30th July, 2009
DAN WOODING
Assist New Service
In my 40 years in journalism, I have interviewed hundreds of Hollywood stars and rock idols, and have discovered that, in many cases, they are often sad, insecure people.
Yet millions "worship" at their feet, which are usually made of clay.
"We certainly live in a world where millions get their joy, if you can call it that, by worshipping over-paid people who, often deep down, have little or no joy in their own lives."
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The latest outpouring of "worship" by Michael Jackson fans illustrates how empty the lives of so many people are. They prefer to live in a world of illusion and delusion, choosing to believe that their idol is fit for their idolization.
I have been to rock concerts where fans travel from around the world to attend their favorite bands concerts and then wait for hours outside to catch a glimpse of their favorite band member and even get a photo taken with them or collect their autograph.
I have watched some of these rock stars stagger out of an arena after popping something to pep themselves up or taking a few drinks too many before facing their fanatical fans.
We saw a similar outpouring of "grief" when, on 31st August, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car accident in Paris.
Just like in the case of Michael Jackson, the tabloids soon began running lurid stories about Diana and her insecurities.
You only have to visit the blogosphere run by fans of Hollywood stars and rock idols and check out the incredible amount of material produced each day about their favorites. Some of it is beyond belief.
Most people don't realise how much of the material churned out by PR firms is aimed at promoting the star syndrome and making their clients seem supernatural and worthy of worship.
Having worked in the tabloids, I realize how much of this fluff is manufactured and handed on a plate to grateful journalists who just run much of it "as is."
However, I must admit that there are people that I have met and interviewed, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta who I met back in 1975, that I felt were genuine. These are people who live selfless lives and don't have publicity machines to help promote their persona.
I also greatly admire the courage and faith of persecuted Christians around the world who are mostly unknown, yet live their lives of great danger because of their love for Jesus Christ.
We certainly live in a world where millions get their joy, if you can call it that, by worshipping over-paid people who, often deep down, have little or no joy in their own lives. These artists often retreat to their hotel rooms after a show or a TV appearance, and try and cope with the pedestal they have been put upon.
It's a sad old world we live in, but still, those who know Christ, do have someone they can worship and I cannot find any fault in that. After all, the sacrifice He made for us on the Cross, is worthy of all our worship.
Dan Wooding is the founder of ASSIST Ministries.
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