Barna’s Take on Christian Celebrity
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, February 21, 2007
- Viewed 44
- (5) comments so far
Americans are tough taskmasters, according to George Barna, who directed the research. “Recent studies have indicated that one of the most common goals among young Americans is to become famous. The wild popularity of reality TV shows and blogging are outgrowths of that urge. But let the buyer beware: fame is both a tough nut to crack, and an even tougher condition to master. After decades of public prominence, James Dobson is unknown to two out of three Americans. Although she has filled a trophy case with awards and graced the cover of numerous magazines and news reports, Patricia Heaton’s name is a mystery to three out of four adults. Rick Warren has sold more books than any other non-fiction title besides the Bible, but four out of five Americans have no idea who he is. Getting on top - and maintaining a positive image once you’re there - is incredibly difficult in a fickle culture like ours. Just ask Billy Graham. For some reason, one out of every five people who are aware of him have a negative impression of the leader.”
Barna also pointed out that born again adults seem capable of compartmentalizing their faith. “The perceptions that born again adults have of public figures is nearly identical to that of people who are not born again. That suggests that their faith in Christ has little influence upon their decision-making, which explains why surveys find few distinctives in their lifestyle and values. Not only are most born again adults surprisingly oblivious to national religious leaders, but they apparently have the same perceptual filter as people who have not turned to Jesus Christ. If nothing else, this suggests that most born again adults are a work in progress, and that there is a lot of growth yet to experience in the renewing of their minds.” See below…
| PUBLIC FIGURE | All Adults Favorable | All Adults Unfavorable | Born Again Favorable | Born Again Unfavorable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashcroft, John | 36% | 23% | 46% | 13% |
| Bono | 40 | 10 | 36 | 10 |
| Bush, George W. | 47 | 50 | 56 | 41 |
| Butler, Gerald | 3 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Carter, Jimmy | 68 | 15 | 69 | 19 |
| Clinton, Bill | 64 | 31 | 58 | 39 |
| Clooney, George | 67 | 13 | 64 | 17 |
| Cole, Natalie | 61 | 5 | 59 | 3 |
| Colson, Chuck | 9 | 6 | 18 | 6 |
| Couric, Katie | 57 | 16 | 59 | 18 |
| Dobson, James | 27 | 7 | 46 | 5 |
| Gates, Bill | 80 | 8 | 78 | 9 |
| Gibson, Mel | 69 | 21 | 76 | 16 |
| Graham, Billy | 64 | 15 | 80 | 7 |
| Graham, Franklin | 21 | 3 | 36 | 2 |
| Grisham, John | 40 | 3 | 44 | 3 |
| Heaton, Patricia | 24 | 3 | 23 | 4 |
| Hill, Faith | 71 | 6 | 77 | 3 |
| Hilton, Paris | 15 | 63 | 14 | 64 |
| Hybels, Bill | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Jakes, T.D. | 21 | 4 | 33 | 4 |
| LaHaye, Tim | 14 | 5 | 23 | 6 |
| McGraw, Tim | 72 | 6 | 73 | 5 |
| O'Donnell, Rosie | 42 | 47 | 34 | 56 |
| Osteen, Joel | 17 | 5 | 26 | 7 |
| Pelosi, Nancy | 32 | 17 | 26 | 21 |
| Rice, Anne | 27 | 6 | 24 | 6 |
| Robertson, Pat | 33 | 25 | 49 | 21 |
| Spears, Britney | 34 | 54 | 33 | 56 |
| Stanley, Andy | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Trump, Donald | 43 | 42 | 47 | 41 |
| Warren, Rick | 12 | 5 | 20 | 6 |
| Washington, Denzel | 85 | 2 | 84 | 2 |
| Winfrey, Oprah | 83 | 9 | 85 | 9 |
You can read the entire study here...
Any thoughts on this one? I guess I really have a question with alot of Barna’s results here lately. He shows President Bush with an overall approval of 47%. That’s twice as high as most polls I’ve seen. And 49% of Christians (and 1/3 of the general public) have a favorable opinion of Pat Robertson? Really? I think most Christians are kind of embarrased at Pat here recently. They wish he’d just stop saying stupid things, then saying he speaks for Christians.
It is somehow comforting to know that 47% of Christians find Donald Trump favorable, and only 46% find James Dobson in the same light. Who know what that means!?
Todd
Born again Christians differ from other people regarding their religious beliefs, but their awareness of cultural icons and their feelings about most celebrities are indistinguishable from those of the population at-large. These are among the findings from new survey data released by The Barna Group regarding celebrity awareness and likeability.
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Camey on Wed, February 21, 2007
Don’t know that I really find his results as “take them to the bank” as once upon a time.
I know that I’m definitely still a work in progress. Hope to be growing and learning more with each moment. In regards to the renewing of minds….. I have been challenging the group that I lead to really think about what they fill their minds with. In doing so, of course, I have to do it myself as well. Took a little independent poll on Sunday and more than half of the group would like to be famous if only for one day. I asked why…. A couple of reasons: “To see if I would be happier” and “To be known by more than a handful of people.” We’ve been discussing Godly values and choosing Godly relationships.
Would imagine that more Christians can rattle off, “Money, Money, Money.. Money” than can tell you what the name of James Dobson’s ministry is. I do think it speaks volumes about the state of minds and hearts. Of course, I just pointed a finger and had a few pointed back at me. OUCH!
Another question I asked on Sunday… “If you could make a guest appearance on any TV show or program, what would it be?” Grey’s Anatomy won hands down. Somehow I don’t think the 700 Club was even in the running. (Not saying the latter is necessarily bad or good.) Can guarantee they would all love to be on Oprah’s show too. Works in progress…....
drbob on Wed, February 21, 2007
What is “favorable”, do I like their movies, do I agree with there politics or life philosophies? Jimmy Carter for instance, Habitat for Humanity - great stuff; his political views or attack on Conservative Christians - not so good.
phill on Wed, February 21, 2007
What is the attraction of Oprah? If she was starting out today…would she be as big as she is?
Camey on Wed, February 21, 2007
Phill,
For some women, Oprah represents what/who they would like to be. Ex: Her own boss, wealthy, famous, and etc. She seems to have such power whether it is real or more perceived than anything else. I cannot speak in regards to men….. Sadly, there are more women I know who speak & live by the word of Oprah than the word of God. “Well, Oprah says this….” Please note here that I am not dissing Oprah herself. Oh… and also… She is known for giving away “free stuff”… That’s always a huge plus in most people’s eyes.
One gal I was counseling some time ago had to meet me in the most discreet of places because she did not want anyone to know she was receiving counseling. Interestingly enough - she had thought about writing to Oprah to have her life played out on TV. She finally decided she didn’t think she would look good enough on camera. I don’t think I’ll ever get that.
Would she be as big as she is if she were just starting out? Hard to say. Timing?
Blessings,
Camey
Celebrity Pictures on Fri, May 30, 2008
i wrote the same topic in my blog too;
http://www.picturesx.net/
10x for it.
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