Christian celebrities are people who have been famous outside of their Christianity. They come from all walks of life. (an asterisk next to a name indicates that there is a brief biography of that personSPIRITUAL LIFE)
Jesus and his early followers were anything but celebrities. They were unknown and mostly poor people who felt the oppression and harsh rule of the leaders and elites of their time.
Every famous person mentioned in the New Testament opposed Jesus, from the high priest Caiaphas, the Roman governor Pilate, to King Herod, to the Roman emperors Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero.
1.Saul of Tarsus* (5-67)was a shining star among the Pharisees who led a campaign to imprison or put to death Christ's followers. All that changed when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road and he became the greatest missionary/teacher of his day, writing 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament.
Paul was the first of the Christian celebrities we look at. His fame led to a confrontation with worldly power and he was executed for his beliefs. What a price for following Jesus!
2.Constantine the Great* (272-337)was emperor of pagan Rome. Jesus gave him a vision and he became a Christian and succored them, first giving them citizenship and then calling the bishops together to create the Nicene Creed that all Christians use today.
Followers of Jesus were no longer persecuted, and paths to success were open and sought by many, rising to prominence in many areas, often with their faith being a great asset to their success.
3.Augustine of Hippo (354-430)was a prominent philosopher, first championing the Persian religion and later Neoplatonism, before becoming a Christian in answer to his mother's prayers. He became thefirst biographer,Philosopher and theologian of the Church.
4.Clovis *(466-511)was the pagan king of the Franks (Germans who occupied France) andClotilde* (475-545)was his Christian wife. Her testimony softened his heart and he promised to become a Christian if God would give him victory over his enemies. He was victorious and immediately kept that promise, and France was drawn into the fold of Christ.
5.Olga of Kyiv *(890-969)was a fierce, pagan Viking queen who burned her enemies alive. When she was born again, she raised her son in the Christian faith, and he led Russia to Christianity.
3 of the 4 Christian celebrities above were rulers and wielded governmental and military power. Augustine achieved fame and notoriety for his intellect and reputation as a philosopher and writer. All 4 moved in elite circles and had great social prominence.
6.Johannes Gutenberg* (1398-1468)created the first printing press with movable type and said this about itrevolutionary technology:
Yes, it is a press, of course, but a press from which the richest and most glorious alcohol that has ever flowed will soon flow in inexhaustible streams to quench the thirst of men!
Through them God will spread His Word; a fountain of pure truth will flow from it; like a new star shall he scatter the darkness of ignorance and become a cause of hitherto unknown light shining among men!
He and Columbus became famous because of their work or trade. They were indeed hands-on businessmen and risk-takers, and their risks and testimonies have earned them a place among the Christian celebrities we honor here.
7.Christopher Columbus (1451-1506)discovered the New World and was acommitted Christian:
I am a notable sinner but I have cried out to the Lord for mercy and mercy and they have completely covered me.
I have found the sweetest comfort since I made it my mission to enjoy His wonderful presence.
8.Michelangelo (1475-1564)was the greatest sculptor of the Renaissance and also a devout Catholic. In 1554 he wrote:
"Neither painting nor sculpture will soothe my soul, which has now turned to that divine love which, on the cross, opened its arms to receive us."
Michelangelo'sgenius and fameis undisputed, but few recognize his deep faith, as deep as the Christian celebrities we see here.
9.Isaac Newton (1642-1727)was the greatest and most influential scientist/mathematician in history, but he spent more time studying the Bible than any other subject. A devout but unorthodox Christian,
“He spent more time on theology than on science; In fact, he wrote about 1.3 million words on biblical subjects.”
in his mindhis books on Revelationand Jesus' return were more important than his discovery of gravity. His faith and Bible study are largely misunderstood today and are often ridiculed or belittled.
This is generally the treatment of Christian celebrities in our day, and the role and power of their faith is not seen for what it is - the power behind their achievements.
