May 12, 2009
Is Miss California, Carrie Prejean, a religious role model?
By Beaver Believer, Portland
Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was thrust into the national spotlight after answering a pageant question from a judge about same-sex marriage. She said she supports traditional marriage between a man and a woman. In true dramatic fashion she came in second place heightening thoughts of persecution. A small altercation broke out amongst the audience as well as heated words by all sorts of commentators within hours of the event.
An Oregon pastor told his congregation that he had a hard time processing her family message with the image of her walking out on stage in a skimpy bathing suit. When you are wearing so little are people really paying attention? Then surfaced were the lingerie photos of her as a 17-year old. Carrie Prejean said “I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos.” Those (topless) lingerie photos were the most borderline pornographic clothing line pictures I have ever seen. Then this week on Focus on the Family, it was said that she now regrets the photo shoot.
Adding to the mix is the terrible backlash Carrie has received. The judge who asked the original question ran a YouTube video calling her the famous B-word. MSNBC commentator, Keith Olbermann, compared her to a Nazi death camp operator. People are calling for her to surrender her state title. Such acrimonous attacks invite people on both side of the issue to rush to her defense of the right to express one’s opinion.
What now? Interestingly, the Dove Awards (Gospel music) quickly put Carrie Prejean on stage for their recent ceremony. This means that a red carpet is being laid out for her to be a spiritual spokeswoman for political issues. My honest and unresolved question is that is this a good idea? Some in the Christian Community have chased after music stars and actors who espoused good things but were later burned when their lifestyle ruined their message. I pray that this is not the case.
There are a lot of different opinions on this highly charged issue, and I would love to hear your thoughts — please be respectful.
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May 12, 2009
A pedastal..never! But, I think her “fame” gives her the unique opportunity to reach out to many young girls on not only the sanctity of marriage, but also to make wise choices. She’s far from perfect but, the perfect are not always the best spokespersons to reach out to those who need to be reached (and I’m afraid we’d be pretty slim on speakers).
May 12, 2009
She is at the point where she can’t afford to make any mistakes. That is not where I want to be.
May 12, 2009
I’m inclined to agree with your concerns. However, I am glad folks are standing up for her right to say what she believes and that she has a right to her opinion. (I do agree with her.) It is a shame that when someone stands up for something, something unrelated is found to try to tear them down. Did she consider herself a “Christian” when she did the photos? How well grounded is her faith, etc.. Many questions to ask, and have answered, before deciding if she is a “religious role model.” Hats off to her for stating her true beliefs in front of so many, and most likely knowing she would get back-lash for it.
May 12, 2009
It often happens that when people try to take a stand for what is right, attempts are made to discredit the message by attacking the integrity of the messenger.
According to the homepage of San Diego Christian College, Carrie Prejean’s school, she shares her faith with girls and women she is especially able to reach:
“Carrie has recently been serving with a ministry that seeks to reveal Christ’s transforming love to women in the adult entertainment industry. Led by a young woman who herself was delivered by Christ, the group ‘gets real’ with these women and discusses their problems and life struggles. Carrie feels that she can connect with women her age and believes that God is using her to bring hope to others.”
Regarding Christian role models, even St. Paul had to remind Christians that they were not baptized in his name but in the Name of Jesus. When we fall or see others in difficulty, we should help each other to stay faithful, remembering that Christ is our strength and ultimate model.
May 12, 2009
Sometimes people are not ready to be role models. Carrie may yet be unprepared for what is ahead of her.
May 12, 2009
I for one am very glad for Carrie Perjean comments on marriage. I do not look at her as a leader in the Christian Faith or a spoksman for it. How silly she 21 years old. But her recognition that the God mocking unnatural preversions of the marriage being advanced in our society need someone to speak the truth, calling abnormal and unnatual unions unacceptable. Hooray for this young woman who has not become a reprobate in a culture hell bent on forcing this down our already spitually parched throats. For this all civilized people especially Christians ought to applaud.
June 16, 2009
It is sad that she was beat up for her beliefs and I totally support her viewpoint on gay marriages. However, the picture last year was taken when she professed to be a Christian. I am embarrased and do not respect her decision to dress so inappropriately . She may cause others to stumble because she did not act remorseful over her attire and stated she does it because she is a model. How is that a role model to young girls who desire to be a model. Lukewarm Christianity does damage and truly hurts the Christin cause. Luke warm Christianity should make us all think because it truly causes the unbelievers to stumble/fall and what no part of what we stand for.
The media is making a lot out of the skimpy photos you deem borderline pornography. First, I would like to say, even though distasteful, what she did pales in comparison with real pornography. Second, she was only 17 and now regrets having done the shoot. I think many of us who hope to be a Christian model to our children may have done things as teenagers that were done with the lack of maturity that comes with a teenager. I would hope we can all grow in our maturity and our faith so that our past actions wouldn’t ban us from taking that role. Who will cast the first stone…