Jul/Aug 2001

Media Source

Rumors of Faith

Celebrities who profess Christ will stumble just as we all do. How should we respond?

A commentary by Bob Liparulo

Consider for a moment the case of Jane Fonda's reported conversion to Christianity. It made the headlines in the summer of 2000. A few months later she made huge donations to pro-abortion organizations.

Shortly after that she filed for divorce from her husband Ted Turner--simply because, she said, they'd "grown apart." Then she starred in and financially backed The Vagina Monologues--an immodest, some say outright immoral, off-Broadway play.

It could be her contradictory behavior reflects an internal struggle between her lifelong liberalism and her newfound faith. After all, everybody, Christians included, see through a glass darkly until we shed this mortal coil.

But doesn't her position in the limelight give her a greater responsibility to accurately portray the tenants of the faith she is professing? Doesn't her dichotomy bolster claims that Christian morality is open to interpretation?

Many other professed Christian celebrities sometimes behave counter to the way we'd like them to, some to greater or lesser extents than others.

John Grisham, who thrilled believers with a story of born-again conversion in The Testament, has often depicted unchristian behavior as normal and good (as he did in The Pelican Brief, in which the likeable main character lives, unmarried, with her boyfriend).

The rock group U2's front man Bono, a longtime believer who wrote an introduction to the Psalms that showed a deep understanding of God's Word, succumbs, famously, to fits of public profanity.

John Fornof, a writer with Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey, believes celebrities do have a responsibility to live up to their faith--"as we all do," he says. "But famous people are role models, for better or worse.

"Their actions are magnified in the world's eyes, so when they do bad things, people have a tendency to say, 'Hmm...that's what it means to be a Christian? That's what they believe? That's how they behave?'"

Ouch.

So when faith-professing celebs misbehave, how should Christians respond? What we shouldn't do is ignore it.

Do you want your children to learn the way Christians talk from Bono, or how to dress from Britney Spears (who is, she says, a believer)?

Tell them--and anyone else who wonders--that sin, regardless of who is committing it, is awful and disgusting and a violation of God's will. Some culture-savvy believers even write to the celebrities, encouraging their faith while condemning their offenses.

Slam the sin, but be careful about questioning the sinner's salvation: "I heard so-and-so was saved, but..."

Aren't you glad your friends don't write you off when you slip up? Likewise, we should be gracious to our stumbling brothers and sisters who just happen to be rich and famous. In other words, give them the benefit of the doubt.

"The media are not necessarily friendly to believers," points out Christian novelist Ted Dekker. "So if a celebrity announces his faith, puts it out there to be ridiculed, chances are he's sincere. If he messes up, maybe he hasn't worked out that particular issue yet, or he was just being foolish. Who isn't spiritually foolish on a regular basis?"

When the water cooler talk turns to the intersection of Darryl Strawberry's latest lost weekend and his professed faith, there's no need to turn away or disavow the man's place in heaven. Instead, as you would when a star announces his belief in Christ for the first time, use it to start a discussion about what it means to be a Christian, foibles and all. Ever seen that bumper sticker--"Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven"?

"And pray for them," Fornof concludes. "They might have everything else life can offer, but prayer is what they need when they're not in the Lord's will."

Bob Liparulo is a free-lance author and reviewer and is a contributing editor to New Man magazine.

U2's lead singer, Bono, professes Christ but is famous for his fits of profanity.

PHOTOGRAPH: CORBIS Media Source Good Reads

* Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson (Tyndale). Wilkinson's last book, The Prayer of Jabez, has sold more than 4 million copies. His message was simple and profound, pushing millions to their knees in commitment to God. With Secrets of the Vine, he may have just done it again. This time, he examines John 15 to understand how God nurtures us, disciplines us and pulls us near in order to make us fruitful in our service to Him. Anyone who's ever doubted his salvation, felt held down by adversity or frustrated in his growth as a Christian must read this. Once again, Wilkinson's insights are stunning and life-changing.

Bottom line Mr. Prayer of Jabez is two-for-two with this provocative and essential follow-up.

* TV the Great Escape by Bob DeMoss (CrossWay). You have to wonder which causes more damage--television or illegal drugs. Think about it: TV is more pervasive, more "user friendly." Yet it saps hours and hours from our days; desensitizes us to foul language, sex and violence; turns face time into veg time. DeMoss says "Enough!" He offers this book as a sort of 12-step program out of Boob Tube Land. No easy task, for sure. So DeMoss outlines alternatives (such as radio) and tells motivational stories to help families turn the vicariousness of TV into the vivaciousness of life.

Bottom line The most convincing, practical guide for kicking the TV habit we've seen.

* Earthly Fathers by Scott Sawyer (Zondervan). The strength of interesting memoirs comes not from extraordinary lives but from exceptional writing, as Scott Sawyer shows in this story of fathers lost (to death) and fathers found (as in "step-"). By being picturesque with his pen and philosophical about his history, he makes us understand the importance of seemingly event-less vacations and the casual attention of a boy's first mentor. The staccato rhythm of his thoughts, like bubbles breaking the surface of a pond, mimics life's 10,000 daily epiphanies, which makes for a very entertaining and enlightening read.

Bottom line Clever prose with an important message we all need to hear: Fathers matter.

* The Renewed Mind by Larry Christenson (Bethany). Here's a rarity: a book written a generation ago that presents the practicalities of accepting Christ so clearly that it deserves its recent reissue and attention in this space. It addresses five major areas of spiritual experience (dependence on God, facing challenges with the authority of Christ, patience, discipline and prayer) in such plain language that remembering them--and actually living them out--becomes a whole lot easier. Not completely effortless, mind you, but easier.