10.Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)The great writer and satirist, famous for Gulliver's Travels and Tale of a Tub, was a lifelong Christian and Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. He preached prefaces regularlyhis sermonswith this prayer:
Almighty and merciful God! forgive us all our sins. Grant us the grace to repent from our hearts and live a new life.
Graft into our hearts a true love and reverence for your holy name and holy word.
Make your pastors burning and shining lights, capable of convincing adversaries and saving others and themselves.
Swift is the first of three we look at here who are Christian celebrities in large part due to their literary accomplishments, Swift for satire, Cowper for poetry, and Carroll for his intriguing neologism and amazing stories.
11.William Cowper* (1731-1800)was one of the most popular poets of the Romantic movement, who focused on ordinary people and ordinary life. After a struggle with insanity and attempted suicide, he became a committed Christian and powerful hymn writer:
God moves in mysterious ways,
to perform his miracles;
See Also6 female celebrities who are open followers of ChristCelebrities who have been persecuted for their Christian beliefs are still standing up! - Sunday Adelaja's blog8 Celebrities Who Are Open About Their FaithCelebrities who follow their beliefs religiouslyHe plants his steps in the sea,
And rides the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing ability;
He appreciates his bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
12.Lewis Caroll (1832-1898)famous forAlice in Wonderlandwas a well-known mathematician, student of logic and adevout Christian;
I believe when you and I lie down for the last time, if only we can hold fast to the great truths Christ taught us—our own utter worthlessness and His infinite worth; and that he brought us back to our one Father, and made us his brothers, and so brothers to one another—we shall have all we need to guide us through the shadows.
Certainly I fully accept the teachings you are referring to - that Christ died to save us, that no other way of salvation is open to us than through His death, and that it is by faith in Him and through no merit is ours that we are reconciled to God; and I can most assuredly say heartily, "I owe everything to Him who loved me and died on the cross of Calvary." —Carroll (1897)
13.CT Stud* (1860-1931)was an outstanding cricketer and later an Anglican missionary in China, India and Africa. He also composed a long poem that ends with these lines;
Just one life, 'twill soon be over;
Only what is done for Christ will endure.
He is the first here to achieve celebrity status through sport and athletic prowess. We'll see more.
Christian Celebrities in the 20th Centurythand 21stCenturies often become celebrities through the media, sometimes with personal PR experts to get them noticed. This means that their public image is often not the whole truth.
These Christian celebrities I am reporting on seem to me to be real, Bible-believing Christians. I have excluded these in some media reports when I have discovered things that indicate they do not accept the Bible as truth and ultimate authority for our faith.
14.Billy Sunday* (1862-1935)played baseball for Chicago, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and was known for his speed, base stealing and hard life.
When he was rescued at the Pacific Garden Mission, he changed his livelihood and became an evangelist, coarse in speech, dramatic in preaching, and very popular among working-class people.
Over a million souls came to Jesus through his ministry.
Sunday is represented here as the first "man of the people". So far, all our Christian celebrities have been well-educated people who moved in the upper class.
fifteen.Thomas Stearns Eliot* (1888-1965)shook the literary and cultural world when he announced his conversion in 1927.
author ofwasteland,Eliot was his representation until he became a Christian and concluded that the culture was lost andlost without Jesus:
“The experiment will fail, but we must wait very patiently for its collapse; while time redeems: that faith may be kept alive through the dark ages before us; to rebuild and rebuild civilization and save the world from suicide.”
Eliot was on the opposite end of the spectrum as of Sunday, and perhaps the most erudite of all the Christian celebrities we look at. He was certainly the most culturally influential, single-handedly reviving the metaphysical poets and their Christianity and ousting the romantic poets from theirs.
16.Bettie Page (1923-2008)was a model famous for posing provocatively in men's magazines. She was rescued in 1957:
“The Lord took my hand and we entered. I cried in the back row because of my sins. I gave my life to the Lord.”
