Brad Pitt, the Prophet

I don't read about celebrities very much, but a recent article in Parade magazine highlighted the current life and times of Brad Pitt. I do think he is a great actor. He has an unfair advantage though because he has a big head, anatomically I mean. Just look at it sometime along with the head sizes of many famous actors. Perhaps a big head is needed to hold the big head they get from all the attention. The head first begins to grow with fame, then really swells when people seek an actor's life philosophy, just because they are famous.

Anyway, if a magazine article's title is intriguing enough, I might proceed to the next level of interest - reading the captions over any pictures the article might include. The article's pictures are what reminded me of his head. In addition to the pictures, The Parade article had a section about Brad Pitt's spiritual journey.

Pitt said he had attended a Christian church and had a sincere emotional experience. Some time later, he was attending a concert and realized that the music produced the same emotions he had felt in church. This disappointed him because he thought he had a unique religious experience. Now he was confused. Was the church experience divine or relegated to just evoking intense, but real humans emotions? He stopped short of reconciling the conflict and moved on.

I think many of us have had similar experiences. This is why what we are feeling is not a good litmus test to determine if we are listing to Memorex or to just a copy. So if we can't rely on our feelings, what can we rely on if we are diligent pursuers of the truth?

I think we have to look entirely at what Jesus said, apart from what we are feeling or experiencing around us. Jesus claimed to be "The Truth" and validated His claim by doing exactly what He said he would do - die and then rise again. Jesus is trustworthy and we are not. Emotions are a good thing and can enhance our experiences. But emotions are an unreliable determiner of the truth.

I hope Brad Pitt doesn't totally give up on his search. Jesus said He rewards seekers of truth and will protect them from deception. The only thing He won't interfere with is self-deception. Cling to, trust in, and rely upon what He says and don't fool yourself.

Then you can truly enjoy the music.