'Christian Celebrity' Debated on Twitter, Most Say Spotlight Should Be on God

By Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 13, 2012

With the phrase "Christian celebrity" trending on Twitter Friday, those in the Twittersphere have expressed various opinions on the subject, with many opposing the thought of "celebrity," arguing that the focus of one's faith should be on God.

Several commentators suggested that Christians are not meant to be celebrities, but rather to focus their "spotlight" on God, instead of themselves.

"Guard against becoming a 'Christian celebrity.' It's not about how you act in the spotlight…it's about how you turn the spotlight down," tweeted Ken Smith, preacher of Project Peter Ministries.

"Christian celebrity -- no go Tonto. We must decrease, He must increase," tweeted the Sisters of Bethany, an order based in the U.K.

Others argued that Christians should not be boastful about their fame.

"The challenge with #Christian #celebrity is the risk of turning evangelists into egovangelists," tweeted Jacqeuline E.C. King.

Although several Twitter followers discouraged the thought of a Christian celebrity, others argued that those who famously speak of the word of God are enhancing Christianity by spreading its message to others and setting a good example.

One example of what many call a positive Christian celebrity is Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the New York Jets, who has frequently demonstrated his faith in God, both in his words and actions.

Tebow has even coined the term "tebowing," which involves dropping to one knee and offering a prayer to God.

Similarly, Jeremy Lin, an NBA player who most recently played for the New York Knicks, is also a well-known name in the Christian community for demonstrating his faith in God.

Lin has previously said that the story of his journey through basketball is "all in God's control. His fingerprints are all over my story."

Still, many of those commenting on Twitter failed to see any positive association between "Christian" and "celebrity."

"The term 'Christian celebrity' makes my head itch," tweeted Rick Gebauer, a Christian from Florida.