Michael Halcomb wrote an intriguing article on Brad Pitt’s beliefs on God this past weekend. I may not have interpreted it all correctly, but it seemed to say that Brad Pitt’s beliefs were not as valid as those of someone with an education in theology. It really got me thinking. What are some of the realms in life that you do not need to be an expert in, in order to have an opinion of? (Terribly worded sentence, I agree. But are you an English teacher?) Maybe put another way, can you take a vote at the meetings if you are not a member of the club?
The title Will Smith movie (there I go with celebrities again) “The Pursuit of Happyness“, is one piece of a hendiatris that most Americans know by heart. It’s from the Declaration of Independence. Life and liberty are also listed as “unalienable rights” that are due to all mankind, not just Americans. There are some limits to this, of course. If my pursuit of happiness ends your life or encroaches on your happiness, then the motto fails. It is an “all or nothing” idea that must be true for all in order to be true for one.
The reason that I give Brad Pitt’s beliefs on God so much respect is because I give my own beliefs the same respect. I know that my actions are informed by my beliefs (if not sometimes completely caused by them). Nearly everything I do flows out of my beliefs, whether I am conscious of it or not. In a sense, my existence hinges on my beliefs. ”I think, therefore I am.” Thanks Descartes. I’m on board with you there. Whether my beliefs are good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, positive or negative, they are the core of who I am.
If Brad Pitt is being honest with his thoughts, then he has my respect. He is only acting and reacting from the stimuli of his life, as we all are. I’m not sure how to qualify any of this as a “less than” or “greater than”. I believe that Mr. Halcomb knows more about biblical studies than Mr. Pitt, but I’m not sure that that translates to a actual knowledge of God that is superior.
I’m not sure if belief in God falls into the “pursuit of happiness” bucket, or if another one should be created. What I do know (ahem… BELIEVE), is that alive or dead, I should know more in the future than I know today. Until then, I’m not going to stake my flag where I’m standing, as it relates to most ideas. I’d probably be pulling it up soon anyway. Here’s to continuing the journey… Cheers!
i agree that brad pitt (and every human for that matter) has a right to his beliefs. what drives me crazy is that so many people place such a high premium on celebrities beliefs. this translates into magazines and television stations cramming it down our throats (because it sells). living in our current society with it’s rampant celebrity worship i would simply like to see a modicum of social responsibility exercised.
Maybe you are right. I just think people flock to celebrities out of loneliness. They feel intimate with them because of whatever one sided emotional transaction that they have experienced as a fan or a consumer. Maybe we all just want love.
there is no doubt we all just want love. i know i do. i just wish that people would realize there are far more effective means of doing this. like sleeping around.
Now THAT is funny!
I do think you misinterpreted what I was trying to say. It was never that Pitt’s opinions cannot be valid because he is an actor and not a theologian. But I was suggesting that there are definitely conclusions that are more sound and much more valid than his, and many of those can be offered by those who have devoted their lives to study. I’m at a loss for why everyone’s opinion on God is valid to you but when it comes to medicine or money or anything else, you want a professional? Why? Why take the opinion of a lame duck with no experience or education in the area and settle on it with God but not in any other field? But if anyone’s right, it’s Randy and his last comment!!!!!! Heck, don’t listen to me
I guess I have just never had the experience of someone saying: “I believe this about God because Brad Pitt does, and since he is a fine actor….” I have heard a decent number of people say that certain actors should not have opinions on politics, because they are just actors, and they should “stick with acting”. I believe that all people have rights to their opinion, even if they have a platform to do it on. If someone disagrees with the argument being made, that’s fine. I just don’t like arguments being dismissed because of celebrity. It’s a type of ad hominem fallacy. I’m not saying that you are doing that here, it just seems like you are saying that Brad Pitt is unable to enter into a theological conversation because of his lack of educational pedigree. I support education wholeheartedly and really admire all that you have done and continue to do. I think that certain issues are fair game for everyone (maybe I’m too democratic on this one) to participate in. Randy is pretty randy with his comment though.
You have a great way with words. I would love to have you write for my site sometime Mike! And Randy!
I still think you’re ignoring my previous comment and the point it’s trying to make. Anyway….
About writing for your site, give me a topic…I’ll try to write for ya. Plus, it might bring a little more exposure from some of my visitors.
OK, I want to make sure that I’m not ignoring your point. Are you talking about how everyone’s opinions of God are valid to me instead of just the educated or the professionals? If so, then I can go into that more.
I went back to re-read your article, and noticed this quote:
“I get quite annoyed by celebrities who think that just because they’ve made some religious commitment, they are automatically “good” and “capable” theologians. ”
Are you referring more to Stephen Baldwin or Speidi? In that case, then yes, I would say that they are not quite speaking from an experience of God over time, but rather an experience (like a high) of a moment or two.
But with Brad Pitt, he just said:
“I don’t think anyone really knows. You’ll either find out or not when you get there, until then there’s no point thinking about it.”
He doesn’t seem to be claiming to be a good and capable theologian. He is claiming ignorance more than anything.
Perhaps I am arguing a point that is different from the one that you are trying to make?
Thanks for the comment again, brother.