September 9, 2010

Dear Sir,

I am baffled by the decision of Church authorities in England and Wales to have a rap song serve as the "Youth Anthem" during the papal visit to the UK this month.

Pope Benedict XVI has previously described pop music as the cult of the banal." He has also stated that rock music "is a form of worship...in opposition to Christian worship."

Rap music has a beat with a downward deflection that is condescending in nature. It contains essential rhythmic elements of bragging (braggadocio), ritualized insult and toasting oneself. Rap was largely influenced by Rock 'n Roll (slang for sex) and has developed into trends of violence and gratuitous sex. Putting Christian lyrics to such profane music does not make that music "Christian". Plain and simply this is inculturation gone haywire.

PAUL KOKOSKI

Hamilton, Ontario