Blogger’s block temporarily unblocked. This series on actor Kirk Cameron did the trick.
I’ve known for quite a few years that Cameron, of 80s-era “Growing Pains” fame, was an evangelical Christian in the traditional sense of the word, not a Hollywood or “liberal” kind of Christian. He became a believer while still on the show and had “issues” with some of the subject matter.
I forgot to mention last year that I saw him at my sister’s church when I was out in California for the 2006 God Blog Convention at Biola University. I wanted to do something really cheesy: take a picture of him with my cell phone camera and post it on the blog. Fortunately, the star-struck moment passed because he was hustling to get away from a growing crowd. Yes, even at church, the groupies were hovering.
I also knew that Cameron’s career as an actor in Hollywood would stall because of his faith. It’s common knowledge that Hollywood holds Christians in contempt. But that’s OK. They can keep their grubby studios and production companies. There’s nothing stopping Christians (or Christian-friendly folks) from producing and filming Christian-themed films.
The mischievous “Mike Seaver” witnesses to gang members in California, (Is it considered bad form for a Christian to proselytize with a gun in her pocket?), talks Intelligent Design, etc. There are plenty of current and former Hollywood types who call themselves Christians, but what makes Cameron different is his refusal to conform just to get parts in movies or on TV. A once-popular child star, Cameron is doing his own thing, evangelizing (in a creative way) and teaching and incorporating his beliefs into his life. I admire him. He’s using his star power for godly ends. Check out the videos at The Way of the Master.
Cameron and his wife, Chelsea Noble, who played his girlfriend on “Growing Pains,” have six kids: two biological and four adopted.
Anyway, enjoy the series! (Trivia: I was on “Reliable Sources” with the guy doing the interview, Kevin Sites.)
The only other Hollywood actor I’m aware of who calls him/herself an evangelical Christian is Patricia Heaton, of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Being an entertainer in Hollywood has got to be a tough job for Christians who want their lifestyles to reflect their beliefs. I have doubts about so-called Christians who “give glory to God” on music award shows after performing a nasty rap song surrounded by half-naked dancers. You know the type.
Well, in the end, it won’t matter what people called themselves here on earth, will it? Jesus said:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” – Matthew 7:21-23
What say you about all that?
Update: I forgot about former child star Lisa Whelchel, rich-girl “Blair Warner” from “The Facts of Life.” Now an evangelical Christian, the homeschooling mother wrote a book about homeschooling and writes a column (or used to write one) for Today’s Christian Woman.
{ 38 comments }
Don’t know Cameron, but love Patricia Heaton. I believe it was either the Academy Awards or the Emmies that she walked out of because the entertainment was so degenerate and she knew her children were at home watching. She wanted to get home to turn off the TV! I loved her ever after hearing that story.
I’m still waiting for conservative/religious/decent Hollywooders to create their own studio and start making movies. Come on, it’s time. Way past time.
I admire Cameron and Heaton for upholding their faith in Christ. Our faith should not depend on what famous person is a believer, but it sure offers encouragement to the faithful.
Kirk’s not the only former teen hearthrob who’s serious about his walk with the Lord. Willie Ames from the 70’s series “Eight Is Enough” is a born-again believer and at one point played “Bibleman” in the children’s video series.
Bibleman is a little cheesy to some but it’s filled with scripture quotes and very evangelical IMO. My kids used to love watching it and I did too. It’s good to know that not all child/teen actors turn out like Lindsey Lohan or Macauley Culkin.
I’m glad he has his priorities straight on this. Hopefully you’ll get that photo you wanted LaShawn…
Lisa Welchel of “Facts of Life” is also a God-fearing woman. I’ve only read her parenting book, but it’s very interesting. She tells a story that Blair (her character) was supposed to lose her virginity on the show, but she refused because of her beliefs, and they finally gave in and had another character do so.
As former youth pastors, we’ve been familiar with Kirk’s ministry for several years. Did you know that Steven Baldwin is also a born again believer and ministers to young people? I love that, especially since his dad is such a loon
Have a great one La Shawn.
Forgot about Lisa Whelchel! I’ll update the post…
Steven Baldwin is an evangelical? Wow.
Yes. I just did a quick google and found this link:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/172/story_17222_1.html
I love to come to LaShawn’s blog. Just knowing that there are others out there gives me strength.
I have been working on the concept that it isn’t enough to thank God for the good he has done in your life, one must step forward and ask God what you can do for him. Yes, we should thank God for our skills and our blessings, but God as Santa Claus bothers me. Maybe it is the process but has anyone else found, especially those born again, a shift in your walk that your morning prayer isn’t about what God can do for you that day but what you can do for him?
I do pray that prayer, but not as often as I ask God for things — like understanding, guidance, patience…
A part of me is a little afraid to ask God what he wants me to do. I’m afraid he’ll direct me toward something I might find too challenging or intimidating (like witnessing to gangs!). That’s a barrier I need to break down because he may have something wonderful in mind, and I might miss out because of my dumb, all-too-human fears.
