Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (Full Version)

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gaylel1 -> Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/28/2008 11:54:22 PM)

With the Miley Cyrus controversy before us, I want to ask the people outhere in cyber land that should someone who say they are a believer should not compomise their faith by doing those things that are ungodly?

I think those who say they are believers who say they are role models for young people should have higher moral standards. The stunt Miley pulled was "Compomizing with the world" and that it would lead a 15 year old to stumble in that sin.

What do you think?



genla -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:09:00 AM)

You should realize though, that she is only 15. People grow and learn from their mistakes. A teen celebritiy is obviously under alot of pressure from the media, fans, family, producers, managers....I'm not saying whatever she did was ok, but I don't really think it's fair to judge either.



gaylel1 -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:21:24 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: genla

You should realize though, that she is only 15. People grow and learn from their mistakes. A teen celebritiy is obviously under alot of pressure from the media, fans, family, producers, managers....I'm not saying whatever she did was ok, but I don't really think it's fair to judge either.


I understand that, but this girl calls herself a "Christian"? People who are in the faith does not do these things to compormize their walk with God. I'm sorry, but a 15-year old girl who call herself a role model poses nude, something is wrong somewhere. I blame her, and her parents because if these people were good, godly parents as they say, they would have not let their little girl pose nude.

I don't care if she's 15 years old, she should have known better.

I'm afraid that this will lead some impessionable young lady to do that too, and that's a shame.




car2ner -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 6:45:03 AM)

I am a retired entertainer but I don't watch entertainment news. I am not aware of this issue.

a 15 year old posed nude? Aside from the fact that I don't have a knee jerk reaction to nudity, I do believe that it is often used to incite lust. Should a christian have high standards? Of course! Do we all judge each other and say "your standards don't match the bible"? Way too often...you can see it in some of our threads here!

Personal responsibility before God is key.



ThursdaysChild -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 7:11:47 AM)

While she's old enough to know better, she's still young enough that her judgement can't be trusted. There's a reason why she's not old enough to have a driver's license, buy alcohol, sign a contract, etc.

Her parents, on the other hand, are more than old enough. They're responsible for decisions made about her life, career, etc. until she reaches the age of majority. They should have prevented this from happening. I don't know anything beyond that she did it, so I don't know if it was something they were aware of beforehand or not, but even if they didn't...how was she there with no one being responsible for her? Why wasn't one of them there with her? And if one of them was, what was s/he thinking? [:@]



rcjames -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 8:40:16 AM)

All Christians should have high moral standards based on the New Testament, or maybe they are not Christians.

I really like this passage for defining the moral standards of Christians;

(Rom 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

(Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

That is what we are told to be/do, and Jesus said one more very interesting thing;

(Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Thanks
RC



gaylel1 -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 9:44:51 AM)

She (Miley) mentioned a long time ago that her faith keeps her grounded. I don't know what level of her walk she is on, but she and her parents should know too that certian things you should not do as a beliver to weaken your walk with God. Yes, it is good to be a Christian, but as the same time, the name brings responsbility. Now I realize we are all sinners, you, I and everybody else, however, we should be examples as well whether we are lower or someone higher than the Cyruses.

Now about that photo shoot, I still think the parents, if they were responsible parents, should have put her foot down--plain and simple.



URForgiven -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 9:59:43 AM)

I believe we tend to judge Entertainers, athletes, actors etc. too harshly. These people are constantly being tempted, constantly being enticed in ways that we "normal" people never will.

A lot of what passes for sinless perfection in us "commoners" is not really our noble successes at resisting sin, as it is simply a 'lack of opportunity'.



Szaftoo -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 10:11:50 AM)

Many of my most significant times of growth in the Lord were when I messed up or compromised.

She and her family goofed, let's see how they handle it.



stellaluna -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 10:12:39 AM)

Lots of Christian teenagers do lots of stupid things, with and without their parents' consent. They just aren't on magazine covers.



zamdad -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:11:49 PM)

I only saw a glimpse of MIley's photo on the news last night. All I saw was her back with a blanket covering the rest of her. Should she have allowed a photo like that to be taken? No. But, she's human. Worse than that, she's a teenager. What I think can be more damaging to her is our condemnation of her as a result of her poor choice. Seems this is more a poor reflection on us, that we have nothing better to do than to point fingers at someone who's constantly in the spotlight of the media.



