We are definitely in the day of the celebrity. Take a quick stroll through the TV programming menu and you are likely to find titles such as...Celebrity chef, Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice and on it goes. Entire shows are dedicated to tracking the lives of the celebrity famous so we can get the "scoop." The Oscars, Emmys, People's Choice Awards, Grammys, American Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards all pinpoint the "best" in the business and further solidify celebrity status. We are told how the famous think and what they believe, their tastes and styles. We tour their homes and travel with them on vacation via camera and satellite. Our culture idolizes celebrities. One fourth to one half of the 100 most influential people of 2012 were celebrities of one stripe or another. I think you get the point. We are enamored with the rich and famous and they certainly contribute to the shaping of our modern culture. This "writer" contends that fascination with celebrities is detrimental and has helped create a narcissistic generation. These idolized individuals live by their own rules, conveniently escape laws required for everyone else, carouse in opulence and wealth and lead "the masses" to believe this is the way it should be for us all. Their lives are not reality, yet are presented as what should be reality.
As troubling as the idolization of secular celebrities is, equally troubling is a new trend within the modern church. This trend is the making of celebrities within Christianity. Some have entitled it "Celebrity Christianity." A number of "young gun" pastors and ministers have adopted the "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality when it comes to reaching the current generation. The church sanctuary has been replaced with a media savvy auditorium that would rival the local theater. "Relevant" sermon series geared to the interests of the people are packaged in catchy titles that have human appeal. These "communicators" are no longer the proverbial "men of the cloth," but young styled professionals complete with skinny jeans, v-neck pullovers, untucked button-ups, sock less slip-ons or tennis shoes and the most modern of eyewear. Passionate preaching has been mothballed as confrontational and offensive. Sermons are given as "talks" in a low-key, conversational tone. Verse by verse exposition of scripture is passé. Certain passages are determined to be overly controversial, therefore avoided. New social ills have been adopted as the "cause" the church must address, while other biblical issues have become strangely silent...such as abortion and homosexuality (new "ills" must be addressed, but not to the exclusion of others). Amazingly, topics like homosexuality are strongly avoided so as not to make those involved feel "unwelcome." In their attempt to reach "all men," these "mod" ministers are simply appeasing them with a gospel that gives meaning and happiness to life, but requires no repentance or death to self. Many of these "Celebrity Christians" have gained rock star appeal among their congregants and the media. No longer are these men "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" or ones who "convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching." They are trend setters who want to make "Every Day a Friday." I contend that "Celebrity Christianity" within the church is reinforcing the narcissism in society, with a religious twist. Now, lest I be misunderstood, I do not believe God is more "drawn" to a suit coat and tie over a pull-over and slip-ons. An auditorium with a great sound system is not "less spiritual" than the one that cracks and pops. What does concern me is the ideology that the church must mimic the world in order to reach it, lest we become irrelevant. The Word of God is ALWAYS relevant and when preached correctly and thoroughly, will ALWAYS be controversial and confrontational. Our job is not to make a name for ourselves or our church, but to make the name of Jesus famous. It's not about being "hip", but being holy. What we need today is not "Celebrity Christianity", but a revival of Selfless Spirituality.
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