Here are today’s dispatches from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

1. Trite shock. From NewsCore @ myFoxdetroit.com: The Catholic League on Monday slammed the organizers of the Grammy Awards for allowing Nicki Minaj’s act, in which she portrayed an exorcism laden with religious iconography and sexual imagery. The R&B singer failed to take home any awards at Sunday’s show but sparked plenty of controversy with her antics — starting with her appearance on the red carpet in a red hooded robe, on the arm of an elderly man dressed as the pope. During the ceremony, with a stained-glass background resembling a cathedral, the 29-year-old took to the stage to belt out her single “Roman Holiday,” featuring a cast of back-up dancers dressed as altar boys and Catholic monks.

Comment: It’s a pity that a program that began with LL Cool J’s sensitive prayer following the death of Whitney Houston was marred by this pathetically trite and laughable mess. While the producers of the award show showed highly-questionable taste in okaying Minaj’s spectacle, at least industry voters had the good sense to make the night’s big winner an artist who relies on her powerful voice (and not ridiculous theatrics) to entertain an audience.

Therefore, let’s focus our attention where it belongs. Take it away, Adele!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZSor5N5cqQ

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11