In Hollywood, converting from one faith to another is not unusual, far from it. It’s almost trendy in some circles and for some people to switch to whatever religious affiliation is garnering the most attention. Some studies reveal as many as half of adults make a change in their religious affiliation at some point. And in many ways, our country was founded on the freedom to do so. That said, celebrities, in particular, seem especially prone to make major leaps from one system of beliefs to another.
Here are 7 celebrities who converted to Christianity:
1. Kirk Cameron
One of the most recognizable Christians in Hollywood today, Kirk Cameron was not always a believer in Jesus. In the late 80s and 90s–when he was known as the cute boy on Growing Pains–he self-identified as atheist. In his later teen years, he converted to faith in Jesus Christ and made no secret of it. His change of heart and mind impacted his work as he was less interested in playing roles that were not God-honoring. His career took a hit because of it, and he has been castigated by many of his acting peers who once considered him their friend. Still acting today, he is publicly identified as a Christian actor, and his dedication to it has made a profound impact on many people.
2. Bob Dylan
Known for making choices that shocked his followers, fans of Bob Dylan assumed his conversion to the Christian faith at the end of the 1970s was just another one of his antics. But then he released two albums–“Slow Train Coming” in which he declared his faith in Jesus–and “Saved.” His decision was regarded so poorly that John Lennon released his own track of a song called, “Serve Yourself” to mock the admission. Bob Dylan has held fast to his Christian faith since the late 1970s.
3. Anne Rice
A hugely successful author considered “the queen of vampires,” Anne Rice grew up Catholic and became agnostic in college. In 2002, however, Rice made the stunning admission to the press that she was taking a different direction with her writing. She believed that God wanted her to write for Him. One of her most worthy books following her conversion back to the Christian faith is titled Called out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession.
4. Jane Fonda
In a shocking twist at the time, Jane Fonda announced her conversion from agnosticism to Christianity in 2001 following her divorce from Ted Turner. Turner was notably atheist–standing for many of the things in direct opposition to Christianity–and rumors at the time suggested Fonda’s conversion to Christianity may have played a role in her crumbling marriage.
5. George Foreman
In 1977, famous boxing champ, George Foreman, faced a near-death experience in a famous fight against Jimmy Young. During this time he prayed to the Lord to keep him alive, and–in addition to placing his faith in Jesus–he asked God to change his life. After that point, Foreman was outspoken about his beliefs and continues to collaborate with The 700 Club on a regular basis. He also pastors his own church.
6. MC Hammer
A hip hop trailblazer of the 90s, MC Hammer’s life took a U-turn following the release of his cult classic, “Can’t Touch This.” He placed his faith in Jesus and currently identifies publicly as a born-again Christian. Today he spends his life spreading the Truth as an ordained minister and teacher.
7. Jim Carrey
Known as a successful actor and comedian, Jim Carrey has recently begun making public professions of faith that indicate a conversion to Christianity. Specifically, a recent recording of him addressing a room full of former inmates about God’s grace and forgiveness–as experienced in his own life–has gone viral. His changed demeanor and lifestyle would further indicate his dedication to his faith. In his address to the former inmates at Homeboy Industries, Carrey said the following:
“You’ve made the decision to walk through the gate of forgiveness, to grace—just as Christ did on the cross. He suffered terribly and was broken by it, to the point of doubt and a feeling of absolute abandonment, which all of you have felt. And then there was a decision to be made, and the decision was to look upon the people who were causing that suffering, or the situation that was causing that suffering, with compassion and with forgiveness. And that’s what opens the gates to heaven for all of us.”
~ Christian Patriot Daily