Qtman -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:15:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad

I only saw a glimpse of MIley's photo on the news last night. All I saw was her back with a blanket covering the rest of her. Should she have allowed a photo like that to be taken? No. But, she's human. Worse than that, she's a teenager. What I think can be more damaging to her is our condemnation of her as a result of her poor choice. Seems this is more a poor reflection on us, that we have nothing better to do than to point fingers at someone who's constantly in the spotlight of the media.


Well said. I too saw the photo and although she was not exposed I don't think she should have had it made. But who among us have not sinned and/or made a wrong choice? And no I don't think one Christian should be held to a higher standard than another. We are all human.



sjd2008 -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:19:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gaylel1

With the Miley Cyrus controversy before us, I want to ask the people outhere in cyber land that should someone who say they are a believer should not compomise their faith by doing those things that are ungodly?

I think those who say they are believers who say they are role models for young people should have higher moral standards. The stunt Miley pulled was "Compomizing with the world" and that it would lead a 15 year old to stumble in that sin.

What do you think?



First, the photos are not nude per se. She has a bare back and is covered up front. Now, do I feel that the photo should have been taken of a 15 year old girl? No. Do I feel that it was a stunt? NO. From the stories that I have read about the photos her parents or other adults were around during the shoot and had access to the photos. Miley Cyrus says that she is a Christian. I take that at face value. She made a mistake, a very public mistake. Should she have a higher standard than say another 15 year old Christian? No. Depending on how this works out, she could be an excellent role model for the Grace of God. We all mess up whether we're 15 or 50. Some of us have the unfortunate problem of having our mistakes and sins made public. As Christians we should be slow to criticize and quick to forgive.



gengwall -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:21:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gaylel1

With the Miley Cyrus controversy before us, I want to ask the people outhere in cyber land that should someone who say they are a believer should not compomise their faith by doing those things that are ungodly?

I think those who say they are believers who say they are role models for young people should have higher moral standards. The stunt Miley pulled was "Compomizing with the world" and that it would lead a 15 year old to stumble in that sin.

What do you think?
My daughter has just graduated from an acting conservatory in Hollywood and is embarking on her acting career. She is a strong Christian with a firm moral character (which REALLY set her apart in school). Being 21 now, she makes her own decisions about what parts to take, etc. But we know she continues to employ our guidelines in those decisions. Our take for a CHristian performer has always been that you take parts that support a Judeo/Christian moral perspective. That doesn't necessarily mean you only portray moral characters. Our daughter may indeed play characters who engage in ungodly actions, as long as there is some godly redeeming value to the role and the project.

This doesn't say much about Miley's poor decision (and her parents lapse in guidance if they were aware of it). And photo shoots are somewhat different than playing a role in a play, film, or show. I will say this though - Miley's character portrayal has started to drift away from the "G" image it originally embraced. There is more sexuality being displayed each time I see her perform as either Miley or Hannah Montana. Like so much ungodliness in our lives, it is creeping in very slowly, but it is definately there. I continue to wonder where she (or her parents) will draw the line. On the other hand, a very positive message can be communicated by playing a character who is on this slippery slope to ungodliness but catches herself in time and redeems herself. Time will tell if Miley and her writers, directors, and costumers, embrace that positive message, or if they continue to develope her character into someone all too eager to "conform to the pattern of this world."



2shaye -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:28:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sjd2008

quote:

ORIGINAL: gaylel1

With the Miley Cyrus controversy before us, I want to ask the people outhere in cyber land that should someone who say they are a believer should not compomise their faith by doing those things that are ungodly?

I think those who say they are believers who say they are role models for young people should have higher moral standards. The stunt Miley pulled was "Compomizing with the world" and that it would lead a 15 year old to stumble in that sin.

What do you think?



First, the photos are not nude per se. She has a bare back and is covered up front. Now, do I feel that the photo should have been taken of a 15 year old girl? No. Do I feel that it was a stunt? NO. From the stories that I have read about the photos her parents or other adults were around during the shoot and had access to the photos. Miley Cyrus says that she is a Christian. I take that at face value. She made a mistake, a very public mistake. Should she have a higher standard than say another 15 year old Christian? No. Depending on how this works out, she could be an excellent role model for the Grace of God. We all mess up whether we're 15 or 50. Some of us have the unfortunate problem of having our mistakes and sins made public. As Christians we should be slow to criticize and quick to forgive.


