abortion providers. Students also believe the clinic should be funded by the administrators. The college states that there are already many clinics around the campus. However, some students would rather a safe place on campus. On the other hand, some students disagree, stating that the on-campus clinic symbolizes a “do whatever and we got you covered” tone.

I won't state my views on abortion, however I do have to disagree with the on-campus clinic. First, I think the clinic does symbolize a “do whatever and we got you covered” tone. I think it pushes unwed lock and unprotected sex. In a way, students will lose their sense of responsibility and possibly forget why they’re in school. Secondly, I think all privacy is lost with the on-campus clinic. Embarrassment and shame also impacts academic performance and mental health. Sometimes leaving campus is best for personal matters, such as this. 

Justin Bieber cancels all scheduled meet-and-greets on the Purpose tour. Bieber claims to feel drained and unhappy when meeting fans due to their spiritual energy. According to The Christian Post, Bieber wrote on Instagram, “The pressure of meeting people’s expectations of what I’m supposed to be is so much for me to handle and a lot on my shoulders.” Bieber told Complex Magazine that he when he doesn't feel like doing something that he know is right, he remembers that he is pretty sure Jesus didn't want to die for our sins, but he did it anyway.

Bieber is right! When being somewhere that you are not allowed to be your self, spiritually, it drains you. People want you to hide that side of you and be like them. Additionally, Bieber wrote in the post on Instagram that he wants to make his fans happy, but not at his expense. You have to put God first. If you are somewhere that you're not allowed to give God the glory, then you shouldn't be there. 

I’m not sure about how serious Bieber is about his relationship with God or if he is using God as an excuse to cancel the meet-and-greets; however, Bieber is showing strengths in what us, young Christians lack. We would put God on the back burner, if that is what it requires. So I congratulate Bieber!  

On April 3, at the St. Joseph Church in New Orleans, LA, a mass will take place to seek forgiveness from those who were harmed or alienated in the church.

The special ritual is deemed historical in the local church. The mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond. The sexual abuse done by the Catholic clergy and everything that followed afterwards, such as lawsuits and scandals, will not be mentioned. The mass will focus on bringing unity to the church. According to nola.com, the special mass is an ‘important step in advancing the priorities of a list of goals set forth by the archdiocese.’

As a segway, I’ve had heard two comments about the church lying and ruining their lives. This was a big surprise to me. I was raised believing that one couldn't establish a relationship with God without going to church. 

So what is the church doing to ruin people’s lives? Can you have a strong relationship with God without attending church? And to those who agree with the comments about the church, are you still trying to strengthen your relationship with Christ?

Denver Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning, delivered his retirement speech on March 7.

The New Orleans native, announced his retirement after an 18-year NFL career. Manning can end that career as the Super Bowl champion. Manning is the brother of Eli Manning, quarterback for New York Giants, and son of “Archie” Manning, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. 

More importantly, Manning’s retirement speech was very emotional. According to The Christian Post, Manning mentioned God when quoting 2 Timothy 4:7 -- “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” In addition, Manning explained that God had something else in store for him and that his retirement was the start to something new. Manning thanked his many fans for the letters and love. In addition, he went on to say that football taught him to appreciate the little things. 

The Mannings’ have touched many people’s lives and many people have come to love them. It was great that so many people witnessed someone they love give glory to God. Peyton will be missed. 

Megan Good receives criticism from the church about the clothes she wears. 

Megan Good is the wife of Seventh-day Adventist’s preacher, DeVon Franklin. On the other hand, Good is known for her sex appeal in movies, such as Waist Deep, Roll Bounce, and Think Like a Man. However, her sex appeal is not just in the character she plays in the movies, but everywhere else, including church and Christian events. 

Good received criticism in 2013 after presenting an award at the BET Gospel Awards in a very low-cutting blue dress. However, the criticism has not ceased. While speaking at the Essence Festival with her husband, Franklin, she said “It kind of made me upset with the church for a while.” Franklin followed up by saying, “When I live by your expectations of what I should do, then I limit who I am and then I become depressed because I can't be my true self." In addition, Franklin said that he supports Good in whatever she puts on. In conclusion, Good says she will not do anything to make people comfortable if it isn't what God has asked her to do. 

Good is not the only one receiving criticism because of her wardrobe. Singer Ciara has also faced similar issues, while singing the national anthem at the College Football Championship game on Monday, January 11. Some referred to her dress as too revealing for the event. Ciara was supported by her boyfriend, Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson. Wilson, an ‘outspoken Christian’, tweeted that Ciara looked flawless and sounded amazing. 

This is a perfect example of someone being new to Christ. So they show their cleavage, but they are just getting into the swing of things and Jesus pushes no one away. I fully stand behind their husband/boyfriend’s actions. 

(*btw: Russell Wilson has just proposed to Ciara)