A unifying theme of my work has been to issue this challenge to youth workers: Always, always, always endeavor to think biblically, theologically and deeply about everything in life. Then, teach your kids to do the same.

The everything of life that we are called to filter these ways includes the world of pop culture.

It's been several months since singer Amy Winehouse's Wikipedia entry went from beginning with "Amy Jade Winehouse is…" to "Amy Jade Winehouse was…" When the singer died on July 23, she became the latest member in a club of troubled musicians who died at the young age of 27, including Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones and Kurt Cobain.

Debate continues over the roles substance abuse and depression may have played in her death; but no matter how you look at it, the Winehouse story is a sad one. I find it equally if not more disturbing that many Christians who viewed Winehouse as a bad seed and negative influence either were unmoved by her death and its significance or were relieved she was gone.

Sadly, that same response was mustered by the deaths of other members of the 27 Club. Not only do those responses lack compassion, but they mean we aren't taking the time to think biblically, theologically and deeply about everything, including the significance of Winehouse's life and death.

Seeking Deeper Understanding

Winehouse was an extremely talented and terribly tortured singer who first took the musical world by storm 17 years after Nirvana captured the pain of a generation with "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

By default, Winehouse assumed the role of  Kurt Cobain by putting to music what far too many children, teens and young adults are experiencing and feeling. That's precisely why she deserved and still deserves our attention. Her music, message and persona serve as a map for the emerging generations and a mirror of today's youth culture.

But why? What is it about Winehouse that fostered her meteoric rise to popularity; and is there anything she can teach us about the realities, cares and concerns of young people growing up and moving into adulthood in these rapidly changing and unique times?

These are important questions we should ask of every pop culture phenom…and our answers should be shaped by deep biblical and theological thought.

Comfortable in front of cameras or a crowd, Winehouse was increasingly uncomfortable with herself as she fought the demons of her own existence…something that only got worse in time. Not even becoming the first British singer (male or female) and female singer (from anywhere!) to win five Grammys in one night helped.

When Winehouse was reaching the pinnacle musically, her life was hitting rock-bottom. Self-described as a reckless person, her self-destructive lifestyle of drug and alcohol addiction was taking a serious toll. In addition, Winehouse admittedly struggled with self-injury, depression and eating disorders.