I top Google’s searches for “Bieber beats God”

It’s a toss up whether the announcement is motivated by pride or shame, however.

In a Dallas suburb this past week, an eleven year old “Mayor for a Day” renamed the main street Justin Bieber Way. I wonder if the same kid is already pestering her parents to preorder Belieber! Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber by Cathleen Falsani. David Burger at the St. Louis Tribute quoted the press release:

Rather than a pop idol who points only to himself, time and again, Justin uses the spectacular stage of superstardom to direct his fans to something far bigger. Falsani says “Justin has a message beyond what many critics quickly dismiss as “puppy love”. It is above love, God’s love for everyone. And his fans are listening.” Bieber rarely misses an opportunity to talk openly about his Christian faith and to bring his personal message about gratitude, hope and believing to his millions of Twitter followers and fans who pack his shows at every arena where he performs. This side of Justin Bieber’s life, as told by Falsani, is a heartfelt story with positive implications for our world’s youth.

I wish Bieber was smart enough to use his influence in ways that demonstrate compassion beyond claiming God’s compassionate. He’s in a perfect position to promote donations to charities, volunteerism, staying in school and out of drugs. He could be encouraging his fans to commit their lives to careers in science and research so they could make a positive impact on the future of this world. Get passionate about recycling or cycling or buying local when the opportunity is there and affordable. Encourage his fans to become better people for the whole of the world, not sell them a message that they’ll look like better people simply because they claim to know Jesus.