La Shawn,
Something we always taught our youth was that whom God calls, He also equips
. You would be no exception. Also, if it is something we could do own our own, without Him, it’s not too much of a testimony. Does that make any sense?
She’s not as well known as the others you cite, but Starletta Dupois also professes her faith as an evangelical Christian, and has done so for a long time. Some years ago, she visited my campus and met with students from our chapter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, for which I used to be adviser. There was a spirited discussion about how one can have a career in Hollywood and maintain one’s integrity as a Christian.
La Shawn,
I go through the pick someone else, don’t call on me process many times. I find that you have stepped out and stepped up and are doing an enormous amount.
I so enjoyed your posts about your shift of focus.
I will also give you a little warning. I use to pray for patience all the time. God Bless him, my now deceased born again brother told me if I prayed for patience God would give me circumstances in which patience was required. So now I just pray for strength to over come situations and more faith.
I do pray for understanding. I sometimes have a problem in praying for wisdom. Already having a strong tendency towards being a know it all, I pray for the wisdom or understanding to know that I do not have all of the answers, nor the capacity to even comprehend God’s wisdom. But ultimately, it comes down to when I see everything I believe God gives me the wisdom in that even though I don’t see fully or clearly, I do have that sense of his grace and peace.
In a strange sort of way it makes it easier to understand or know that when someone lost in tragedy cries out why did God let this or that happen, I can quietly say that I do not know. I do know that even in my moments of overwhelming grief or saddness, that God was there to hold me and suffer with me. That when I think that God feels and suffers the grief of all of us, and is still strong enough to comfort us. It just amazes me. Sometimes it is just that one small spot of calm is a stormy ocean of grief, but I know small speck of God’s grace is sufficient for all.
Again, thank you for your blog.
wytammic – Indeed it’s true! I need to pray for more courage. I truly believe God equips whom he calls. If he requires to me to witness to people who could end up killing me for a gang initiation, I do believe he will prepare and equip me. That’s an extreme example, but Jesus didn’t say the Great Commission would be a walk in the park.
Thanks for reading and contributing, ladies.
(Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow, Professor Kim.)
Yeah Steven Baldwin is on fire for the Lord. You should google his name with or without christianity attatched.
He has a very interesting testimony as well that involves his wife and a brazilion housekeeper who was sent to the US by her church because it was prophesied that through her somebody important would come to the Lord.
I am Jewish, but I do get bothered when celebrities who become “born again” are suddenly ripe for ridicule. I remember reading of Willie Aames gaining his faith and then get ridiculed for it. It’s all part of the idea that Christianity/Catholocism are the only religions for which it is permissible to denigrate.
I had not known of Patricia Heaton having strong Christian faith. I had learned she is Republican but fortunately have not heard of any backlash against her. She and fellow Republican Kelsey Grammer will be co-starring in a new comedy. If the show fails on its own merits that’s the way it is, but I’m curious if I’ll see any political pot shots against it beforehand.
La Shawn, you are great. I love reading your blogs about Christianity and admire your courage posting blogs like this. Keep it up and and GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
Cameron’s younger sister Candace (I don’t remember her married name), who played D.J. on “Full House”, is also a committed Christian.
I am deeply impressed with Stephen Baldwin, because he is going against his family in professing his faith. He convinced his sister-in-law to accept the Lord, I understand. I’d post her name but can’t think how to spell it.
Ben Stein is not a Christian, but he is a practicing Jew, and is unabashedly pro-life.
Thanks for the post, La Shawn! I loved both the Left Behind books and movies where Cameron played the character of Buck Williams. Chelsea Noble also played a major character in the Left Behind movies.
I would also love to see more Christians producing, directing and acting in Christian movies.
As for being afraid to ask God wants He wants you to do – remember the excuses that Moses made when called to go to the Israelites (”I am slow of speech…They will not believe me…Just pick someone else, please!”)? God overcame these excuses – in a very spectacular way. When He wants you to do something, He will make Himself very clear – and give you the ability to do it. Just put the matter before God and be prepared to wait for the answer. I find the words of Habakkuk 2:1 relevant when facing decision or trouble.
LaShawn,
You might want to be careful when asking God to give you patience. You might just get what you asked for and the lessons can be pretty tough.
BTW, Lisa Whelchel was the keynote speaker at a homeschool conference I attended in Charleston a couple of months ago. It was refreshing to hear a testimony like that out of a former Hollywood star.
What about Emmanuel “Webster” Lewis? Stanley Terrel — MC Hammer, and etc.
Two very strong chrstian men, especially Lewis.
That verse in Matthew you quote is powerful and cuts to the core. There will be many many folks who’ll be saying that. Those who call themselves liberals and conservatives alike.
Everybody better make sure they are right with God, now.
What about Jimmie “JJ” Walker – isn’t he a reverend? Dy-no-mite!
I really respect Patricia Heaton, by the way, as she is a honorary chair for “Feminists for Life”. I wasn’t aware that she was an evangelical Christian, but according to her wiki she was raised Roman Catholic but never converted to Presbyterianism although she attends a Presbyterian church.
