Hollywood and the Golden Calf

The red carpet event which precedes the Academy Award ceremony each year features the arrival of Hollywood’s most glamorous and captivating movie stars donning their designer fashions while millions of viewers across America and the world look on with dreamy eyes or a penchant for criticism. In either case, we are riveted by the dazzling allure of such beauty and extravagance. At the various awards ceremonies we watch as our favorite celebrity contenders await the recognition of a job well-done - whether it is for a theatrical performance, musical talent, or other accolade for a skill or artistic ability. We sit on pins and needles anxious for our favorite performer to be chosen for a reward. Most of us have never personally met these celebrities let alone shared the same breathing space with them, but we seem to have a personal investment in their accomplishments. We admire them for the way they have moved us in a performance or touched our hearts with lyrics to a song we love to hear again and again. Sharing in their joys and sorrows through social media has become a new trend as well, but the alarming tendency over the past few decades is to attribute more credit to celebrities than a mere acknowledgment of talent. We have invested in their beliefs, as well. A trend to ascribe an allegiance to celebrity status can be dangerous - in the sense of idolatry and adherence to the belief systems of the elite.

In general, many Hollywood celebrities are taking a stand on politics, social issues, and using their status to promote their opinions. There is a temptation to use the award shows to reach a wider audience to advocate for a personal belief, and as millions and millions of faithful fans listen to the speeches, it would be easy to see how we can go down the wrong path if it causes us to question our own values, beliefs, and faith. Catholic actor, Mark Wahlberg has been quoted as saying that celebrities in Hollywood should not talk politics because “They’re pretty out of touch with the common person, the everyday guy out there providing for their family.” It is true that many Hollywood productions feature movies that attempt to raise awareness about social issues and what should be done about injustice from a political standpoint - but, the selection of social issues are not always equitable. Where are the movies about the plight of modern Christian persecutions? Where are the movies about the persecution of the clergy and religious?

In recent years, we have seen a rise in Christian-based movies made by independent production companies but these are rarely, if ever, nominated for awards, and we don’t seem to see our favorite “oscar-winners” perform in them. As Catholics, perhaps we should question our movie selections. We should carefully consider the Hollywood slant and motivations behind the grandstanding speeches made at award shows. We should ask more questions rather than accept someone else’s answers and solutions. If we blindly accept the notion that our admiration of celebrities is enough for us to trust their judgment we may fall into the same situation as the Israelites in the desert. Where do we place our true faith - in talented humans, or in God our Father? Recall the passage from Exodus when God spoke to Moses: “Go down at once to your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, for they have become depraved. They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshipping it, sacrificing to it…” (Exodus 32:7-8).

If we abandon our Catholic teachings in favor of the opinions of those we idolize, how is this different than looking to a golden calf? How have we not turned away from the way God has pointed out to us? How do we not present ourselves before a television and worship the performance? And what are we sacrificing to do so?

If we are the Israelites, who is our Moses? Who did God send to redirect us back to the Father? As Catholic Christians it is Jesus Christ that we follow and trust His Word, His Way, His Truth, and His Light to lead us up the right path. Whether we follow our admiration of Hollywood celebrities and the words and performances they choose to lead us, or if we follow Jesus Christ, either way we are choosing a path, and if we choose any other allegiance that does not adhere to Jesus, we should question our destination on this path. Christ’s path is not easy, it is not popular in the world today, and it is not glamorous. Jesus warned us about being hated and persecuted just as he was, and explained, “I have told you this so you will not give up your faith.” (John 16:1)

It is not easy to be Catholic and enjoy the talents of the entertainment industry without being led astray. Prayer, receiving the sacraments regularly, and reading scriptures can help us fight the temptation to admire the golden calf.