Is Miley Cyrus a Christian?
The Faith of the Star of Disney Channel's Hit Show Hannah Montana
Given the enormous popularity of singer, actor, and author Miley Cyrus, it's no wonder that millions of her fans want to know as much about the Hannah Montana star as possible, including her faith. Is Miley Cyrus, a.k.a, "Hannah Montana," a Christian?
What is a Christian?
Before one can ask whether Miley Cyrus (or anyone, for that matter) is a Christian, he or she must first answer the question: What is a Christian?
The term "Christian" was first coined in the first century. According to the New Testament book of Acts, the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” in Antioch, an ancient city located on the left bank of the Orontes River in what is now Antakya in southern Turkey.
These followers of Jesus embraced him as the Anointed One of God — i.e., the Christ. They believed Jesus of Nazareth died for the sins of the world and then rose from the dead, validating his claims of deity.
Therefore, if one applies the historical understanding of the term to today, it's reasonable to say that a "Christian" is best understood as one who professes a belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and who has staked his or her life on that belief.
Is Miley Cyrus a Christian?
Born "Destiny Hope Cyrus" on November 23, 1992, Miley Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. While her father is famous in his own right, Miley has since eclipsed him, becoming a hugely popular singer, actress, and best-selling author.
Faith runs deep in the Cyrus family. Miley's great grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, and her father is a devout Christian, having starred in the faith-based series Doc. In a recent interview, Billy Ray Cyrus gave voice to his deep faith.
"I am at peace with my life — past, present and future. I know all things that are good come from Almighty God above. I count my blessings every single day. Every day I pray God will show me the doors He wants me to walk through, the people He wants me to talk to, the songs He wants me to sing. I want to be the light He wants me to be in this world," Cyrus explained. ("Hosanna, Montana," Today's Christian, Jan/Feb 2008).
In a 2007 interview, Miley Cyrus said that her faith is "the main thing" in her life, and (sounding like her father) she told USA Today that God wants her to be a "light, a testimony" in Hollywood ("Miley Cyrus Fulfills Her Destiny," USA Today, January 1, 2007).
Miley Cyrus' faith and "good girl" image have faced some controversy. In January 2009, Cyrus was reportedly lectured by a church pastor in Montrose, California for texting her boyfriend, Justin Gaston, during church services. And her choice in boyfriends has come under some scrutiny, since he is an underwear model and four years her senior (Gaston is 20).
The most serious controversy came in April 2008, when it was reported that Miley Cyrus posed topless for Vanity Fair. While there was no nudity, the revealing nature of the photo shoot caused major controversy, ultimately spurring an apology from Cyrus.
No Christian, of course, is sinless. And controversy is nothing new for celebrities. While Miley Cyrus has made some missteps, she has cultivated what appears to be a genuinely respectable image in a culture known for its celebrity train wrecks. While fans and critics will continue to watch Cyrus in the months and years ahead, her declaration of Christian faith seems sincere.
Miley Cyrus at Kids Inaugural 2009
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