It's impossible to get anywhere near the news today without hearing about the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Idolised and hated with equal vigour, he was one of the most controversial celebrities of our times.
Listening to conversations and reading comments on various websites, I have seen reactions of such extremes that it's difficult to equate them with the same person. On one hand there are the worshippers, some of whom are reacting more as if a close family member has died than a celebrity they never met. Then there are the haters - those who recall his rather bizarre behaviour that led to the nickname "Wacko Jacko" and the accusations of child molestation which, although dismissed by the courts, we were never allowed to forget.
So what can we learn from the life and untimely death of Michael Jackson? His early years, family life and the enormous pressure he was put under during his formative years would have broken far stronger men - let alone a vulnerable boy who consequently never really grew up. In fact, with all that pressure, it is any surprise that he became reclusive and eccentric?
Although he was responsible for his behaviour and, like each of us, will have to give an account for his life to God, he was also the victim of a celebrity-crazed society that contrived to deprive him of his childhood and any chance of a normal life. His life and early demise should serve as a warning to our culture - fame, intrusive media coverage and the worship of mortal men has its price. Sadly, Michael Jackson has paid that price in full.
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