Christian celebrity

… You Will Not Stand at All

Frank

I posted recently about Jim Caviezel standing firm in his convictions regarding abortion despite the risk to his career. Of course, standing firm in one’s faith is more than a stance on a disputable political issue (though his objections aren’t politically motivated, there are Christians on both sides of the “right and available” debate). And I admire those who are consistent in applying their convictions even if I don’t agree with them, such as Ted Olson and LeRoy Carhart. I admire and respect them because holding on to their convictions carry risks to their careers, their relationships, and in the case of Carhart, their lives. It would be no surprise then to hear about someone being fired from their job because they would not waver from their convictions.

But I have no respect for those who cherry pick their convictions for personal gain or notoriety. Of course I’m talking about Carrie Prejean. I’ve mentioned this before, but now that she’s filed a lawsuit for “unlawful termination” I’m appalled. I would defend her if her “faith” was demonstrated in anything more than her views on gay-marriage. This is a woman who underwent cosmetic surgery for the sake of a vain competition, who flaunted her newfound fame in the wake of her honestly expressing her opinion. Sure, she attends a large evangelical church in San Diego. Good for her. But that’s not why she was stripped of her crown. Like I said, I would expect to hear about someone being fired on the basis of their convictions. Say the dividing issue was gay-marriage. Was she stripped because she wouldn’t bless or officiate over one? Obviously that’s not in her job description, so her opinion had no bearing on the expectations of her role. I would be more sympathetic if that were the case, but being fired for having an unpopular opinion, while wrong, does not equal discrimination.

It could be argued she is standing firm in her convictions. Fine, then denounce the pageant and all it represents with the objectification and subjugation of women. Speak out on any other faith-based (not politics-based) issue. Stop trying to sell yourself and your book. Stop seeking fame, and be humble.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9b)

… You Will Not Stand at All

Frank

I posted recently about Jim Caviezel standing firm in his convictions regarding abortion despite the risk to his career. Of course, standing firm in one’s faith is more than a stance on a disputable political issue (though his objections aren’t politically motivated, there are Christians on both sides of the “right and available” debate). And I admire those who are consistent in applying their convictions even if I don’t agree with them, such as Ted Olson and LeRoy Carhart. I admire and respect them because holding on to their convictions carry risks to their careers, their relationships, and in the case of Carhart, their lives. It would be no surprise then to hear about someone being fired from their job because they would not waver from their convictions.

But I have no respect for those who cherry pick their convictions for personal gain or notoriety. Of course I’m talking about Carrie Prejean. I’ve mentioned this before, but now that she’s filed a lawsuit for “unlawful termination” I’m appalled. I would defend her if her “faith” was demonstrated in anything more than her views on gay-marriage. This is a woman who underwent cosmetic surgery for the sake of a vain competition, who flaunted her newfound fame in the wake of her honestly expressing her opinion. Sure, she attends a large evangelical church in San Diego. Good for her. But that’s not why she was stripped of her crown. Like I said, I would expect to hear about someone being fired on the basis of their convictions. Say the dividing issue was gay-marriage. Was she stripped because she wouldn’t bless or officiate over one? Obviously that’s not in her job description, so her opinion had no bearing on the expectations of her role. I would be more sympathetic if that were the case, but being fired for having an unpopular opinion, while wrong, does not equal discrimination.

It could be argued she is standing firm in her convictions. Fine, then denounce the pageant and all it represents with the objectification and subjugation of women. Speak out on any other faith-based (not politics-based) issue. Stop trying to sell yourself and your book. Stop seeking fame, and be humble.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9b)

Stand Firm

Frank

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

There was an interview last week with former Jesus, Jim Caviezel regarding his views on abortion. Personally, I don’t keep track of who believes what in Hollywood because it’s a pretty safe assumption where most’s politics lie. So this interview surprised me, especially because so many tried to dig deep into his convictions when he portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, but to no avail. He continued on in his career with a quiet humility, never lording over anyone with a holier-than-thou attitude.

