Fifty years after her original rise to stardom, Dolly Parton has released her highest-charting album and is more beloved than ever before. Initially known for her songwriting skills and beauty, Parton has entered her golden years as a “secular American saint.”
In a world where division is the default, she collects fans of every political stripe, refusing to denigrate anyone, and regularly proclaims, “I love everybody,” when asked how she does it.
This response is usually seen as a nod toward the LGBT alliance during interviews with media folks forever fixated on this particular group.
Like other universally adored figures such as “The Rock” and the late Betty White, Parton is a beloved icon who generally steers clear of controversy. She would never, for example, speak negatively of those who disagree with her on LBGT acceptance.
All of that neutrality might be fine, if she didn’t consistently pivot to her faith as the reason for the “love is love” talking points.
When asked about her diverse community of fans, Parton always mentions Christianity, saying she does her best “not to judge” and only “to love” for that reason.
But Parton’s version of love, which includes condoning immoral sexual behavior (“be who you are,” she’s said), is unaligned with God’s vision for humanity. Like so many secularized spiritual leaders, Parton equates love with agreement, but the two are not reciprocal. Love doesn’t mean we must accept sinfulness as good to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
It’s a reminder to be careful when
