Celebrities for Jesus: how personas, platforms, and profits are hurting the church

Spirituality | Kaetlyn Beaty | Brazos Press

Beaty traces ‘Christian celebrity’ from historic causes to current form and impact. Context is always useful and gives her critique weight. Why are we so drawn to celebrities? What is the cost of ‘celebrity’ rather than ‘fame’ to them? What influence do celebrities have on us? She also looks at how we as Christians help perpetuate unhealthy parasocial relationships or leadership situations. I found the chapter on the current Christian publishing industry particularly incisive, especially coming from an insider. Thankfully, her problem diagnosis isn’t the end. She hints throughout at alternative attitudes and practices, and in the last part shares a hopeful vision—the power of proximity and ordinary faithfulness, rather than creating idols of others.
Well researched and very readable, highly recommended. (Reviewed by Rachelle de Laat, BCM librarian)