Michael Jackson is Alive ... Or so Some People Want People to Think

The Michael Jackson life-after-death machine has officially kicked off. Like Elvis, Tupac and other icons who died before their time, people have started saying that Jackson faked his death.

Though Michael Jackson died on June 25, and his death has since been ruled a homicide, videos like this one proving that MJ's death was a hoax have been popping up all over the Internet:

These videos claim that Jackson, faced with billion-dollar debts, decided to just drop out of sight for a while, leaving his family, friends and fans behind.

Conspiracy theories aside, people around the globe, from Spain to Dubai, have also reported seeing Michael Jackson.

Most recently, a video posted on LiveLeak.com purportedly shows the King of Pop jumping out of the same van in which his dead body was hauled away.

Though some people will immediately scoff at the "silliness" of these conspiracy theories and sightings, as a Christian, I understand why people would come up with such things: People need something in which to believe.

However, as G.K. Chesterton said, "When people stop believing in God, the problem is not that they will then believe in nothing, it's that they'll believe anything."

For a segment of the world's population, Michael Jackson is that "anything" of which Chesterton spoke.

I'm sure there are benefits for those who worship MJ--His music and legacy makes them feel alive; he represents the last vestige of goodness in an increasingly cruel world.

Since MJ was world-renowned, those devoted to him also have an opportunity to make fast-friends who share their devotion and love of the icon... sort of like being a member of a church.

Though faith in Michael Jackson sounds promising, the only problem with it is that it probably isn't what Michael would've wanted.

Michael Jackson knew that he was just a man. As such, I don't think he'd want his fans deifying him in death, as I also believe MJ knew that every talented celebrity owes his ability to God.

Michael's friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach reportedly said, "Our favorite stars might light up the crowd, but their glow is a mere reflection of a more infinite radiance."

If Michael's most devoted fans would put their energy into seeking after the source behind Michael's talent, instead of trying to lay the foundations of the Church of Michael Jackson, they'll have a greater treasure--God.