I saw a headline yesterday that really disappointed me: “Clay Aiken to Be a Father”
Now, I am not a Clay Aiken basher like much of the media. In fact, I enjoy his music, voted for him a few times during Season 2 of “American Idol,” and might even own 4 of his albums (I said MIGHT). However, the headline bothered me for 3 reasons: 1) Clay Aiken is not married; 2) The lady Clay Aiken impregnated is married to another man (she is 50; Clay is 29) 2) During his time on “American Idol,” Aiken was very outspoken about his Christian faith.
(Editor’s note: After this blog was published, it was reported that the pregnancy was due to artificial insemination. However, Aiken was not a random donor. When he is recording, he lives with the woman and also wants to have an active role in raising the child.)
Unfortunately it seems like this is a growing trend with those who are thrust into the Hollywood spotlight. While it sounds so encouraging to hear about teenagers and young adults in the entertainment world who are concerned with upholding Christian values, it seems like it doesn’t take very long for those values to be reversed.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Jessica Simpson. Maybe you remember her before she became “Nick Lachey’s ex-wife,” “Tony Romo’s ex-girlfriend,” and “Daisy Duke.” One of the things that set her apart from other musicians was her pledge to remain a virgin until she was married. Her father was a Baptist minister and she dedicated herself to remaining true to that image. I don’t even need to explain what kind of turn that has had.
I’m willing to bet Carrie Underwood is another name that rings familiar in many ears. There is no need going into too many details because her story is not much different than the story listed above (including Tony Romo’s ex-girlfriend). During her time on “American Idol,” Underwood was also very outspoken about her faith. However, her current songs reek of drunkenness and promiscuity and her typical appearance seems to follow that same idea.
There are many other examples I could list from Britney Spears to Evanescence but the concern is still th
e same–there is a “Hollywood Christianity” that is prevalent in the entertainment world and it is being promoted to teenagers through TV, radio, internet, magazines, etc.
I don’t know the hearts of any of the individuals I have listed, but I’m not ignorant enough to believe a change hasn’t taken place. Maybe these individuals weren’t strong in their faith in the first place, but from their portrayals in the media, they once were one way, and now they are another.
This may not seem like a huge deal to parents or teenagers but it should bring much alarm. Whether we like it or not, teenagers model their “celebrity peers.” Teenage guys want to be Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and Shia LaBeouf and girls want to be Lauren Conrad, Hayden Panettiere, and Taylor Swift.
We are taking a major risk when we see a new entertainer who appears to be completely wholesome and we encourage our kids to take an interest in them. Hopefully that wholesome image remains, but history is proving otherwise.
In essence, these entertainers tell Christian teenagers that Hollywood is a utopia that grants a license to sin. Rarely do we get to see the heartache and loneliness that these stars feel. Instead, the media reveals a story about the “guy or girl-next-door” who grew up from humble roots to become a national sex symbol.
I could write plenty more, but I’m curious to hear your comments. And please comment. I’m curious who reads this and would love to hear your feedback!
Tags: Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Christianity, Clay Aiken, Hollywood, Jessica Simpson
May 30th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I stopped supporting Clay Aiken a few years ago when he refused to deny that he is living a homosexual lifestyle.
If a person wants to throw their Christianity around to help market themselves, I see no problem in holding them to that standard of conduct.
With that said, we should pray fervently for those in the media spotlight, and be quick to offer support when they admit failure.
It’s and especially frustrating situation for me as a parent – I don’t want my son to get hooked on the newest Disney sitcom only to see that person posing half naked in a magazine a few years later.
May 30th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I had no idea about Clay Aiken…that’s…insane! To be honest…for the longest time I used to think he was gay. I dunno.
You couldn’t be more right about this Hollywood Christianity. I would love to think that there are actually true Christians in the entertainment world. I’m not saying there aren’t but I bet they are high and few…ya know?
Another thing that bothers me is The Real World. I watch it, I’ll admit. It’s laughable to say the least. But the thing that really bothers me are the cast members who claim to be so religious and very devoted to praying and reading their Bible and then go out clubbing and drinking and cursing like a sailor..that bugs me so much!
It gives Christians a bad name!
May 31st, 2008 at 9:30 am
Why stop at celebrities though? It’s no different than the real world. Yeah, these celebrities are the forefront of the society and so their faith is essentially on display for all to see, and yes, if they do something wrong it does represent a bad name. But…what about that local Sunday School teacher who has the affair, or the pastor, or the deacon, or this and that. It can go any way. I’m not bashing anything you said, because it’s right on, but it made me think (now that I’m in a local church) that the eyes of those in the community are going to be more critically focused on the local people than what’s in Hollywood, and if I can present the proper view of Christianity, they’re going to appreciate more than how Clay Aiken, Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, and M.C. Hammer present it.
