And the newest televangelist is … Prince!
Okay, not really. In fact, he’s really just a pop culture icon and singer who talks about his faith. And, okay, there’s probably quite a few religious leaders who would question his theology. And his music. And his parties!
But after a recent House Of Blues concert, and before one of his “fabled after-parties,” he did an interview that showed a kind of ease and confidence in talking about his faith that many evangelists and Christian celebrities could learn from.
Don’t get me wrong: I love it every single time when a celebrity–be it a musician, actor, athlete or politician–acknowledges their faith in speeches or interviews. It’s the kind of example we should set for our kids and practice with each other. But let’s face it–these faith conversations are often so dang awkward for so many of them. But for Prince, talking about his faith seemed natural and unforced, with biblical accuracy and strength of conviction that sounded about as un-platitudinal as could be.

When responding to a question that wasn’t directed at religion, he somehow turned the conversation to: “At this age, it starts to more be about what the gift is and then what your role is. That’s where the Scriptures come into play. As men, we’re supposed to be humble. The ones that can’t are the ones that fall because they’re caught up in worldly things like women, sex, drugs. The Bible is the guidebook to help men and women with their sins. If I’m going to get some advice, wouldn’t I want it from Solomon? That man had a thousand wives. I mean, I want to talk to the guy who had a thousand women!”
Biblically speaking, he was right. Solomon had more wealth, wine, women, and wisdom (that’s brains, booze, boys, and bucks for the opposite sex) than anyone else on the planet. Prince went on to say:
“I’m not going to waste my blessings. God has over-blessed me, but you have to appreciate what you have, and to do that, you have to break down a lot of walls, meaning that you’re not afraid anymore. If you look at earlier performances of mine, my eyes were closed.” According to the parable of the talents, he’s right.
When asked about a turning point in his life, he said, “When you read the Scriptures, you start to understand that … we would have a paradigm shift, and everybody would all get along. Everybody is supposed to eat. Everybody is supposed to treat people with respect.” Very consistent with the Sermon on the Mount.
And how does Prince feel on stage? “It feels like a revelation, a realization … the answer. That concept of the everlasting now … you just want to look at what God’s will is.”
I doubt his book will soon appear next to Rick Warren or Joel Osteen … but his message may connect with a large audience that has little interest in traditional Christianity or its text, the Bible.