Celebrities for Jesus [Book Review]

Celebrity is ubiquitous. It is not only in culture but its impact permeates the Church world. Katelyn Beaty’s most recent book, Celebrities for Jesus—How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting The Church decodes intersection of the celebrity phenomena in Christian culture and the Church. Here’s an overdue review of the book. On Celebrities for Jesus If I was asked to be succinct in my description of Celebrities for Jesus I would call it a reverent expression of love of Jesus and His Church. I might not go as far as canonising it, but, if I had to borrow a contemporary Christian commentator cliché: it is something Paul, the Apostle, would have written today. If you’ve explored Corinthians, Galatians, OK fine, the New Testament letters, you will see that the writers were always honest about the state of the Churches of their audiences. The concern for Christ followers, and their communities not living up to what they should have is palpable. Beaty delves into fairly recent history, exploring the western Church, and the beginnings of celebrity. She then pulls the historical threads to weave a tapestry that not only describes the reality and malevolent impact of celebrity today, but also how celebrity is systematically nurtured and sustained. The gargantuan Christian publishing machinery gets the deserved critique in how it enables celebrity in Christendom. There is a delicate, nuanced exploration of the intersectionality of pop culture, media and tech with the church’s desire to advance its mission. Nuance, which is often scarified by the careless and incompetent, is pleasantly present. One of the things I appreciated in this work. Celebrities for Jesus offers more than a clear identification of the plague of celebrity in the Church but also offers calls to action for the present. These calls, if heeded, will help us become healthier a Church into the future. It is well-researched, well written, and pertinent work the Church must give attention. It’s Not Just For The American Church While this book was written with many references to North American churches, and christian leaders, the cautionary tales are just as pertinent in other parts of the world, and should be equally heeded and contextualised. Especially as the U.S. church has significant influence on the Church in other parts of the world. Should You Read Celebrities for Jesus? I hate spoiler alerts, that’s why I haven’t described in detail the actual contents. If you haven’t figured it out by now: you shouldn’t read the book, you must read it. It should be an annual compulsory read for church leaders (pastors, staff, volunteers, elders etc.). And not only that, also in humility and honestly engaged with in community. Get Celebrities for Jesus on Amazon | IndieBound. Katelyn Beaty, is editorial director for Brazos Press, and a former managing editor of Christianity Today. Find out more about her on her website. Ron Star says I am not a church leader, and also I have read the book “Celebrities for Jesus” yet, but I am a church member and I can see how greed is taking over the church.