Religions of the Stars: What Hollywood Believes and How It Affects You

by Richard Abanes

Today's culture is saturated with news about celebrities and their beliefs. Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, and Madonna all promote their own brand of spirituality. What do they really believe, and does it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764206486
• ISBN13: 9780764206481
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 223 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

What Hollywod Believes and How It Affects You

Religions of the Stars is a fascinating look at what celebrities believe. You've probably heard that Tom Cruise is a Scientologist and Madonna follows the teachings of the Kabbalah. And you know that Oprah Winfrey is very spiritual. But what does it all mean? And more important, how does it affect you? Why is Scientology such a controversial religion? What does the Kabbalah teach? Which faiths are embraced by Richard Gere, Marie Osmond, Ashton Kutcher, and many other celebrities? How does Christianity line up with the popular religions of Hollywood? Inside this book you'll find the answers to these questions and more. Norman L. Geisler, Distinguished Professor of Theology and Apologetics and co-founder of Veritos Evangelical Seminary said, "This book is a long-overdue and illuminating look at the various faiths being espoused by today's most influential celebrities." Todd Wilken, Radio talk show host wrote, "Albanes employs a researcher's skill, examining our celebrated people and their religious beliefs. Then he applies the apologist's art, gently evaluating those beliefs in light of the Christian faith." We need to be aware of how today's Hollywood spirituality affects the movies and televison programs we see, as well as how our children might be influenced by the way these religions are portrayed in the media. Richard Abanes--former Broadway performer and television/film actor--blends his knowledge of the entertainment industry and his expertise in the area of world religions and pop culture in this intriguing examination of the religious beliefs embraced by various Hollywood stars. I found this book interesting and informative. Even though I am older and my children are grown, I still have a concern for others. I recommend this book for all young families.

Fascinating look at the religions of the rich and famous

Religions of the Stars by Richard Abanes is a well-rounded thoughtful look at the religions of celebrities and how they compare to Christianity. I've read other books that are a bit similar, but Abanes takes an original approach is addressing the specific adherents of these beliefs, while never attacking or condescending. From the Church of Oprah to Scientology to Mormonism (who knew that both Napoleon Dynamite and Izzy Stevens were both Mormon?!?), Abanes presents the history and core beliefs of each religion. I appreciated his objective discussions without the snide comments of many other books in this genre. At the end of each chapter are a few paragraphs on how Christians can discuss Jesus with believers of that specific religion, but this book isn't just for Christians. Anyone looking for deeper insight into why some many celebrities congregate to New Spirituality or Kabbalah will gain understanding here.

What Are You Learning from What You're Watching?

I've "met" Richard Abanes on my many travels through the various travels through the "internet" world. World. His book, Religion of the Stars is a survey at what Hollywood actors believe and how it affects us. This book is meticulously researched and offers a wide breath of what is going on in Hollywood. So often I've heard someone say, "Well, I heard so and so is a Christian." Abanes systematically shows what the major religious views of many of the leading voices in Hollywood and compares them to the Scriptures. Essentially, this book is a primer on worldviews. Abanes does a skillful job of showing how a person's worldview will affect their actions and what they are teaching through their productions. This is what matters to you according to the author. We have to understand what is being taught by what we watch. If you were wondering what Kabbalah actually believes or where you might see Wiccan working its way into what you are watching, this book is a great jumping off point. Do you know that there's a better than average chance that you and your kids might be learning some of the things the Buddha is teaching? Pick up this book.

Good source for basic overview

Religions of the Stars moves the spotlight from the celebrities to the religions they espouse. From New Age beliefs and a wide variety of Occult practices, to Mormonism, Buddhism, Scientology, and Kabbalah--Abanes demonstrates how these religions are different from Christianity. Popular culture often claims that every religion is basically the same. Abanes refutes this claim by comparing the core teachings of these religions. Cautions: Religions of the Stars provides a good overview of each religion it discusses, but if you're looking for really detailed information, you will need to consult other sources. Why to read it: Abanes maintains a respectful tone toward people of other religions. He presents logical inconsistencies in the claims of other religions, rather than relying solely on how they conflict with the bible. Abanes urges his Christian readers to treat people of other religions with love and respect, while maintaining their convictions about truth. [...]

An Important Overview

I don't get why people are rating this book below five stars, but it is my opinion that Abanes told the truth, and sometimes people can't handle the truth.Richard Abanes has written a very informative and yet "polite" book for those who are just dying to know what in the world these entertainers believe. First, let me tell you that I was hooked on the book because I do have a natural curiousity for knowing why people believe in certain things. I had my nose in the book just highlighting key witnessing points and I was even startled by what I read. So much so that often times I went: "This actor/actress/singer is nuts!! They believe what?" So, here are a few things you will learn in Richard Abanes new book: *Oprah and the New Age Movement- people actually think they are little Jesus's running around! *Mormon's in the Movieland- Yeah, good people those Mormons, but you will learn why most of them believe we are gods ourselves. *Buddha in Tinseltown- Buddha had the right idea, deny thyself from temptations...other than that it differs from Christianity greatly! *Scientology- Tom Cruise is one of my favorite actors, but following L. Ron Hubbard, a man who lied, cheated, and was a phony is not someone I admire and follow. *Kabbalah- Madonna is the forerunner of the red ribbon..but do we undertand the depth of Kabbalah? *Magick- Harry Potter is a great series actually, but teens and moms are learning witchcraft and at an alarming rate. I learned much about all of these religions and Abanes wrote it clearly and wth backup facts. It may seem he criticized our brilliant stars, but all he did was explain their belief, asked questions, and left scripture of hope in the end. Loved it! [...]