My wife and I do not watch so called “beauty pageants.” I hope the reasons are obvious. It’s been argued that a swimsuit competition is really no worse than much of what else is on television, but to my mind, there is something especially degrading about a young woman standing nearly nude in front of a crowd of people to be judged. Martin Luther King dreamed of a day when people would be judged by the “content of their character.” I share this dream for my daughters. I want them to live in a world that values honesty, hard work, and modesty. I do not want them to think that the key to success in life is to have a certain body shape, an artificial tan, or even the handful of harmless talents that these pageant contestants so ably display.

I imagine that you hold the same hopes for your children. In fact, if you believe that the Bible is God’s word then you are compelled to disapprove of the way that many display their bodies instead of their faith. And perhaps you shared my shock when I turned on the t.v. to hear a myriad of news anchors crowning Carrie Prejean as the new spokesperson for faith and morals. Carrie Prejean was a Miss USA contestant who, when asked, defended a traditional definition of marriage. While I applaud her forthright and courageous attitude toward marriage, I am confused by her sudden rise to popularity. I am not saying that everyone who opposes gay marriage has to agree, but Carrie Prejean has been lauded as the new face of “faith and morals.” And why is that? I understand then part of our nature that gravitates toward those who agree with us, and I can understand why conservatives would be excited to have a fresh face to attach to their causes. But faith and morals is a tall order. We need to be careful when we start looking to people as an example to follow. People disappoint. Sadly, this past week the hits kept coming for Carrie Prejean as actual nude photos of her surfaced. And this week, no one is pasting her face on the Christian banners. Please do not think I am happy about this. I am heart broken that this young girl thinks that God is pleased with her worldly lifestyle, and I am saddened that many Christians pretend that she’s right. Again, we need to be careful who we emulate. The Apostle Paul said we could follow him on 1 Cor 11:1, but he added a stipulation. He said to follow him as he “follows Christ.” This is the lofty goal to which we are called.

Carrie Prejean may be a lot of things but she is not a role model for young girls nor an example of faith and morals. She can be, but she needs to realize that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Earlier this week Carrie was asked about her faith and her nude photos. She said; “I am a model and a Christian. This is what models do, they take pictures, some of them without clothing.” Now she may be right, that may be what models do, but that is not following Christ.

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