It’s awards season, so there’s lots of celebrity news — and the religion beat is no exception.

Recent headlines include music superstars like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga using their fame to weigh in on contentious values issues like abortion (Bieber is extremely pro-life) and homosexuality (Gaga, who campaigned for the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal, is firmly on  the “born this way” bandwagon).

And, as a bonus, we’ve even got a budding little Jewish rap war between Matisyahu and Drake. (Drake, you’ll always be Jimmy Brooks to me! Sorry.) Ah, Judaism… even rappers aren’t immune to the “what makes a good Jew” debate.

Now, this kind of stuff may seem shallow, but on the other hand, think of how many millions of devoted fans these celebrities have — especially among teens and young adults, the tough ages for religious denominations to reach. Superstars like Bieber and Gaga have more influence on some American youths than pastors, politicians and parents combined… though, we’ll have to wait and see if next year’s March for Life features a “Belieber” contingent.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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