And the newest televangelist is … Prince!
Okay, not really. In fact, he’s really just a pop culture icon and singer who talks about his faith. And, okay, there's probably quite a few religious leaders who would question his theology. And his music. And his parties!
But after a recent House Of Blues concert, and before one of his "fabled after-parties," he did an interview that showed a kind of ease and confidence in talking about his faith that many evangelists and Christian celebrities could learn from.
Don't get me wrong: I love it every single time when a celebrity--be it a musician, actor, athlete or politician--acknowledges their faith in speeches or interviews. It’s the kind of example we should set for our kids and practice with each other. But let's face it--these faith conversations are often so dang awkward for so many of them. But for Prince, talking about his faith seemed natural and unforced, with biblical accuracy and strength of conviction that sounded about as un-platitudinal as could be.
When responding to a question that wasn't directed at religion, he somehow turned the conversation to: "At this age, it starts to more be about what the gift is and then what your role is. That's where the Scriptures come into play. As men, we're supposed to be humble. The ones that can't are the ones that fall because they're caught up in worldly things like women, sex, drugs. The Bible is the guidebook to help men and women with their sins. If I'm going to get some advice, wouldn't I want it from Solomon? That man had a thousand wives. I mean, I want to talk to the guy who had a thousand women!”
Biblically speaking, he was right. Solomon had more wealth, wine, women, and wisdom (that's brains, booze, boys, and bucks for the opposite sex) than anyone else on the planet. Prince went on to say:
"I'm not going to waste my blessings. God has over-blessed me, but you have to appreciate what you have, and to do that, you have to break down a lot of walls, meaning that you're not afraid anymore. If you look at earlier performances of mine, my eyes were closed." According to the parable of the talents, he’s right.
When asked about a turning point in his life, he said, "When you read the Scriptures, you start to understand that … we would have a paradigm shift, and everybody would all get along. Everybody is supposed to eat. Everybody is supposed to treat people with respect." Very consistent with the Sermon on the Mount.
And how does Prince feel on stage? "It feels like a revelation, a realization ... the answer. That concept of the everlasting now … you just want to look at what God's will is."
I doubt his book will soon appear next to Rick Warren or Joel Osteen … but his message may connect with a large audience that has little interest in traditional Christianity or its text, the Bible.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and to hear when a great entertainer like yourself speak his name( ex. award shows) it's a beautiful thing!
Prince has grown -up, just as we all should. I remember growing up with him. I remember his earlier performances, as I have been a Prince fan since he came on the scene in 76-77. The only difference is he grew in the public eye, as many of us grew up in private. Its too easy to say look at what he did, and his antics back then (Which I loved back then)but for many of the doubters, look at what he has become, nothing short of a musical genieus who has finally found his way home, home to God. I applaud that and welcome him to the family of all of us who realizes that we truly blessed! Keep up the good work Prince and continue to grow.
I recently commented on the Prince issue,I by no means am I downing him,or judging him because I have to stand in judgement for my own sins none of us are without sin, but I am curious how you can profess God and your actions (music, jirations,etc..) are contrary to who He(GOD) is, it's like oil and water they just don't go together.I don't see how God get any glory from what he does. If he were singing praises unto God then I would applaud him, but he's not.I was not born saved and I have'nt always lived right,But when you learn better you do better.To me it seems hypocritical, why is it that so many of you seem to up hold him in what he does????????? I'm just asking, trying to understand you alls reasoning.If I offened anyone please forgive me as that is not my heart, I merely read the article and commented based on what I have learned about GOD, and what His word says.
also, I have been an avid fan of Prince since his early days. I just want to say, judge not lest you be judged. Prince is offering us his feelings as for his belief and where he is taking his testimony is an awesome thing no matter what is in the depths of his heart and mind. He professes to be a child of God and that should be not for us to judge at the present time. As a born again christian I know this much, that speaking about the Lord takes alot of guts and it shows that he is not embarrassed of the Lord . Cause, if we are embarrassed of the Lord , so will he not know us to his Father. I hope I got that out right . God Bless you Prince as you have touched my life and thankyou. Keep trusting in Him and don't worry about the critcs as long as you and the Lord have it together. Karen Glatz
Prince is at the crossroads, and Praise God for speaking to his heart. It is a beginning and we (Christians) all know what God can do with hungry heart. From what I am reading in the comments the work has already begun.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.