Analysis: Mega-Stardom Muddling Faith of Christian Pop Stars
Over the past several months, the faith of some female celebrities in the secular music scene has become more of an issue for their friends, family, and the media.
The most recent example: a car accident in Beverly Hills, Calif., involving actress/singer Lindsay Lohan that led to her arrest on charges of driving under the influence with possible cocaine on the scene.
Her estranged father, Michael Lohan, responded to the incident with a plea towards God.
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"When Lindsay puts God back in her life, things will turn around," he explained in an interview with the Ledger. "Until then, I'll just keep praying."
Incidences involving several other pop celebrities have also raised questions for many over whether or not they are still a Christian.
In most cases, the problem is not a complete absence in belief in God. However, while most celebrities appear to keep their faith - on a more personal and private level - they are also taking on the values of the pop culture that surrounds them.
The result is a muddled belief that borders on the faith but may not be completely be characterized as Christian.
Pop princess Britney Spears, for example, has littered the tabloids throughout this year - mostly in a negative way. She has had to deal with a second divorce, constant media slander, and even checked into a clinic to try to get her bearings straight.
But in the beginning, Spears entered the music scene as a relatively devout Christian. She was raised as a Southern Baptist in her home state of Mississippi, part of the Bible Belt, and began her fame with that as a foundation.
Some say through all the controversy that has happened, much of that background is still a part of her. Hollywood.tv reported her with the word "PUSH" tattooed onto her hand some weeks ago. The acronym, some believe, stands for "Pray Until Something Happens" and is normally printed on necklaces and bands sold at Christian shops.
Spears also wrote a note on her official website in mid-May thanking all her fans for all their prayers.
"I am so blessed that you care enough about me to be concerned and will continue to live in this brighter state with all of you by my side during this trying time," said the 25-year-old songstress. "We are all the lights of the world and we all need to continually inspire others and look to the higher power. You are all in my prayers. Godspeed."
While her words were encouraging to observers who hope to see Spears rebound from her fall from grace, the note was written on top of a picture of her posing topless with her arms folded across her chest.
Also discouraging was her most recent message to fans in which she closed by saying: "We will never really understand or figure out life completely. That's God's job. I can't wait to meet him ... or her. Love, Britney."
Another one of the many affected female performers is the generally wholesome Jessica Simpson.
The popular singer from Abilene, Texas, had intended to begin her profession in the late 90s in the Christian music scene, but later went into the secular music industry where she became a huge hit.
Simpson, too, has had her share of controversies including a divorce with her former husband and singer Nick Lachey as well as serious criticism from a Christian group calling itself "The Resistance" after she appeared in her scantily clad music video "These Boots are Made for Walking."
"It didn't really surprise me because I grew up with a lot of that backlash," responded Simpson after the criticism. "That's why I didn't end up going into the Christian music industry. I think that if they're really good Christians the judgment wouldn't be there."
The list of stars with Christian roots goes on, and, for many, it is clear that the culture they are exposed to while inside the entertainment industry has had significantly negative impacts on their faith. The mix of Christian and secular ideals that most of the artists end up with has made it difficult for them to know their identity during their years of fame..
While it is unclear where each of the pop idols will end up in the future, the controversies that surround them are serving as warning signals for upcoming Christian artists on what pitfalls to be wary of, assuming that they are even possible to avoid.