She became a consultant for the Billy Graham Crusade in Chicago: "I am more proud of my work with the Crusade than anything I have ever done.”she told himLA Times.
Determined to become a missionary, she trained at BIOLA but was not accepted due to her divorce. Undeterred, she stayedfaithful believerUntil her death at the age of 85.
Culturally close to Sunday, Page was never before recognized as one of our Christian celebrities because of her background. But Jesus picked her up and changed her life despite her sin and made her his own.
17.Johnny Hart (1931-2007)was the creator ofv. Chr. andThe magician of the IDComic strips that appeared in newspapers nationwide.
Chuck Colson called him"the most widely read Christian of our time"and Hart was certainly a devout and outspoken believer.
In a 1999Washington PostHe said that in an interview"Jews and Muslims who don't accept Jesus will burn in Hell" and the"Homosexuality is the work of Satan."
DieKickback was violent, but Hart was fortified when a fan wrote that she was contemplating suicide until she read one of hisinspirational stripes.
"I couldn't believe it when I read that letter. God managed to use my stripe to reach this precious soul.”gentle Heart.He said that just one fan letter made the whole controversy worthwhile.
Hart set the tone for the next Christian celebrities on our list. All who believe in the simple gospel of repentance, deliverance from sin, and the absolute truth and authority of the Bible as the Word of God.
18. Johnny Cash* (1932-2003)lived a hard life of drugs and alcohol, which he celebrated in songs. Afterhe was savedIn 1968 he said:
A few years ago I was addicted to drugs. I was afraid to wake up in the morning. There was no joy, peace or happiness in my life.
Then one day, in my helplessness, I surrendered my life completely to God. Now I can't wait to get up in the morning and study the Bible.”
19.Paul Anderson (1932-1994)was thatthe strongest man in the world, lift 6,270 lbs. 1957, an achievement that is still unparalleled today. He left his weightlifting career toBoys' Home to offer the grace of Jesus Christ to young men and their families by planting God's Word in their lives and making disciples in a relationship with Him.”
He ended his many public appearances with this line:
"If one day the strongest man in the world can't get by without the power of Jesus Christ - where is that?"
20.Pat Boone (1932– was a lifelong star in pop music, second only to Elvis Presley in the 1950s.
He was a consistent and faithful Christian and now, at 87, is perhaps the most famousspokesman for Jesusin Hollywood.
“I believe what the Bible says and God has proven it to me over and over again. I'm writing my last book and it's called IF.
Theifis, where will you spend your life after leaving this body? Will you spend it in heaven or hell?”
21. Bobby Richardson (1934– was the star 2ndBaseman for the New York Yankees from 1955-1966 and a hero of mine. He was also the team's unofficial chaplain and was faithful to Jesus and His word his entire life. He led teammate Mickey Mantle to the Lord and continues to testify of Jesus today.
22. Bob Dylan (1941– was the most famous songwriter/rock star in the world when he was rescued in 1978:
"There was a presence in the room that could not have been anyone but Jesus."
"Jesus Laid His Hand on Me"He went on, “It was a physical thing. I felt it. I felt it all over me. I felt my whole body shaking. The glory of the Lord threw me down and lifted me up.”
read thiswhole story here:
23. Margaret Smith Court* (1942– is the greatest tennis player in history with 62 Grand Slam titles. Born again in 1973, she retired from tennis to care for her family and study for ministry.
I went to Bible school in 1982 and ever since my goal has been to go out and share God's Word with as many people as possible.
24. Al Green (1946– is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and one of the greatest voices of all time. He is one tooordained ministerof the church in Memphis. His website greeting is this invitation:
"Thank you for visiting my website. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to bring Christ into your life.
Commit yourself today to Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and you will begin to receive His rich blessings.
(Video) Carrie Underwood - See You AgainInvite him into your life today. By confessing your sins, you receive the wonderful gift of salvation.
Your burden is lightening and the clouds are beginning to part.”
