It has become a common occurrence in today's pop culture for artists to use religious symbols and imagery that hold sentiment to make an impression. For as long as music videos have been around, there have always been artists showcasing various Christian images in their videos and performances, even though the messages contained in their lyrics and videos are overtly anti-Christian.

Why has Christian imagery become so popular in non-Christian forms of art? Let's take a look at some of the artists who thought it was a good idea.

Jennifer Lopez - I Luh Ya Papi

Jennifer Lopez's new video for "I Luh Ya Papi" was released just hours ago and has already ranked hundreds of thousands of views. The video is supposed to be a ploy to turn the tables on hip hop video stereotypes by making her a domineering female surrounding by half naked men dancing around her - as opposed to the norm, whereby male hip hop or rap stars are surrounded by half naked women.

JLo's video is filled with sexual connotations. Throughout it, 44-year-old Lopez is seen dancing with her backup dancers wearing a t-shirt that says the word "Blessed." By definition the word blessed means, "Having a sacred nature or connected with God." In this instance it is very possible that the word used mostly to honor God in worship is describing what she sees herself as.

Trey Songz - Na Na

R&B singer Trey Songz also recently released a new video for his song "Na Na." Similar to Lopez, his video is loaded with lust and passion, but towards several barely dressed women. The singer opens up his video with an announcement of his new album. At that point we see a number of different symbols flash up on the screen in the shape of a T - one of which is a cross with Jesus on it, otherwise known as a crucifix. 

David Bowe - The Next Day

David Bowie, making one of the most successful and celebrated comebacks to music in years, released a video for his single "The Next Day." It was filled with religious imagery.

Bowie's return came under scrutiny, turning various aspects of Catholicism into an expression of excess.

Lady Gaga - Alejandro

Most now know Lady Gaga as an artist willing to promote anything that will give shock value, but it was in the Steven Klein directed video for "Alejandro" that many believed she went too far.

The video featured near-to-naked guys and several scenes featuring strong sexual content - Catholicism is also featured strongly as a major theme. Many critics disapproved. One media critic even stated, "Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke."

Her work was labeled sacrilegious and MTV refused to play the video - although interestingly it still featured the video on its sister stations.

Jay-Z - On to the Next One

Hugely popular Hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z has created a rep for his non-Christian-friendly lyrics. So when the rapper featured a cross bearing the image of Jesus in his "On to the Next One" video along with a ton of creepy images, many wondered what his intent was behind it.

The video does not contain a deep storyline and the lyrics are essentially similar to those featured on many of the rapper's other songs - Jay-Z bragging about his status. Many on social media immediately pegged it as having occult meanings and ties to the illuminati.

Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight

Another mega-star, Christina Aguilera, followed suit on her video for "Not Myself Tonight."

The music video featured a sadomasochism theme, with Aguilera sporting different bondage-inspired looks. The singer thought it fitting to feature her steamiest scene inside of a church with a picture of Jesus on a stained glass window behind her and her scantily-clad dancers.

Paying tribute to Madonna's music videos for "Like a Prayer," the video received mixed reviews from critics; many calling it unoriginal.

Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box

Going a bit further back, Nirvana's video for "Heart Shaped Box" also contained images with Christian themes. An old man is seen wearing a Santa hat, climbing onto a cross to be crucified throughout the video.

Madonna - Like a Prayer

Lastly, Madonna has been very deliberate in the past with sending a message to the church by using religious imagery. Her video for 1989's hit single "Like A Prayer" was condemned by the Vatican for its disrespectful scenes in the church. Products that sponsored Madonna were boycotted until they terminated their contracts with her.

Madonna was not put off at all though and has maintained her methods to promote herself and her music. She later chose to make a statement again, emerging out of the stage on a mirrored cross, singing her song "Live To Tell" while wearing a crown of thorns during her Confessions Tour. (View image at the top of article)

The Vatican once again condemned her activity, as did many Jews and Muslims because it was seen as an act of hostility towards the church. She was even threatened with a lawsuit by German Protestants.

Do you think religious themes and symbols should be used for non-religious art? Leave your comments in the comment section below.