Bottom line Packed with tips, anecdotes and pithy sayings, this book's a must-have for new and growing believers.

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film and proof attached Media Source Sound Picks

* New Man by Bobby Michaels (Ministry Music). When an artist releases an album called New Man, it obviously gets our attention. When that artist is as transparent and dedicated as gospel music veteran Bobby Michaels, it gets our respect. Michaels' recipe for this project includes pinches of pop, country and gospel, with crisp guitar work sprinkled throughout. The result: a smooth, adult contemporary album that is as enjoyable as it is inspirational. Our favorite song was the title track, of course. But we think you'll find a favorite of your own.

Bottom line Inspirational music at its very best.

* All of Me by Scott Krippayne (Spring Hill). Smack on the heels of his best-selling Bright Star Blue Sky CD, Krippayne ratchets up the pop on this collection of upbeat songs of inspiration. "Deeper Still" is classic Krippayne--picturesque lyrics that turn minds heavenward, and melodic versus, punctuated by soaring choruses. "I'm Not Cool" champions the right to be unhip. "May I Have This Dance," a three-hanky ballad to Krippayne's little girl, will have fathers scrambling to embrace their daughters.

Bottom line A must-buy for enthusiasts of 4HIM-style pop.

* Let My Words Be Few by Phillips, Craig and Dean (Sparrow). This time around pastors Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean--PCD to their fans--apply their crisp tones and radiant vocal harmony to the most popular worship songs in today's churches. Congregants will recognize, for example, "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship"; but it's unlikely they've heard it performed so beautifully or so majestically. The trio are masters at finding the perfect accompaniment for each tune--the driving horns on "Let Everything That Has Breath"; the emotive strings on the title track. It's a symphony of worship that you'll want to listen to again and again.

Bottom line Performed with reverence and richness, these popular worship tunes are perfect for quiet times or for background ambience anytime.

* Chasing the Horizon by Mitch McVicker (Grass Roots). The folksy feel of this album is a bit deceiving: with the likes of Phil Madeira on keys, Steve Hindalong on percussion and Rick Elias on guitars--not to mention McVicker's own Rich Mullins-mentored talent--this is one polished and professional disc. Just listen to "It Won't Take Long," with its planned spontaneity, crazy-but-somehow-perfect instrumentation and underlying Bible recitations. Very cool. McVicker's rockpile vocals and plodding delivery--especially on "Suits of Skin"--is reminiscent of Leonard Cohen; the way he puts them to use for the Lord, however, is all his own.

Bottom line Lyrically perceptive and musically unpretentious, McVicker is one of Christendom's rising minstrel-philosophers. Uncover the foundations that strengthen and build rock-solid stepfamilies! Movies Reviewing the Reviewers

With so many places to go for movie advice from a moral perspective, there's no reason to ever be shocked by the images splashed on the screen before you--or your kids. Trouble is, which come closest to your own sensibilities regarding entertainment? We took a look at the way several of the most popular Christian review sites handled one "iffy" movie--The Mummy Returns. Here's what we found:

* Crosswalk.com (crosswalk.com; free). In addition to the review, a chart graphs the questionable content of each movie. Reviewer Holly McClure recommended The Mummy Returns, saying, "This is a thrilling, nonstop, action-packed, intense movie."

* Focus on the Family's Plugged In (family.org/pplace/pi/films; free). The reviews are short but concise. Editor Bob Smithouser called The Mummy Returns, "violent and spiritually bankrupt...ridiculous."

* Hollywood Jesus (hollywoodjesus.com; free). The reviews are thorough (running 1,600 words versus Plugged In's 250) and packed with images from the films. Of The Mummy Returns, reviewer Betty Hamm said, "this can be a film enjoyed by both young teens and adults and used to open the doors to great discussion."

* Preview Family Movie & TV Review (gospelcom.net/preview; $24/year, abridged reviews are free). The longer (paid) reviews include lists of specific offenses in the films, which may be useful if there are certain words or acts you won't tolerate regardless of content or frequency. Its verdict of the movie in question: "The occultic aspects of the Egyptian chants and themes of reincarnation earn The Mummy Returns a 'quite objectionable' rating."

* MovieGuide (movieguide.org; $40/year; abridged reviews are free). Ratings reflect the "acceptability" factor of each movie. Reviewer and Christian movie guru Ted Baehr gave The Mummy Returns a second-to-worst rating of "excessive," saying, "Regrettably, the movie's pluralistic worldview includes positive elements of the occult and reincarnation." E

xamine the essential building blocks needed to create a bonded and healthy stepfamily. You will observe Scripture in action and practical suggestions from the inside out as mother and stepson share their struggles and successes with blending two families together. Embrace these godly principles, and let your stepfamily emerge victorious today!

COOL GADGETS

* Pocket CoPilot by TravRoute (888-872-8768; travroute.com; prices start at $299). What are women going to do when they don't have men to pick on about our aversion to asking for directions? With Pocket CoPilot we may find out soon enough. The hardware/software package, which works with a Windows CE-based PDA (personal digital assistant), communicates with global positioning satellites to let you know where you are and how to get to where you're going. Other such systems require expensive equipment or a laptop computer--and even then they're a bear to use. This puppy sheds all those drawbacks. The CoPilot's rotating map corresponds to the direction your vehicle is going. As you drive, it counts down the distance to your next turn. The thing will even speak instructions out loud.

Bottom line Like having a personal navigator--without the potty breaks.

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