The 12 Most Influential Christians in Hollywood
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, March 03, 2008
- Viewed 81
- (39) comments so far
Yet another list... but one I thought you might find interesting? Who are the 12 most influential and powerful Christians in Hollywood? Well, Beliefnet has come up with their list, and it includes names like Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Patricia Heaton, Angela Bassett, and Martin Sheen. Sounds like a pretty diverse list with a pretty broad theological definition, but none the less, interesting. You can read more here...
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Wendi on Mon, March 03, 2008
Some readers may object because of liberal political positions held by some listed here. I read through the bios of each and agree that if all these are doing is influencing hollywood toward more wholesome offerings . . . then they are making a kingdom type of contribution. Many are also investing significant resources into kingdom work. Good examples for us.
Wendi
CS on Mon, March 03, 2008
Wendi:
“Some readers may object because of liberal political positions held by some listed here. I read through the bios of each and agree that if all these are doing is influencing hollywood toward more wholesome offerings . . . then they are making a kingdom type of contribution. Many are also investing significant resources into kingdom work. Good examples for us.”
So you can have a screwed-up world view on political topics such as abortion and homosexuality, or act in roles that are littered with blasphemy and obscenity, but as long as it tries to guide Hollywood to more Christian influence, it’s all good? Is that truly a good example for us?
—
CS
Peter Hamm on Mon, March 03, 2008
I kinda dug this list, too. Some of these folks I don’t agree with on everything for sure, but that’s true for a lot of the fine Christ-following folks who post here, too.
Jim on Mon, March 03, 2008
I was surprised to see many of the names on the list. I find it difficult to embrace the “liberal’ Christian position of moving the culture towards more wholesome media when it’s done through unwholesome means. For example, when I see the Shephard woman on the View and the filthiness that she embraces and shares in, I have a hard time seeing any wholesome influence. Somehow the foul mouthed, immoral lifestyles that some of these individuals help to normalize makes it hard to see the character changing qualities of the Holy Spirit at work. I know God can work through strange means, but He never gains a witness through immitating the filth of the culture. Besides, if being a Believer means we can do anything and be all right with God, then why did Jesus need to come in the first place?
deaubry on Mon, March 03, 2008
cs stand your ground, you are standing in for god and the right, so more gods power to you.
deaubry on Mon, March 03, 2008
thank you jim for telling it like it is.
Leonard on Mon, March 03, 2008
Wendi, can you elaborate what you mean by good examples for us? Thanks. I can’t say other than a “cool” I care that much about who is who in Hollywood. I like the talent of some of these actors and I did fin it interesting a few are returning to a faith root.
bobby on Mon, March 03, 2008
Why is it important to know and have Christians in a place like Hollywood? Whether you like it or not, Hollywood is a huge factor in shaping the culture we live in. And even if I may not agree with everything they believe in as Christ followers, that’s ok, I want them there.
Interesting thought in regard to being salt in the world. Salt is not able to reverse decay, it is meant to slow down decay and preserve. The roles some of them play or even the art they write for may not perfectly reflect your personal values, but as a place that shapes culture, you have to wonder how much worse it might be without some Christian writers and actors to exert influence when able.
Wendi on Mon, March 03, 2008
By good example, I mean that they (some) are very intentional about leveraging their influence and celebrity to influence the public about something important to them. I similarly admire this about some who do not profess Christianity; Oprah, George Clooney, Christy Turlington (who can be seen on the Project Red website dancing in Swaziland with OUR LADIES – in the very village where my group has been working).
There are some things that I would agree with and some things I’d disagree with, just like any of us do with each other. What I appreciate about these very public Christian folks is that they campaign passionately without claiming their position on something is “THE CORRECT” Christian position. To me this is a good example. Martin Sheen is opposed to the war in Iraq (just like me, and also our pacifist Mennonite brothers and sisters) and is protesting. Though I may not agree with many of his more liberal views, I agree with this one. What I don’t seem to hear from Hollywood Christian voices are statements that sound like “if you are a genuine Christian you’ll take this particular position on this particular issue,” which is what CS, you seem to be saying in your reply to me:
[So you can have a screwed-up world view on political topics such as abortion and homosexuality, or act in roles that are littered with blasphemy and obscenity, but as long as it tries to guide Hollywood to more Christian influence, it’s all good? Is that truly a good example for us? ]
I oppose the war because I take literally what Jesus said about loving our enemies, and because of my position on the sanctity of life (which is also why I am against abortion AND the death penalty – making my political choices not all that clear). If I choose to vote democratic instead of republican in this election, along with some of the Hollywood folks listed here, I guess you’ll accuse me of having a “screwed-up world view.” Who decides what is “screwed up?”
Wendi
Leonard on Mon, March 03, 2008
Thanks Wendi,
I knew what your meant but thought you would do a much better job at explaining yourself. In answer to your question about choosing to vote democrat the answer is yes… (Smiley face here)
Stewart on Mon, March 03, 2008
Not sure I see how these folks are an inspiration either. I’m glad they are there though.
What happened to Reese Witherspoon? She’s been pretty open about her faith. Was she left off the list because she is recently divorced?
What about Will Smith?