I also respect Cameron, although I don’t agree with everything he has to say, I totally respect him standing by his principles.
Just a comment on that scary passage in Matthew 7. Those rejected seem to have no concept of the condemnation they naturally deserve as sinners, nor do they have any idea of humility before God and submission to His will. Instead they argue that He should accept them because of the spectacular things they have done in His name. Can you imagine anyone having more chutzpah than to argue that because they have fulfilled what they thought to be the terms of the contract they are going to sue God because He has not fulfilled what they thought to be His?
This diverts from the topic of Hollywood Christians but this man is a strong Christian in an unusual field. He does provide a strong male role model and speaks strongly of his faith and family.
http://www.matt-hughes.com/blog.html
I spent years inventing the God I wanted. As each day goes by and I learn more and more about the God that is, I am humbled. Humbled that God would even be bothered with me. Humbled that God would ever choose me to fulfill any purpose he would have for me, and so thankful for God’s grace. One split second glimpse of the nature of God’s grace. How truly awesome and amazing.
I watch many people, Christian and none Christian invent the God they want. Me, I just hope that the God that is will have mercy upon me and allow me to spend eternity in his presence. I don’t deserve to be anywhere near God. I just hope that I can have a little space in the back when we all are joined together to sing his praise.
It is amazing to me — the wonderful things that God does. Just look. Look at what God has created! Look at the tree. My first up close view of a coral reef — God is. Look at the face of a baby and the face of someone very old — God is — look at all of these faces, black, white, brown — look at how wonderful God’s creations are, look at how wonderful God’s creations can be.
Do no live for each yourself, do not live for each other — live for God. He will direct your steps. He will give you the words to witness. He will give you the strength, the hope, the faith.
When I embark on an endeavor, when I am caught at a point I ask myself – what is more important to me — pleasing GOD or some other person, pleasing GOD or pleasing myself.
Although I do hope to meet all of you in Heaven, I want only to be that little bit closer to God.
It’s wonderful how Kirk Cameron has grown in the Lord. His program, The Way of the Master is one of the best Christian programs on TV. Difficult questions relating to the Bible and Life are answered. It’s an exceptional teaching program. I highly recommend it.
Lashawn, I’ve found that sometimes he sends us towards what he wants for us whether or not we want it.
Jim C
Cameron and his ministry partner debated a couple of atheists/agnostics on ABC sometime in the past. The Christians held their own even though the show seems stacked against them.
Regarding Stephen Baldwin. He wrote a book called “The Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith.” I’ve only read excerpts, but he’s not messing around.
I think that actor Leon Isaac Kennedy (Jane Kennedy’s ex-husband) has some sort of ministry now.
He never said that it would be easy. He did say that it would be worth it.
Thank the Lord for the testimony of people with visibility and power.
I find myself becoming very unhappy with the way Christians are treated, when all the talk is about ‘acceptance’ of others. I then remember Christians are outside the ‘in’ crowd for acceptance, and in the same instance, recall that Christ himself said we would always be persecuted for professing our faith.
Keep the faith, profess it…and others will follow.
Also, Tia and Tamera Mowery from the show Sister Sister. Haven’t seen them in mainstream since they were on TBN. (Or Mr. T for that matter.) And can’t forget Denise Mathews a.k.a. Vanity.
And Mason Betha a.k.a. Ma$e.
While I can’t stand Hollywood, it stands to reason that stars would be persecuted career-wise for being Christians. While most of us won’t lose our jobs because we profess to be Christians, they do. Producers won’t use them because perhaps they would have to re-write lots of scripts and forego getting that “R” rating which they think is the box office draw. It’s sad really. I hope a Christian genre of movie and television program making will arise from it and these former stars will thrive in that market. I’m sure if you asked any of them, they would tell you how joyful they are with their present lives. Being born-again does that to a person.
Should schools teach the theory that the earth is less than 10,000 years old and that man ad dinosaurs were alive at the same time ?
I think it’s a little easy to say that Cameron has paid a professional price for his faith; at least part of that appears to be a conscious decision on his part (and a number of the others mentioned here) to not do work that would appear to compromise their beliefs. That’s admirable, but perhaps limiting in some ways for a working actor. There are but so many good, wholesome, parts to go around. And that, really, is why I find Heaton so interesting – because she seems to have a perspective on her personal life vs. her working life that may challenge the notion that someone who speaks so openly of faith can’t find good, interesting work. It’s worth noting too that the transition for most actors who start as children or teens is not easy, and there’s a reason that some of them find a need to make such complete transformations for their faith – including deeply troubled personal lives as kids because of getting so much so soon. I get the impression that Cameron, of all people, understands that this journey is what it is for the choices he made, not what others did to him. That, it seems to me, says his values really are in the right place.
My best friend graduated HS with Kirk. He dated (and eventually married) one of his good friends, and I even briefly dated one of his ex-girlfriends. I remember him showing up to a party one day, and he was a seriously cool dude.
I have to give him props… he has held to his convictions.
Comments on this entry are closed.