Money, Sex, Power and Rock and Roll

Money, Sex, Power and Rock and Roll 

The noted Canadian philosopher and author, Charles Taylor, wrote in his book, A Secular Age, that the world’s thinkers have been working to dissuade the world of any idea of an unseen spiritual world, that there is nothing beyond what can see, feel, smell, or taste. And it appears those who espouse this propaganda have succeeded in many ways.

This drive toward a more secular world is fueled by the desire for the “Dark Triad” of money, sex and power. These personality traits are considered “dark” because they are recognized as undesirable. The pursuit of power has been termed “Machiavellianism” after the 16th century Italian politician and author, Machiavelli. In his treatises, The Prince, Machiavelli argued for the use of power to achieve one’s purposes, even if it means lying and/or manipulating others to achieve what is desired. Those who are “Machiavellian” in their pursuits could be described as cunning and unprincipled. Power, in all of its secular forms, is corrupting not only for those who wield it, but it tends to destroy the will of those who are the victims of its acrimony. It has been said, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The sex in the dark triad is of the no-commitment variety and is in no way intimate. Basically, sex of this nature is exploitative and motivated by a desire to satisfy the self and nothing more.

The pursuit of money trait of the dark triad is driven by a desire to achieve material wealth, and can is symbolized by the motto, “He who dies with the most toys, wins!” It is a desire to amass as much material wealth as possible as a way of deriving some manner of self-esteem.

Although Rock and Roll is not in itself an undesirable trait, it often reflects the moods and thoughts of society. Modern music often aggrandizes or glorifies the dark triad, especially sex and money, and it often reflects the characteristics of society. It may also denigrate members of society by the use of undignified labels, and some popular music is laced with unseemly profanity.

These dark, secular traits are stimulated or driven by an insatiable yearning to promote the “self” which is the opposite of what Christians are called to do and be. As Christians, we are expected to deny the self, and we are called, as the prophet Micah teaches us, to be kind and pursue justice for those who have been the victims of those who are “Machiavellian.” Micah also tells us that we are to be humble as we walk and talk our faith in the one true God. By following the teaching of Micah, we can do our part to thwart the efforts of those who pursue the Dark Triad.

- Curtis +