Christian Celebrities

“The April 20 episode of ‘American Idol’ will be a three-hour ‘Songs of Faith’ special, where all 20 contestants perform worship and gospel songs in primetime.” - CPost

“With the recent apostasy of Kanye West, the issue of celebrity Christians has once again surfaced. In addition to Kanye West’s high profile religious rise and fall, we might think of Russell Brand’s recent profession of faith.” - Cripplegate

Barna study: “While a majority of Americans have a positive view of Jesus, most, including Christians, also have a negative opinion of celebrity Christian culture, celebrity pastors, Evangelicals, megachurches and famous worship bands” - CPost

“That model of influence has a deep history in American culture…and understanding its impact on evangelicalism is the subject of Katelyn Beaty’s new book, Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church.” - Acton

On the Vanity Fair interview: “Among the revelations is Falwell’s admission that he’s not ‘a religious person.’ People think that “because of my last name … but I’m not. My goal was to make them realize I was not my dad.” - C.Leaders

Related:

“… both West and Osteen have been talking quite often recently, particularly since West has continued to profess his devotion to God.” - Christian Post

“… West’s very public conversion to Christianity, a Christianity that bears no resemblance to the vague spiritualism of Moral Therapeutic Deism that is often associated with celebrity conversions.” - National Review

“Many seemingly progressive churches seem so only because they are young. Their theology is actually fairly conservative, but it dresses up in leather leggings and cool hats.” - Vox