I’m most impressed with his desire to speak out regardless of the consequences. Consider these quotes: “I don’t love my career that much to say, ‘I’m going to remain silent on this’.” And, “when you go to church on Sunday, it’s absolutely worthless unless you apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life.” Even more remarkable is that he puts his convictions to action by adopting a special needs child from China.

I do hope his convictions do not hurt his career. But have you seen Patricia Heaton in anything lately other than on the Hallmark Channel? It’s no question conservatives are a minority in Hollywood, likely more so conservative Christians. But it is possible to make a career with challenging ideologies. Consider Andrew Niccol, writer and director of one of my favorite movies, Gattaca. He doesn’t have a long resume, but he hasn’t necessarily been a flop either. If you’re on the fence regarding abortion, watch this movie and then watch the special features with interviews with Niccol. Gattaca is one of my favorite movies without the political subtext, though the sanctity of life drives the overall plot.

What does the future hold for Mr. Caviezel? God only knows. But I hope he knows that he’s not alone. I’m going to do a run of featurettes on some likely and unlikely defenders of the faith who aren’t willing to hide their convictions for the sake of their paycheck. Stay tuned.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27ff)

Stand Firm

Frank

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

There was an interview last week with former Jesus, Jim Caviezel regarding his views on abortion. Personally, I don’t keep track of who believes what in Hollywood because it’s a pretty safe assumption where most’s politics lie. So this interview surprised me, especially because so many tried to dig deep into his convictions when he portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, but to no avail. He continued on in his career with a quiet humility, never lording over anyone with a holier-than-thou attitude.

I’m most impressed with his desire to speak out regardless of the consequences. Consider these quotes: “I don’t love my career that much to say, ‘I’m going to remain silent on this’.” And, “when you go to church on Sunday, it’s absolutely worthless unless you apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life.” Even more remarkable is that he puts his convictions to action by adopting a special needs child from China.

I do hope his convictions do not hurt his career. But have you seen Patricia Heaton in anything lately other than on the Hallmark Channel? It’s no question conservatives are a minority in Hollywood, likely more so conservative Christians. But it is possible to make a career with challenging ideologies. Consider Andrew Niccol, writer and director of one of my favorite movies, Gattaca. He doesn’t have a long resume, but he hasn’t necessarily been a flop either. If you’re on the fence regarding abortion, watch this movie and then watch the special features with interviews with Niccol. Gattaca is one of my favorite movies without the political subtext, though the sanctity of life drives the overall plot.

What does the future hold for Mr. Caviezel? God only knows. But I hope he knows that he’s not alone. I’m going to do a run of featurettes on some likely and unlikely defenders of the faith who aren’t willing to hide their convictions for the sake of their paycheck. Stay tuned.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27ff)

Don’t Buy This Book!

Frank

I bet you’d never expect reading that on a blog by an aspiring author. But there are many of us who have no celebrity, no following outside of local (congregation) and virtual (facebook/twitter/blogs) support, who feel a calling from God to use our talents for His glory. Some of us want to write fiction, some inspirational Christian living, and others want to share personal experience to build up and encourage the Body of Christ.

But then there are those who have celebrity, who are the headline of the week, who cash that in to market themselves under the veil of christianity (intentional little ‘c’). For example just a month ago Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin was one of the books of the month at Family Christian. Now, they’re embroiled in scandal with rumors of infidelity, questions about the sincerity of their parenthood, and the authenticity of their television show. They cashed in on their celebrity and sadly, their children. (More of what I think about that last subject here) And predictably, the christian consumer buys it hook, line, and sinker.

Now former Miss California Carrie Prejean is looking to cash in as well. The current poster-child of christian persecution wants to write a book about her experiences as Miss California. She wants people to “know the truth about what’s going on and what has gone on through all of this.” What truth would that be? The breast implants? The lingerie modeling? The throwing your sister under the bus? The sudden embracing of Jesus once the cameras stopped rolling and the controversy began?

Please, please, please I beg you do not buy this book! Instead of reading a book that’s no better than tabloid gossip, pick up something that will edify your soul and draw you closer to Christ. I’ll be back later with recommendations…

Don’t Buy This Book!