I agree.



john_mark -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 12:56:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gengwall

I will say this though - Miley's character portrayal has started to drift away from the "G" image it originally embraced. There is more sexuality being displayed each time I see her perform as either Miley or Hannah Montana. Like so much ungodliness in our lives, it is creeping in very slowly, but it is definately there. I continue to wonder where she (or her parents) will draw the line.


this is so true. the pictures for vanity fair were not some prank or spur of the monent slip up. these photos were a decision by miley, her parents, and her agents to promote her career. there was a discission by all involved to promote a particular image of miley. they chose to begin to promot her in a suggestive way.

there are apparently photos of miley where she is clowning with some friends and she shows her bra. those are a differnet thing, those appear to be just a slip-up that all teenagers do.

the vantity fair photos though were a delibrate career decision that invovled forethought.



zamdad -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 1:27:18 PM)

Another thought on this. I have a 16 year old son who is very active in youth group and as a youth worship leader. I am amazed at some of the things girls in our community send to him on the internet. Some of these girls come from "good Christian homes." Yet, they are sending sexually suggestive comments and suggestive/revealing photo's. I've grown up thinking that as a dad, I have to protect my girls from guys like my younger me. Several years ago I came to the conclusion that my thinking was short sighted on this and that I also have to protect my boy from the overly agressive girls out there.

Now, I'm not sugesting that Miley was overly agressive. The only difference between Miley and the average girl is that she has the media following her everywhere she goes. Any slip up she has is going to be public and the exposure will get us trapped in the sin of gossip. In the mean time, our own girls are wanting our attention so badly that they are throwing themselves at boys to get the attention they aren't getting at home.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 1:38:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames
All Christians should have high moral standards based on the New Testament, or maybe they are not Christians.
(followed by very relevant Scriptures

and
quote:

ORIGINAL: QTman
Well said. I too saw the photo and although she was not exposed I don't think she should have had it made. But who among us have not sinned and/or made a wrong choice? And no I don't think one Christian should be held to a higher standard than another. We are all human.


I agree with both of these persons. But I want to tell you something.

Years ago, I lived on the east coast. I was chosen to wear a beautiful old dress and pose for a photo shoot representing the clothing of the early era for the centennial celebration.

I knew the man who took the photos, and I trusted him. However, he did not know that while I didn't mind back then to show a tiny bit of cleaveage, he did not know that I was someone rrunning from a very naive family background, who didn't even watch television until I was in my early 20s. Regardless, he had me spin, turn, and pose, making me quite comfortable to follow his suggestions, especially since my husband was watching the whole thing.

Toward the end of the shoot, he had me sit on the grass in a beautiful park, while he snapped photos. Finally, he said do this, do that, and I did.

When the photo shoot was over, my husband was silent in the car, until he asked me angrily, "How could you?" I had no idea that my photo on tthe front page of the WA D.C. Sunday paper would be showing as much cleaveage as the common attention-seeking starlet shows today, as I leaned out in a provocative post, while the camera took the photo from above me.

Stupid? Yes. Gullible? Double yes. But the photographer had made it fun, worked me, flattered me, until I did what I had no idea I had done.

And I was 21.

I also remember photo shoots of others. For example, a pastor with an issue regarding a moral problem in government, decided to take it to court to sue for a change that would bring the idea back to godly morality. As some pastors are used to doing, he carried his attache case in one hand and his Bible in another. The photographers, desiring to make their own political issue, asked him, "What's that in your hand?" The pastor raised the Bible up to his face-level and responded "A Bible." When his photo came out in the newsparer, it looked like he was shaking his Bible at the people and yelling.

This little girl, a child, was used for publicity fodder.

They dress her up in one instance, making her makeup harsh, then they shoot. After what I have gone through, I can just imagine this photo. Photographer asks, "Like school? Have lots of friends? How might they greet you if they saw you right now?" She shows what some might do, and they snap it and publish it. Because her makeup is harsh, she looks rough, and when she shows how her friends might greet her, you get the picture.

They send her off to redress. The photographer steps in. She grabs whatever is handy to cover up. "Let's try that!" "I'm not dressed yet." "You're covered -- let's just try it."

It could have all too easily happened to a little girl.

