Lady Gaga’s new music video for her controversial song “Judas” premiered thursday night, although it was leaked online several hours earlier. The song has caused some commotion in religious circles as Gaga confesses her love for Judas – one of the biggest bad guys in history. But after watching the video, I was struck by the symbolism and religious truth embedded the five plus minute miniature musical film. While the song may just be about her returning to a past lover who betrayed her, there are many layers open for analysis.

I’ve always been oddly fascinated by Lady Gaga. I don’t love her music, and her lyrics can be quite objectionable – especially when I hear my nine-year-old brother sings “want your bad romance.” But behind her ridiculous outfits and glittery world of science fiction, sex, and showmanship, there is an artistic mind who not only has coaxed millions of dollars from fans, but isn’t afraid to deal with tough, cringe inducing subject matter. I feel like trying to understand any part of the culture in America today requires some exposure to Gaga. Each performance or video I’ve seen has always left me asking questions and trying to interpret.

But I never thought I’d see the gospel in one of her videos.

The Judas video starts with a gang of 12 bikers with names on their jackets that correspond to the names of the 12 disciples. Leading the group is obviously Jesus – complete with a crown of thorns. Riding on his bike is Gaga. While obviously with the Jesus biker, she looks back at one of his followers – Judas (played by one of the Boondock Saints no less). Maybe the church-going Christian in me was appalled to see someone like Gaga on the back of Jesus, but I guess the pharisees where pretty appalled by the company the real Jesus kept too.

But why would Jesus have a female companion? Despite what the History Channel may tell you, scholars have no evidence of romance in Jesus’ life. Although the scriptures clearly state that Jesus does have a bride – his Church. At my second viewing of the video I assumed Gaga represented the Church, or at very least any of his followers. Although if anyone dressed in as few clothes as Gaga entered my church at home, my poor grandmother would keel over in shock.

Apparently biker Jesus and his 12 have arrived in the city to perform what seems to be a show. The city is preparing for what is to come. Sound like Palm Sunday?

Through the all the video we see conflict between her connection with Jesus and Judas and in herself overall. In one scene where Gaga is obviously being proper, she pushes Judas down the stairs, but in other settings she is seemingly drawn to him. She taps Peter’s jacket as she talks about how a brick can build a house or sink a dead body. Gaga, creation – or, as seemingly implied with Peter, the Church can achieve positive and negative results. Conflict continues as groups in the street begin to fight. At first, Gaga stands next to Jesus. Then, she is in the arms of Judas.

Her conflict leads to a moment of choice. Gaga has a gun to Judas’ head. She can eliminate the evil part of her wants once and for all. But instead of killing Judas, lipstick comes from the barrel and she applies it to her favorite disciple, enabling him to kiss and betray Jesus. Her choice was clearly made. Here things get weird (or as per usual with Gaga – weirder.) The music stops and biker Jesus raises his hand. A series of shots come onscreen without music. Gaga is standing as an ocean wave encompasses her. She seems to be pouring water on Jesus’ feet. Could this be a symbol of forgiveness and baptism. Even in this moment of betrayal – Jesus offered grace. And he climbs the stage, presumably to his death.

“Jesus is my virtue, but Judas is the demon I cling to,” she sings. We see her mourn for Jesus and then, wearing all white, she is stoned by the crowd.

Though this is just one interpretation, I couldn’t help but find a serious spiritual truth embedded in such an interesting place. We are a creation that is conflicted. While the world may destroy us for what ever choices we make, God offers us grace – even when we choose the wrong things sometimes. It also confronts the frightening truth that we all have things in our life we cling to even when we know better. I don’t know what Gaga intended when she made this video, but I know I left it hoping that the people who so easily absorbed her lyrics about sex and paparazzi would take away something bigger from this one. I hope this makes them think about spiritual things. I hope they ask questions and I hope people can answer them.