25. Francine Rivers (1947– is a popular novelist specializing inhistorical fiction. When she was born again in 1986, she turned to Christian/Evangelical issues.redeem loveis her best-known book, which has sold over a million copies. Her other Christian novels sold millions of copies, all were written
"To illustrate Christ and the Christian path, to tackle difficult problems and to write realistic stories."
26. Alice Cooper (1948- is a heavy metal rock star who grew up in a Christian home but turned away from Christ for the sake of fame. He reconnected with God in the 80's after being freed from alcoholism. He gives regularly nowhis testimonyand warns:
"Be careful! Satan is not a myth. Don't sit around and pretend Satan is just a joke. My job is to warn [people] about Satan."
27. Donna Sommer (1948 -2012)was the disco queen that wasrebornin the 1980s.
“I've been a Christian all my life, but I haven't actually done it — I haven't lived it. And I realized again that without her, I couldn't get through these things I was going through. I needed something that would ground me and it had to be really strong.”
28. George Foreman (1949– was a two-time boxer and world heavyweight champion. A very wild and angry man, he found Jesus through reading the Bible and became an ordained minister. He often appears on television to givehis testimonyand encourage others in the faith.
I've found that the greatest thing in the world—the greatest existence of all—is that God made us human, and I've found how to love those around me.
I don't think it's possible for anyone to really appreciate people's lives until they find Jesus Christ.
29. Tony Dungy (1955– Coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL for 18 years and won Super Bowl XLI for the Colts. A faithful uloud ChristianOver the years he has done everything to share his faith with his players and colleagues:
“Christ is so much a part of my life that if I can help lead someone else, anyone, to Jesus, it's very important. The truth always wins. And we can't be afraid to share the truth.” –
30. Mel Gibson (1956– is a lifelong believer andpopular actor/producerbest known for the filmsbrave heartandDie Passion Christi. When asked why he was willing to invest $30 million of his own money in the productionThe passion, he answered:
"Well, of all I've been through, here's a man who died for me. It seems like a pretty small price to try and pay back, doesn't it?"
31. Reggie White (1961 – 2004)was an All-Pro defensive end for 3 NFL teams and aenthusiastic christian.
“Ever since I was a kid I have always believed that God would allow me to play professional football to use it as a platform to proclaim and live the name of Jesus and that is the most exciting part of my life. ”
32. Darryl Strawberry (1962– was a major league baseball player with 4 World Series rings. However, his fame and fortune led him to drug addiction, a broken family and imprisonmenthis mother's prayerswere answered when he came to Jesus.
"He's a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth chance god, and I think people need to understand that he's a god that will never leave you or let you down," says Strawberry.
"I never want to sit around and think like I did when I was a ball player, the stupidity of how awesome you are. No, it's how awesome he is. Jesus found me in the pit and sat me in the pulpit. No one but Jesus can do that.”
33. Evander Holyfield (1962– is the only 4-time world heavyweight champion. His license was revoked on medical grounds in 1994, but a woman he prayed with advised him to go to a healing service with Benny Hinn. After being re-examined, the heart condition was gone, andhe re-entered the ringWinning the championship for a 3rd placerdtime in 1996.
"I don't box because I want to box"said Holyfield."I'm here because God wants me to be here." "I wouldn't be who I am without Jesus"he told an interviewer,"[My grandmother and mother] always reminded me, 'You must ask Jesus for help.'"
34. Michael Landon, Jr. . . . . . (1964).– is the son of the man who made it"Little House on the Prairie"such a huge success. Raised in a Jewish family, Michael Jr. converted to Christianity and became a producerFilms with Christian themes, some based on the novels by Francine Rivers.
The spiritual side of man is largely neglected by Hollywood. And while I don't want to rub it in anyone's face, we're not just physical, we're spiritual. And of the two, the spiritual has the greater value.
