Elvis Religion

Religion All Shook Up People invision Elvis as many things; musician, rock idol, and sex symbol. There is another facet to Elvis some may not grasp. This facet is the idea that Elvis is another type of faith or religion to his fans. Erika Doss in her book “Elvis Culture Fans, Faith, and Image” explained this strange aspect of Elvis culture from her point of view. Now Elvis as a religion, that may be a big jump even for Elvis Presley, even if he is said to be the King of rock-n-roll. Doss explores this idea with detailed insight. Through immersing herself into the world that is Elvis, she captures what might be a cult, however, to some is a belief that is a strong as any other doctrine. Doss validates her ideas via interviews and
These admirers, to put it lightly, have created a myriad of shrines or altars to their Mr. Presley. The altars range from the small to engulfing whole rooms. One interviewee who has one such shrine, feels blessed to have a closeness to Elvis. She is almost in awe of living in Memphis so close to him. She tells Doss, “There is a distance between humans and God. That is why we are close to Elvis” (Doss, 70). She feels that the King is the bridge to God. This is akin to what Jesus is to Christians. Evidence of religious factors are seen also by fans in Elvis’ life story. His rags to riches tale, then his untimely death. If this descriptive given by much of his admirers doesn’t echo Jesus’ life and death, I don’t know what does. Ted Harrison, a religious affairs person, responds to the devotion and continued reference of Elvis as “nothing less than a religion in embryo” (Doss, 73). A few observers see this as successful selling of the Elvis image. For those Doss spoke to, they adamantly dismiss their Elvis homage as a religion. Quite a few of his fans can even get vehemently angered by the comparison of the love they have for the entertainer, to Jesus. Such a passion for one man truly could be disguised as a faith, a