Katy Perry's musical career and the Christian faith she grew up with appear to be poles apart, but the bubbly pop star still tries to find a happy medium and continue balancing the two, albeit unsuccessfully.
She began her career singing church music, going by her real name Katy Hudson. However, she took an abrupt turn from her modest upbringing as she rose to stardom with the song "I Kissed A Girl," much to the displeasure of her minister parents Keith and Mary Hudson, according to The Daily Beast.
The song promotes homosexuality—something that most Christians cannot tolerate. But her parents are conflicted over their obedience to God and the love they have for their daughter.
"She is our daughter and we love her and can't cut her out of our lives. But we strongly disagree with how she is conducting herself and she knows how disappointed we are," Katy's mother Mary Hudson said. "The message she is promoting is about homosexuality, which the Bible clearly states is a sin. Some of her outfits are too revealing and her father has had words with her about it."
Despite everything her parents have taught her and are trying to teach her, Katy continues with her racy song lyrics and provocative costumes. She drew a lot of flak from the Christian community with her songs "Dark Horse" and "E.T."
However, Katy at times seems to be trying to incorporate the faith she grew up with into her career. Before performing at the Super Bowl just this year, she even quoted Psalm 118 on her Twitter account: "Today is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it."
During an earlier interview with Marie Claire magazine, the singer said she believes in God even though she refuses to be categorised in a specific religion.
"I'm not a Buddhist, I'm not a Hindu, I'm not a Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God," she said. "I pray all the time—for self-control, for humility. There's a lot of gratitude in it. Just saying 'thank you' sometimes is better than asking for things."
