Belieber! Fame, Faith, and the Heart of Justin Bieber by Cathleen Falsani (Worthy Publishing, Sept 2011). He’s a household name if you have teenagers around or are tuned into the world of pop culture at all. His amazing voice, and heart for God and others has garnered him the attention of 11.3 million followers on Twitter, and another 3.3 million of Facebook. His influence on his generation is both undeniable and unprecedented.
“The way Justin uses social media and new technology to create and maintain relationships with his fans (and friends) is emblematic of the way in which his generation views and engages with the world. “
But where did this desire to build relationships via social networking come from? Could it be that God is honoring his number 1 desire: “to express to his fans more than anything else that God loves them.”
Falsani says, “Justin has a message beyond what many critics quickly dismiss as ‘puppy love.’ But it is about love—God’s love for everyone. And his fans are listening.”
Young people his age are still seeking an authentic connection with God—whom the vast majority believes exists. Many also believe in life after death, heaven and hell, angels, and even in miracles.
Justin is from a small town in Ontario, Canada. He committed his life to Jesus Christ when he was just six years old.
What’s his life like now? Justin prays before every concert, takes a Christian chaplain with him on tour, has a Christian tutor, and takes time for a Bible study every Sunday.
The kind of celebrity status Justin has achieved has many blessings, according to the author, “Financial prosperity, a rarified kind of influence on the world, privilege and access to experiences and people—President Obama has his cell phone number—which the rest of us only dream about. But there are drawbacks to Justin’s fame as well. His life as a private person ended when he was fourteen. He’s followed everywhere he goes by paparazzi, their camera, and videophones pointed at him, waiting for him to make a mistake.”
According to author Falsani, “He is sometimes painfully aware that his behavior—good or bad—sets an example for millions of fans around the globe, and he hates to disappoint them. That said, we—should be careful not to try to make him into some sort of Christian superhero. He is just as imperfect and vulnerable as the rest of us. The only difference is that his starlight shines a bit brighter than most of ours.”
Justin Bieber is never afraid to talk about his faith. In a video interview with AP in Los Angeles, November 1, 2010, he said: “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe that … I have a relationship with him and I’m able t talk to him. And really, he’s the reason I’m here. So I definitely have to remember that. As soon as I start forgetting, you know, I have to like, click back and be like, ya know. This is why I’m here.”
This is a fun informative book for anyone wanting to know all the facts available about Justin. The author certainly did her homework in scanning every type of media to uncover the background, history, and current events in the life of this superstar. My granddaughter will be receiving it this month for her 14th birthday.
I did not know that he was a Christian. Haven't really heard him sing, but I heard how he became famous. Awesome kid! Thanks for posting!
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