How should Christians respond to celebrities?
In many ways, celebrities are more visible versions of what we all do on a smaller scale. When we step outside, we present a version of ourselves that's part reality and part performance. We curate our image through style, speech, and behavior—all of which is shaped by the culture, expectations, and even the insecurities we've experienced. We do this partly for our own sense of uniqueness and self-worth and partly for the way we want to be perceived by others. Celebrities no different—only their "audience" is much bigger, sometimes even global.
What we see when a celebrity presents themselves to the public is shaped by creative license, branding, media, and public pressure. Even when a celebrity appears to reveal their "true self" on social media, that image is still carefully managed—just like anyone else on social media. We may not dress as flamboyantly, have as glamorous jobs, or project ourselves as confidently, but we all do this to some extent when we're in front of other people.
Character > Image
"Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." —John 7:24 (NLT)
The world tends to judge a person based on what's happening on the outside, but Christians are called to look past what's skin-deep (1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24). In his "I Have a Dream" speech, the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of a world where people would be judged by the "content of their character" rather than the color of their skin1. Likewise, the Bible calls us to pay close attention to the words and actions of a person rather than what they look like (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34).
When we're formulating an opinion about a celebrity—or anyone else for that matter—discernment is essential. The discerning heart distinguishes between words and actions that are from the heart, which are there just for show, and whether that expression aligns with truth and godly character—especially under pressure.
Examine Your Influences
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." —Philippians 4:8
As followers of Christ, we are called to evaluate every influence in our lives—such as music, movies and books, video games, etc.—through the lens of Scripture. And that includes our involvement in following celebrities' lives. We should be aware of how the celebrities we follow are influencing us internally.
For example, a pop music star, like every human being, is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is therefore deserving of dignity, love, and respect. However, we should also use spiritual discernment when considering taking on their worldview, living by their lyrics, or allowing their personality traits to influence us in light of biblical truth.
If the musician's art centers on relationships, breakups, and revenge, that's certainly a reflection of common human themes. But do they reflect godly values, such as forgiveness, mercy, purity, and holiness? If their music doesn't express Christian values, that doesn't automatically make it "evil," but it does remind us that the influence of that musician flows from a secular worldview rather than a Christian one. If that's the case, then we should be cautious about how much we allow that celebrity's work and life to influence us personally.
In the World Not of the World
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." —Romans 12:2
We may be surrounded by the values of popular culture every time we consume any kind of media, but, as followers of Christ, we ought to thoughtfully allow Scripture to shape our thinking and behavior. While enjoying movies, music, or art that showcases talent and creativity—both gifts from our Creator—we must not let that admiration lead to unhealthy obsession (Exodus 20:3-5) or desensitization to sin.
We should not simply consume content blindly but actively seek the things that glorify God, align with His purposes for our lives, improve our mental health, and contribute positively to our relationships. If something we are regularly exposed to goes against those goals, then it would be wise to step away from it.
Finding the Balance
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." —Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
We CAN recognize a celebrity's artistic gifts without necessarily approving of all their messages or the moral framework society has built around them. We can openly appreciate creative skill or talent. We can choose to enjoy some songs, some movies, or some books—while avoiding others.
Being discerning about celebrities isn't an all-or-nothing decision or about determining whether they're "good" or "bad" people. Discernment is not the same as judgment; it's wisdom guided by the Spirit (John 14:26). It's about figuring out whether certain words, actions, or content will bring us closer to Christ or distract us from Him (Hebrews 5:14) and guarding our hearts from harm (Proverbs 4:23-26).
"Do not love the world or the things in the world... The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." —1 John 2:15-17
Whether someone's platform is global or personal, we should neither idolize NOR condemn. Rather, we should look at others—and ourselves—with spiritual clarity (Colossians 3:2; James 3:17). Celebrities are not theological puzzles to solve—just human beings who ought to be fairly judged by the fruit of their character (Galatians 5:22-23) and not their outward appearance or fame. Like all of us, they are flawed human beings who are made in God's image—people for whom Christ died (Romans 5:8).
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." —Psalm 19:14
REFERENCES: 1. NPR. "Read Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in its entirety." Updated January 16, 2023. https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety.
ALSO SEE:
- How should a Christian respond to Hollywood?
- Is it wrong to be obsessed with a celebrity?
- Is wrong to want to be famous?
- What is a Christian worldview?
- What is spiritual discernment?
- How can I get better at spiritual discernment?
- What does "in the world not of the world" mean?
- How can I live in the world not of the world?
- What does it mean to guard your heart?
- Should Christians use social media?
- How can I stop comparing myself to others?
- What does the Bible say about self-worth?
- What does the Bible say about insecurity?
- What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?
- How can I stop judging people?
- What is idolatry?
TL;DR
Whether someone's platform is global or personal, we should neither idolize NOR condemn. Rather, we should look at others—and ourselves—with spiritual clarity. Celebrities are not theological puzzles to solve—just human beings who ought to be fairly judged by the fruit of their character (Galatians 5:22-23) and not their outward appearance or fame. Like all of us, they are flawed human beings who are made in God's image—people for whom Christ died (Romans 5:8).
