First Michael was not a muslim and never claimed to be. His brother Jermaine is and he hired the Nation of Islam to do his security during his trial. Second, Andrae Crouch (not related to Paul Crouch) who is a popular Gospel artist and wrote music for Michael said that weeks before Michael died, while in LA, that he and his wife prayed with him and he received Jesus. The Jackson family was raised JW which is indeed contrary to sound doctrine. But, I believe the testimony of Pastor Crouch over anyone who wont consider that he may have been saved before pointing the "conservative finger" and judging the dead man.

I didn't see any judgment in that article about going to either heaven or hell. Only God knows Mr. Jackson's heart. We can see from outward signs though that he was not happy in this life. There is nothing further that can be done for him. Let us instead pray for those precious children and his family to have some peace.

So you believe Michael Jackson is in Hell? I don't.
Michael wrote his OWN lyrics to a folksong in 1988. That folksong is "Im a Poor Wayfaring Stranger"[author unknown]
Here are Michael's OWN LYRICS to that song [under the title "Neverland Landing" from 1988]. This song was NEVER RELEASED to the public. Why not?

I’ll soon be free
Of every trial
My body rest
In the old grave yard

I’ll drop my cross
of self denial
And enter on
my great reward

I'm goin There
to meet my Father
I’m going there
No more to roam.

I'm only goin over Jordan
I'm only goin over home

I want to wear
a crown of glory
When I get home
to that good land

I want to shout
Salvation's story
In concert with
the bloodwashed band

I'm going there
to meet my Saviour
Sing His praise
forever more

I'm only goin over Jordan
I'm only goin over home

[LOST? I think not.]
Don't believe me? Listen for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnxH7s_SL-I
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkpXaYr3jkE&feature=related
GBU

I have a few comments to make.

Great article. Short, simple, true. Regarding him giving money to charity, i mean by all human standards, and moral standards, thats awesome. Go jackson. But according to God's standards, "you can give away all your possessions and without love", its pointless. And that love is Christ. A single passion for the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. That is love, and without it, God's wrath is still on you !

The 3rd person to post, said that "you shouldnt judge" blah blah. Thats not true ! God said use your brain basically, if your going to judge, make sure its judgement thru truth, not a false mankind standard, but thru MY LAW and MY CHRIST you will judge(aka the gospel)-- (not direct quote but basically thats what i understand God to say)--

Michael jackson was a professing follower of islam. He worshiped allah. If that was his heart, i know he wont be in Christ's heaven. The only Lord who rules in my heaven is King Jesus.
In love,In Christ.

I think Michael Jackson said it best...

"before you judge me, try hard to love me"

I believe Mr. Jackson is in heaven and if I am wrong then there is no hope of salvation for me, for ALL of us are saved by the Grace of Jesus!

I see judgment so readily from those who say they are saved by Grace..does Grace only apply to you alone. If you condemn to hell others remember you are setting a standard of your own judgment! My God is an awesome God full of Mercy and Grace slow to anger and not willing that any should perish! His wrath is for a moment but His mercy endures FOREVER!!!

To say the world has lost a legend would be to greatly understate the impact of Michael Jackson. I remember as a young black kid growing up in the late '70's and early '80's and the efforts I made to be "like Mike". The singing, the dance moves, the style. But let's not confuse fact with fiction. Michael Jackson was an entertainer to the people of this world. He was "idolized" by millions of adoring fans worldwide. His desire was for equality and peace for all, as was reflected in his charity. However, charity does not lead to eternal life. The gospels are very clear about being born again and taking up the cross of Christ daily. Michael Jackson was a lot of things, but a man of God who was committed to serving Him as his Lord and Savior was not one of them. Let us remember Michael for who he really was and not try suggest that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior simply because we don't want to fall into "this world's" standards derived by fractured scripture references.

Two things that I saw and heard that I didn't know about MJ. His daughter loved him and called him a great dad. That doesn't happen unless there is compassion and love exhibited. And he set the Guinness Book of Records for charitable contributions by a pop star. Albeit not necessarily Christian organizations but it shows a giving heart. Only God knows the heart and my hope is that MJ is in heaven because unlike so many celebrities who are arrogant and selfish, he seems to be a decent person in spite of his great fame.

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ..not effects of child abuse, drug use, false accusations, or the unimaginalbe pressures of living an entire life in full view of the world..NOTHING! While I do not defend the drug use, I refuse to judge one in whose shoes I have not traveled. Yes, there are lessons to be learned from MJ's life, but all are not "TRAGIC". We can learn gentleness of spirit, child like hope, and a true love for mankind. This was all demo'd by the pouring out of himself..God given talent, music, money and love in the hope of making this world a better place! AND>>encouraged us through his music to love one another! I believe that the "king of pop" met the "KING OF KINGS" on June 25,2009 and that when I get to heaven.."He'll be there!" Tragedy comes when "we" set imperfect man up to be something only Jesus can be. There are dire consequences for the man and us. This is what we need to teach our kids. Hear MJ"s heart on Utube.innocent yesterday, now and forever

One previous commenter above mentioned the cliche "Only God can judge". Please, if you are going to quote the Bible, which I believe you are refering to Matthew 7:1, please make sure you understand what you are quoting and do it in context. If you read further it states that "first remove the plank from your own eye, an then you willl see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye". We are called as Christians to make judgements about other people, as long as we are willing to be judged by the same standard. Look at all the biblical writers that made judgements in the New Testament: Paul, Peter, James, and John. These guys made lots of judgements. As far as Michael Jackson is concerned, I don't know the state of his soul as to his relationship to Jesus Christ, but it looks like he had his hope in something else other than Christ. I liked his music too, but let's face it, Jesus Christ is worthy of worship, not Michael Jackson.

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson's music. When I heard he died, it was like I lost a part of my childhood. He danced for us until he wore his joints out. He sang to us until he wore out his soul. He was a giving and kind person. As far as the allogations of child abuse, I am torn on that. He was abused by his father from what I can tell by the media and the Jackson movie and he used his talent to release how he felt about his abuse. He wrote songs about looking in the mirror and change the world, and you are not alone, and it doesn't matter if you're black or white etc. All this talent and abuse led him to drug abuse and someone had to have seen this. As far as the funeral, overboard. He was just a man. When are people gonna start dancing, shouting and celebrating for the real King. Jesus Christ. Michael was an entertainer, not God.

As stated in the article, I believe we will never see what the full potential of Micheal Jackson could have been. He spent alot of time hiding his children from the media, now the media is exploting the emotions of them. Some of his family is the same way, such as Jermaine taking front stage with interviews ect... Michael Jackson spent alot of his time getting away from his money hungry part of his family, that should be respected. Also, 2 so called pastors argueing about who should do the service, which one of them made sure the Micheal was born again and was baptized? I pray for his children who are the ones truely grieving the loss of their father.

I read your article as well as that of Andrew Sullivan. Before you write about someone you need to do your research Michael was alot of great things despite the fact of what you may think of him on a personal level.Try googling him to find out about the wonderful charitable things he has done.We mourn for Mike for much more than his music and videos. As you stated and I'm sure the readers can tell you don't know anything about Michael Jackson.

We wonder now why Michael was unhappy,tortured,afraid and alone because of people like you an Andrew Sullivan opinions
about a person that you don't even know about you guys or on the outside looking in. You have no idea what Micheal Jackson life was really about.Elvis death was mourned in the same way.Remember only God can judge.