Lady Gaga’s new “Born This Way” video has hit YouTube, and media outlets are commenting on the vid’s sci-fi influence, but this religious studies major sees a more spiritual side to it. Even the song’s name hints at creation, and the lyrics allude to a creator or god (“Capital H-i-m”). But instead of a male god figure, Gaga is portrayed as a god—a Mother Earth deity, I’d say—from which all humanity, both good and evil, spawns. The video graphically depicts a birth scene, FYI. Get ready to gag.

The birth-of-evil element of the video reminds me of some of the Native American trickster tales I’d studied in undergrad. The trickster, while being mischievous and deceitful, is seen as a necessity in the world’s creation.

Before Lady Gaga starts busting serious moves, she talks about the necessity of evil for protecting all that is good. It’s an interesting concept, and one that is echoed in creation stories throughout history. Even modern Catholic teaching supports the “greater good,” which essentially means having to do “evil” in order to do the most good (i.e., stealing bread to nourish a hungry family, even though stealing is a sin as outlined in the commandments).

Watch the music video. Let us know what you think.