Symbols of Christianity in The World of Country Music
One of the ways that we can see symbols of Christianity in the country music industry is through pieces being worn on the artists themselves. Numerous country music artists are seen wearing crosses or other religious symbols of their faith and christianity. Aside from lyrics, there are music videos and promotional products and fashion as well as things such as tattoos that often include symbols such as crosses, churches, worship scenes, or other images that could be associated with christian faith.
First Image: "Queen of Country" Reba McEntire, seen wearing multiple crosses and what seems to be a rosary.
Second Image: Country music star Miranda Lambert, seen wearing numerous cross necklaces and what looks to be different styles of rosaries.
Third Image: Male country music star Tim McGraw, seen displaying his tattoo which is the "ichthys symbol" aka the "Jesus Fish".
Fourth Image: Carrie Underwood, seen wearing oversized cross earrings.
Biblical references of the cross
John 19:17 "carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull. There they crucified him..."
Mark 8:34 "...Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness."
Dolly Parton and Christian Symbolism
Another major example of christian symbolism and the country music world is the very popular Dollywood, which is country music star Dolly Parton's theme park. Although it is meant to be a fun family theme park there are numerous nods to christianity and Dolly's faith throughout the park.
The park is located in the "Bible Belt" a series of states that geographically are recognized as having a higher concentration and connection with christianity. The park includes a chapel, multiple symbols of faith and christianity, and items for purchase that also include religious symbolism.
Dollywood
"I knew that Dollywood paid tribute to her Christian upbringing with attractions like gospel music performances, but I was surprised to find souvenirs such as cross necklaces, Jesus iconography, and shirts with Christian nationalist messages for sale." (Fitzgerald, 2022).
Dolly Parton, has always been open about how her Christian faith and upbringing have shaped her music and personal life. Her songs frequently reflect themes of love, hope, faith, and redemption, often drawing from her experiences growing up in rural Tennessee, where church and family played pivotal roles in daily life.
At Dollywood, themes of christianity and her faith are displayed through live performances, gospel music events, and products that highlight the spiritual and familial values that are clearly so important to her life and faith. For many country music artists, faith is a major influence on their music but also a crucial part of who they are. The connection between country music and christianity influences the way people like Dolly Parton live their lives and portray themselves to fans and the general public. Dollywood is a prime display of how country music artists maintain their relationship with religion and family values that shaped their careers.