Frank

I bet you’d never expect reading that on a blog by an aspiring author. But there are many of us who have no celebrity, no following outside of local (congregation) and virtual (facebook/twitter/blogs) support, who feel a calling from God to use our talents for His glory. Some of us want to write fiction, some inspirational Christian living, and others want to share personal experience to build up and encourage the Body of Christ.

But then there are those who have celebrity, who are the headline of the week, who cash that in to market themselves under the veil of christianity (intentional little ‘c’). For example just a month ago Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin was one of the books of the month at Family Christian. Now, they’re embroiled in scandal with rumors of infidelity, questions about the sincerity of their parenthood, and the authenticity of their television show. They cashed in on their celebrity and sadly, their children. (More of what I think about that last subject here) And predictably, the christian consumer buys it hook, line, and sinker.

Now former Miss California Carrie Prejean is looking to cash in as well. The current poster-child of christian persecution wants to write a book about her experiences as Miss California. She wants people to “know the truth about what’s going on and what has gone on through all of this.” What truth would that be? The breast implants? The lingerie modeling? The throwing your sister under the bus? The sudden embracing of Jesus once the cameras stopped rolling and the controversy began?

Please, please, please I beg you do not buy this book! Instead of reading a book that’s no better than tabloid gossip, pick up something that will edify your soul and draw you closer to Christ. I’ll be back later with recommendations…

And Now for Something Completely Different

Frank

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” (John 5:8-10)

From the helps in my Life Application Bible regarding the Jewish leaders: “They threw the miracle aside as they focused their attention on the broken rule, because the rule was more important to them than the miracle.”

A couple of headlines that have caught my attention:

“Teen suspended for going to girlfriend’s prom” because he attends a Baptist school and they forbid dancing. Sadly, “suspended” includes being prohibited from attending his own graduation. I guess the plus side is his instant celebrity. “Frost didn’t go to school Monday. Instead, he and his girlfriend are heading to New York for a Tuesday morning TV interview.” Priorities, you know.

The other, “Celebrity priest backs celibacy but may marry“. I guess this popular priest, dubbed “Father Oprah” was spotted by a tabloid getting too touchy-feely with a woman on a Miami beach. According to Father Alberto Cutie (ironic last name, no?) he’s been “romantically involved” with this woman for two years. Oh, he said that on the CBS “Early Show”.

Oh, to be a Christian celebrity.

I don’t want to throw either of these under the bus. But I do want to point out how their respective denominations care more about the rule than the miracle, so to speak. Biblically, based on what’s publicly known anyway, neither has done anything wrong, but are being disciplined by human institutions based on long-held traditions.

Jesus said, “Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.‘” (Matthew 15:6b-9, referencing Isaiah 29:13)

And Now for Something Completely Different

Frank

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” (John 5:8-10)

From the helps in my Life Application Bible regarding the Jewish leaders: “They threw the miracle aside as they focused their attention on the broken rule, because the rule was more important to them than the miracle.”

A couple of headlines that have caught my attention:

“Teen suspended for going to girlfriend’s prom” because he attends a Baptist school and they forbid dancing. Sadly, “suspended” includes being prohibited from attending his own graduation. I guess the plus side is his instant celebrity. “Frost didn’t go to school Monday. Instead, he and his girlfriend are heading to New York for a Tuesday morning TV interview.” Priorities, you know.

The other, “Celebrity priest backs celibacy but may marry“. I guess this popular priest, dubbed “Father Oprah” was spotted by a tabloid getting too touchy-feely with a woman on a Miami beach. According to Father Alberto Cutie (ironic last name, no?) he’s been “romantically involved” with this woman for two years. Oh, he said that on the CBS “Early Show”.

Oh, to be a Christian celebrity.

I don’t want to throw either of these under the bus. But I do want to point out how their respective denominations care more about the rule than the miracle, so to speak. Biblically, based on what’s publicly known anyway, neither has done anything wrong, but are being disciplined by human institutions based on long-held traditions.

Jesus said, “Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.‘” (Matthew 15:6b-9, referencing Isaiah 29:13)