OPINION:
As culture continues to descend into a pernicious hellscape, surprising bursts of light have been emitting from Hollywood, a place typically suited to fuel our societal inferno, not subdue it.
But amid the muck of oversexualized and bizarre antics, rampant political division, cancel culture madness and unadulterated hatred of ideological opponents, there are actors and performers increasingly waking up to the disastrous dynamics around us.
These individuals are offering wisdom and clarion calls to help get Americans back to basic truths that, if embraced, would get us individually and corporately back on track.
First, there’s “Reagan” actor Dennis Quaid, a longtime Hollywood star who, like many of us, sees how toxic rancor and divisiveness are tearing the nation apart. Reflecting on his experience portraying Ronald Reagan and on the current state of affairs, he recently told me in an interview for CBN News why he’s urging fellow citizens to change course.
“We’ve got to get to a place in this country where we could talk to each other across the aisle … because we need each other,” said the actor, who recently endorsed former President Donald Trump. “Republicans, Democrats, we need each other. We keep each other from going out too far this way or that, and we’re all Americans.”
This is an important reminder amid an election cycle rife with anger, frustration and fears over the future. With so many making opponents the “other” and forgetting their humanity, Mr. Quaid’s comments provide a reminder to pause and ponder how we’re navigating these issues.
Meanwhile, others are focusing on the importance of the eternal. Brad Arnold, lead singer of the rock band 3 Doors Down, has been pausing concerts to remind audiences that they matter and that God loves them.
Likely recognizing the need people have for meaning in an era plagued by sadness, depression and suicide, Mr. Arnold offered stirring words at an Aug. 23 show in Hershey, Pennsylvania — and he’s apparently been doing the same in other performances.
“This world surrounds by a message we’ll never be good enough, we’ll never be strong enough, we’ll never be beautiful enough, we’ll never be rich enough,” he said. “My friends, I just want to take a second to tell you — that’s an absolute lie. You are loved. You are enough, and you will win. Not only can you win, but you will win. You’ll always be enough for one reason, and that’s because Jesus Christ loves you.”
Sometimes, it’s the simple reminders that are most needed — exoteric promptings letting us know what truly matters. Mr. Arnold’s proclamations provide true hope to a weary culture.
Other celebrities have taken a similar tone. Husband-and-wife duo Carlos and Alexa PenaVega have increasingly used their platform to point people toward God. In a recent interview, Alexa PenaVega told me she wants to help people understand their true value, while also correcting misconceptions some have about God.
“[Some] people view God as either transactional or just dead, like nonexistent,” Ms. PenaVega said. “They don’t realize how embedded He is in your life, like from when you were in your womb. … He loves you. He knew you. He knit you together.”
This concept of God loving and caring for people not only fills voids when it comes to people’s emotional needs, but also forces us to pivot our thinking. If there’s a Creator who loves us and who molded us, there’s a greater plan and purpose for our lives.
And if there’s a designated path for each of us, then that reality calls us to cling to hope and ponder how the Lord wants us to think and behave. This notion shifts us from a “me”-centered mentality to a vertical one — a dynamic in which we look up for guidance and answers.
Such a notion would transform everything from our personal walks to our national discourse.
Next up is actor Kirk Cameron. The outspoken “Growing Pains” star has long talked about faith and the issues plaguing our culture, but he’s now on a mission to encourage Christians — and Americans more broadly — to build the culture they want for their families.
Mr. Cameron recently told me he believes society’s problems are “primarily rooted in a spiritual reality” and said people must turn back to God. He added, “We’ve got to have a Christian heart beating through the center of our culture.” In Mr. Cameron’s view, this means working to transform culture by pushing back and having impact in our spheres of influence.
“People are waking up and realizing that the dystopian circus show is here, and the ringmasters like it,” he said. “And if we just keep drinking the Kool-Aid, and eating the cotton candy, and stay entertained … by all this crazy stuff, it’s just going to get worse.
“We need to start getting back to the work of transforming culture and creating the reality that we want for our kids.”
And he’s not wrong. Many of us are wringing our hands and lamenting the horrific state of affairs, but what are we doing to change it? How are we stepping into the gap to create the communities, schools and culture we want to see?
Speaking up is important, but taking action through simple steps is key. For Mr. Cameron, that looks like creating Hollywood content that families can consume. For others, this might take the form of getting involved with a school board or helping a family in need.
These performers only scratch the surface of those in Hollywood who are appealing to sanity, love and the eternal in an effort to help people and culture get back on track. While the work before us is monumental, their advice offers some powerful first steps forward.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” He is the author of four books.
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