May 31st, 2008 at 10:08 am
What a shame it is to hear this. The song says “you give love a bad name.” They give christianity a bad name. Whether their fame influenced them for the negative or they used the name loosely to appeal to the masses is something we will not know. It’s heart breaking and in reality, their lives are probably equally heart breaking if the truth were known. I agree with Scott, we need to lift them up in prayer and pray that God will raise up more Kirk Cameron’s! Go Kirk. He has a new book out. David, how about reviewing it for us!!!
May 31st, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m just surpised Aiken ain’t gay. There’s gonna be a lot of disapointed Claymates out there…
May 31st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for the comments. You all bring up really good points. Ryan, you definitely hit on something I was thinking about and took it to a further step. The unfortunate thing is that if we stay around long enough, people we look up to will fail us at some point. We must set on eyes on Christ. He is one who will never fail us. As difficult as it is for us to keep our eyes focused on Christ, many of us are also given the responsibility to help our teenagers focus their eyes on Christ.
Parents and YPs…anyone have suggestions on how to do this?
June 1st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I want to say that we must also be careful not to set people up too high. Christian or not, we still fall short with original sin. We cannot be perfect and neither can the “super Christians” we look up to. I think what our Christian community is lacking in honesty and openess about sin. Maybe we should handle sin differently. (This is completely off of your blog topic). I feel like we make people so afraid to admit sin publicly, that they end up sinning continuously in private. We should be able to ask fellow Christians personal questions without them getting defensive and without us judging. I sin. I’ve done awful things. That’s why I need a Savior. That’s why we all need a Savior. Maybe instead of persecuting people we should encourage them to repent. I’m not saying to smile on their sin and say “It’s ok, we all do it.” I’m saying to be stern, but loving. Jesus did not teach a “sin one time and your out” salvation. He taught that without him we are horrible and awful, but through his blood we can find forgiveness. I know Christians who have allowed sin into their lives, but now have been forgiven by their spouse, their family, and most importantly their God. We cannot teach our teenagers to shun good Christian people because they have had an affair or a child out of wedlock. We should teach them that what that person has done is wrong, but Christ is perfect and can forgive them. We must forgive those that Christ has forgiven.
I just feel like we forget that King David did something terrible. He was punished by God for it, but God still forgave him. He even murdered to cover his sin. Today, we would never even think to forgive somebody for such a horrible thing. We’re not perfect and cannot expect other Christians to be.
As far as pointing teenagers’ focus on Christ and not imperfect humans, it’s something that may never be figured out. In us all is that desire to be attractive and liked. This is what fights the desire to be sold out to God. Sometimes attractive to the world means provacative or revealing – and this cannot be modest. Sometimes liked means doing the wrong thing. We must not trick our teens into thinking they can be a part of a hip/fun Christianity that is cool. That doesn’t exist. Christianity is not cool – it is not a fad. The Bible says we’re supposed to be pecular aka weird. The world didn’t like Jesus. Even though he was perfect, he still wasn’t popular with everybody. The world will hate us because they hated Christ. So I believe teaching teens to focus on Christ means giving them the facts. They may not be liked, it may be hard, it may mean looking uncool sometimes – but if they’re willing to be the one to stand out, the reward will be great. We cannot trick them. We then must be honest about fellow Christians. They’re not perfect. They will fail you. Be prepared to encourage those that do fall.
I don’t know.. this just struck a nerve and I kinda wrote a long comment. Hope it makese sense, I didn’t proofread, Mr. Editor.
Good blog. Keep up the good work.
Oh and far as Hollywood Christians, they simply find out that fame and fortune is hard to deal with. It drives people to their insanity (Brittney Spears) and their death (Heath Ledger). It will also drive Christians away from their calling. It’s easy to give in to sin when you’re not famous- must be even harder when you are.
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:17 am
i am unsure of any person that is a celebrity. especially christian ones. whether it be a famous pastor or musician. it’s just not wise or healthy (IMO) for someone to be in the spotlight so much. what good does that do?
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Jacob, to answer your question, I would say “not much.”
Sure, there are some cases where people use their status or spotlight to do many great things and make a difference (i.e. my buddy Kurt Warner). But those stories are few and far apart.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I still don’t believe that Aiken slept with a woman.