It could happen to your daughter.



tracydolls -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 2:01:09 PM)

From my understanding(and that's not saying a whole lot) her parents were there!! ok'd it, so my questions would be for them. Why would you let your 15 year old daughter do that? don't you have to be at least an adult or 18 for that to happen. She can't get married, buy beer, fight a war, drive but she can pose nude? or partially nude?

As a mother of 8 year old twins who LOVE Hannah Montana, I spent all day trying to make sure they did'nt see it, it just would have brought too many questions that I'm not ready to answer.



WesP -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 2:07:16 PM)

Everything I have read says that her parents were gone when those photos were taken. I think the photographer is disgusting. Regarding Christians being held to a higher standard, it seems to me that the bible tells us that Christians are to be the salt and light. How can we do this when we behave in a reprehensible manner? There are other instances in scripture displaying levels of accountability. A preacher must meet certain criteria in order to be in that position. Any time a person uses their Christianity in a public forum, that person is claiming to be Christ-like in behavior. We truly cannot do that and succumb to the world in the next breath. That is what has undermined Christianity more than any other thing.



stampinlady -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 2:31:48 PM)

quote:

Everything I have read says that her parents were gone when those photos were taken. I


THis is what I heard too. Maybe we just don't understand what Art is? IS it wrong to take naked photos of babies, especially if their parents are believers?[&:] Maybe her parents thought the photo was beautiful and nothing sexual about it. We're all assuming that they(the parents) needed to give permission for that photo to be released and in reality Ms. L has all the rights? I just think some tend to be a little too judgemental.[:'(]



lightshineon -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 2:41:14 PM)

I knew Hannah Montana would be brought down. Though the sheet photo was lacking in taste, sinful don't know. The photo with dad was kinky, a little to lover like, and highly innapropriate.



Focusing -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 3:09:00 PM)

quote:

I don't know what level of her walk she is on

First, she's 15 years old. To me that equates to young and immature.

There is an enormous amount of pressure in the entertainment industry ... take a dare, pose nude ("tastefully" - it's "art"), do something her contemporaries have not done ... let's not forget the [sm=dollars.gif][sm=dollars.gif][sm=dollars.gif] she no doubt received.

She is going to stumble. She is going to make mistakes.

As a believer, I view this as an opportunity to lift her in prayer. Why waste precious energy badmouthing her?

She is still young, still learning to be discerning. Those around her who knew better and talked her into this, we also need to pray for. Jesus Himself said: whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea - Matthew 18:6



sjd2008 -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 3:09:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: WesSavedByGrace

Everything I have read says that her parents were gone when those photos were taken. I think the photographer is disgusting. Regarding Christians being held to a higher standard, it seems to me that the bible tells us that Christians are to be the salt and light. How can we do this when we behave in a reprehensible manner? There are other instances in scripture displaying levels of accountability. A preacher must meet certain criteria in order to be in that position. Any time a person uses their Christianity in a public forum, that person is claiming to be Christ-like in behavior. We truly cannot do that and succumb to the world in the next breath. That is what has undermined Christianity more than any other thing.

[

From the LA Times Article:

quote:

"Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day," the magazine said. "Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."


Sounds like there were parents an her manager were there watching to me. Frankly, anyone who shoots ANY child under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian present is asking for trouble since a 15 year old cannot sign a Model Release on their own.

Those who hold church office, Biblically ARE held to a higher standard. The reasoning is that they are in leadership positions and have responsibility for those in their charge. Since Miley Cyrus is NOT an Elder or a Pastor I fail to see how one can hold her up to a higher level than any of us. Seems to me that some of you are willing to thow Miss Cyrus under the bus far too quickly.



WesP -> RE: Should Christian Entertainers Have High Moral Standards? (RE: Miley Cyrus and Others) (4/29/2008 3:20:48 PM)

I am not throwing anyone under a bus. The simple fact is that she touts herself as a Christian. That means she is placing herself in a position that requires a certain lifestyle. If she is going against what Christ wants, then she will be held accountable. Is she as accountable as a pastor? No. Is she more accountable than an unbeliever? Yes. If she is going to talk it, she needs to walk it. She needs to learn to be a Christ-like example to the youth more than ever now. She needs to tell everyone that it was a horrible mistake, and she needs to take great care not to do anything else that is typical of worldly obsession these days.



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