Sanctified Stages: Kendrick Lamar, Black Church Symbolism, and Public Theology at Super Bowl LIX.

This article analyzes Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance as an act of public theology that re-inscribes Black Church liturgical aesthetics and the prophetic tradition into a commercial cultural event. Drawing on elements such as gospel harmonies, processional choreography, and sacred symbolism, Lamar transformed the halftime show into a ritualized space of confrontation with systemic injustice and communal resilience, positioning himself as a cultural and public theologian. The performance also foregrounded the role of Black women artists and incorporated contemporary popular culture symbols to bridge sacred meaning with mass media. While the show’s rich theological symbolism resonated deeply with audiences familiar with Black Church traditions, its layered and ambiguous imagery presented interpretive challenges for broader viewers, illustrating tensions between prophetic authenticity and accessibility in public theology.