'Hypnotised by that gyrating god'

What does Tom Jones have in common with John Coltrane and Elvis Presley?

It seems that the Welsh pop star now has his own church. Well, (also like the other two), he didn't actually start his own religion or anything, but there is a church dedicated to him. On account of his "soulful, spiritual, and supernatural voice."

Yep.

I don't make this stuff up, you know. I read it on the BBC news site.

It seems that one Pastor Jack Stahl out of Sacramento, CA, has dedicated his church to Mr. Jones, using his music in baptisms, marriages, funerals, and -- no lie -- exorcisms.

Pastor Jack, 43, who dresses up as Tom Jones during services, has been fascinated by the singer since he saw the show "This is Tom Jones" in 1969. Apparently the six-year-old was "hypnotised by that gyrating god and it was almost as if angels had surrounded me."

I guess it's not so much about the lyrics, but rather the guy's voice which Pastor Jack finds so inspirational. "So it just made sense that years later when I started my own ministry that I would incorporate the angelic voice of Tom Jones in it," he said. He does not, however, encourage female congregants to throw their undergarments at him.

When asked to comment, Mr. Jones noted that "It's weird, but a positive thing [...] He saw the light through me, so it works."

You've gotta check this out: it's a super-spectacular 1985 performance of "War." Big production number. At about 28 seconds in, there's this set change, and choreography, and fog, and shiny costumes and oh my god. Plus explosions!

"Life is much too short to spend fighting wars each day
War cannot give life, only take it away
[...]
Peace, love & understanding
Tell me, is there no place for them today?"

Funny you should ask.