Miley Cyrus turned eighteen in November, formalizing her status as a full fledged adult in American society. She remains in the spotlight today, as popular as ever. If anything, Miley has gained fans and celebrity momentum over the past several years. Meanwhile, Miley has undergone a complete change in her image as she matures.
A self described “devout Christian,” Miley has confused her Christian fans over the past two years as she reaches for a new identity. She is clearly transitioning away from the days of “Hannah Montana” into a sexier, racier version of herself. The question for her Christian fans is two-fold. 1) Should we care about Miley’s new image? 2) Is Miley striking the right balance between her faith and the secular temptations of growing up?
Christians should care about Miley Cyrus’s new image. She has become a pop icon and an A list Hollywood celebrity. Miley has a tremendous amount of influence on young people today. Miley is also a Pentecostal Christian. Because she is a Christian in Hollywood who has become an incredible star, she is also a role model. Christian teens today will take many of their cues from pop culture, for better or for worse. Miley is a definite part of this pop culture—and a committed Christian herself.
We want to be careful not to be too judgmental here, as Miley has just turned eighteen. It’s pretty likely that she hasn’t had the time yet to form her own real world opinions about faith and religion. She is still growing up and trying to figure it all out. With all that said, she needs to think about the direction of her career. Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan were also young and impressionable at one point in the past. It is safe to say that both have been train wrecks over the past five years.
Miley would do well to take a more conservative approach to becoming a pop star and actress. We understand the temptation to get sexy really fast—don’t do it. Miley, assuming you have the talent to launch a real career in acting, take the Christian way to the top. You will have longetivity and class as a result.
If there is a role model for Miley to look to it is Taylor Swift. While admittedly under different circumstances, Taylor has done a great job of maintaining her chaste image. Taylor is more popular and well liked as a result. America embraces Taylor Swift and her Christian persona.
Miley, good luck in Hollywood. We are rooting for you. Stay true to your Christian values and be a great role model to your Christian fans across the country.