I think my list could go on and on, but the above two are among the very biggest stars out there and both have been pretty open (not preachy) about their faith.
On another note…
CS - if you are looking for moral issues for Hollywood to take a stand on - I’m surprised that materialism and poverty didn’t make your list. Jesus talks a lot more negatively about rich people and their chances of getting into heaven than he does about abortion (never) and homosexuality (never). The entire Bible sort of mimics Jesus on this with abundant stuff against greed and materialism and less than 10 passages in all of Scripture about homosexuality and/or abortion. Time to change your litmus test Bro. Let’s focus on what the Bible itself says is most important.
CS on Mon, March 03, 2008
Stewart:
“CS - if you are looking for moral issues for Hollywood to take a stand on - I’m surprised that materialism and poverty didn’t make your list.”
In the context of Wendi’s first post, where she cited, “liberal political positions,” I picked two of the big topics off the top of my head that will qualify. Poverty and social justice aren’t quite as large in that scope for controversy.
Wendi:
“What I don’t seem to hear from Hollywood Christian voices are statements that sound like “if you are a genuine Christian you’ll take this particular position on this particular issue,” which is what CS, you seem to be saying in your reply to me:”
Actually, it’s more like this: I watched the movie “Inside Man” on a four-hour flight one evening. I was grasped by the story later on and thought that it had a marvelous plot. So, when I got home, I recommended to my wife that we rent the movie.
When I plugged in the movie and started watching it, I found Denzel Washington and the other actors dropping the filthiest sort of language possible. F-bombs, blasphemous cursing, and derogatory language flew from the lips of the people on screen. I quickly realized that the version on the airline had had its content severely altered.
Denzel’s character was fornicating with his girlfriend, to whom he had not proposed. He used the rudest of language. He ran God’s holy name into the ground in numerous scenes.
Is this “Christian” doing well for advancing Christianity in Hollywood? Do the ends justify the means?
This is more of what I was getting at.
—
CS
Wendi on Mon, March 03, 2008
CS – I’ll comment about your story of watching a Denzel Washington movie filled with bad language, but first . . .
You replied to my comment about Christian stars who had a liberal political bent with words about their “screwed-up worldview” because of their position on abortion and homosexuality. Bad language isn’t generally thought of as a political issue. On the issues you raised, Stewart makes a great point. If our measure of one’s Christianity is what the scriptures say much about (caring for the poor and fighting social injustice for example) then Denzel Washington is a great role model. He gives away millions every year. The list of his charities is long, with a focus on the issues Jesus focused on (African Aids issues, orphans, global and domestic poverty). He is the national spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs. All the proceeds from his book about mentors (“A Hand to Guide Me”) is going to the Boys and Girls Clubs, so his efforts provide great examples of investing one’s time as a mentor while generating significant monies for one of his many charities. With Washington, I’ll stand by my statement the he is trying to live his personal life in a way that those who watch him will be encouraged to live likewise. The evidence of his faith is good fruit.
I do not agree with the language in some of his movies. I doubt that he uses that kind of language in his off-screen life. I cannot respond to why he would choose a film filled with “f-bombs. If I speculate (which is very inappropriate), I would guess that he sees acting as an art form that often reflects society, designed to inspire personal reflection about who we are and what our place is in the society. A walk down the hall of most public schools in America we would probably hear as much foul language as in the film you watched. So what / now what?
Not that I agree with it, or feel an overuse of foul language (or worse) is necessary to depict our world in the art of film. But I also know that nothing in scripture gives me permission to judge the “Christian-ness” of a person who claims to be a Christ follower. Let’s just take Denzel at his word, thank God for his generosity of time and resources, and focus on fulfilling our own calling, shall we?
Wendi
Wendi on Mon, March 03, 2008
And one more thing about Denzel. He has been married the same woman, Pauletta, for 25 years. In a place where marriages are disposable, this is one more thing to admire him for.
Ricky on Tue, March 04, 2008
I find this debate somewhat humorous and sad.
Humorous because there are people on this site arguing on who in Hollywood is a “Christian.” Denzel Washington just finished one of the most violent, sex-laden movies of 2007 and he’s a “Christian” (although I do appreciate his support of our troops).
Angela Bassett finds her “groove” and Mel Gibson is found sloppy drunk and cursing Jewish people and yet we refer to them as “Christians” because they may portray a “good” character, which is what they’re paid for, or produce a biblically-based movie.
It’s sad because we’ve long forgotten how words and names are co-opted and used in succeeding cultures in ways far different than their original meaning.
Haven’t we all forgotten how the term “Christian” was applied to BELIEVERS by unbelievers and was most probably meant as a derogatory moniker. In fact, no where do we find believers referring to each other as “Christian,” but rather more specific terms as “brother,” “saint,” and “disciples.” And yet we call ourselves “Christian” which places us in the very broad category where all kinds have crowded themselves into.
For me, the word “Christian” has long been stolen by the thug rap artists, promiscuous celebrities, and those we always seem to want to rush in front of the cameras to hear some glorious “testimony” of how God used them.
I’m not a “Christian” but a man who is trying to learn what it means to be a disciple of Christ and one who, by God’s grace, desires to live a life that does not take the name of our Lord in vain.
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