35. Stephen Baldwin (1966– is a popular actor and producer whogave Jesus his lifeshortly after the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Led to the Lord by his cleaning lady and wife, he has now focused on sharing the gospel:
i have a calling Do you know what this calling is? Working for the Lord in a new and hard, radical way.
If I offend some people, if I offend some people, and if I may shake it up a little as long as it's directed by the Holy Spirit, amen.
36. Michael Chang* (1972– is a professional tennis player who became a Christian at age 15 after reading a Bible given to him by his grandparents. He took his faith with him to tennis.
At 17, he became the youngest man to ever win the French Open. The world learned of his faith when he proclaimed after the victory:
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for without him I am nothing.
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37. Kanye West (1977-is one of the highest-grossing musicians and producers of all time with a value of $1.8 billion as of 2021. He was2019 reborn:
“Trying to serve multiple gods drove me crazy” and that “I didn't even know what it meant to be saved” and that now “I love Jesus Christ. I love Christianity.”
"I'm just a Christian, everything."
He has started church services attended by many Hollywood celebrities. His latest album is JEsus is king.
38. Bubba Watson (1978– is a professional golfer who has won 2 Masters tournaments and also onededicated christian.
Watson uses his visibility and high standing in the golfing world to spread the gospel:
For me it just shows the light. There are people who want to put Christians down. I try to tell them that Jesus loves you. It's just a way of being strong in my faith...
39. Tim Tebow* (1987– has had a distinguished career in college and professional football while always serving the gospel. He gave public testimony to millions every week, writing Bible verses on his black eyes and kneeling in silent prayer in the field that soon became known as "Tebowing."
Constantly mocked by the press for his beliefs, he remained faithful and kind:
Let's just love God and love people and bring people together. How many people can we love in Jesus name?
How many people can we help in Jesus name? That is the goal. Nothing else is the goal. That's all that counts,
40. Justin Bieber (1994- is aCanadian singer, the youngest to "top the charts" and become a teen idol. He was baptized in 2014 after his rebirth:
“I am a follower of Jesus. When you accept Jesus, you walk with the Holy Spirit. I just want to be led by the Holy Spirit.”
He is married to Stephen Baldwin's daughter Hailey.
Final Comments on Christian Celebrities
How wonderful it is that Jesus should use these people for His glory and to present His great salvation to the lost.
The gospel is passed from generation to generation, and the Lord raises up holy men and women to speak for him. I love to see young people from this generation who stand up for Jesus.
As I've been working on this over the past few weeks, I've read from many more claiming to be Christians, but as I look more closely I see things that concern me.
Many don't have the "staying power" and soon abandon Jesus and the Bible and cling to something more timely or popular. Others are corrupted by wealth, status, and power, leaving behind the simple truth of God's Word.
But Jesus has others who are willing to take up the cross and follow Him. I pray that we will join these Christian celebrities in Jesus' roll of honor. Heed his voice and answer his call!
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Jesus in Markus 16:15
A call for loyal soldiers
Come to everyone;
soldiers for the conflict,
will you heed the call
do you answer quickly
with a ready cheer,
will you be drafted
As a volunteer?Refrain
A Volunteer for Jesus
A true soldier!
Others have reported
Why not you?
Jesus is the captain
we will never be afraid
will you be drafted
As a volunteer?Yes, Jesus calls for soldiers
who are filled with power,
soldiers who will serve him
Every day and every hour;
he won't leave you
He is always near;
will you be drafted
As a volunteer?RefrainHe calls you because He loves you
with a kind heart,
He whose heart was broken
broken for mankind;
Now, right now, He's calling you
calls in accents clear,
will you be drafted
As a volunteer?RefrainAnd when the war is over
And the victory won
If the true and faithful
Gather one by one,
He will crown with glory
All who appear there;
will you be drafted
As a volunteer?Refrain
Worte: W. S. Brown, 1907.
You endure hardships, therefore, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one who makes war gets involved in the affairs of this life; so that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.2Tim 2:3-4
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