In a digital age where influence can spread like wildfire, a unique trend is taking hold among Christian influencers: the so-called “Jesus glow-up.” These posts assert that a relationship with Christ provides a transformative beauty that is both internal and external, a notion capturing a wide audience on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. According to Religion Unplugged, this trend reflects a deeper conversation about faith, beauty, and modern evangelism.
The Dual Nature of the Glow-Up
For many of these influencers, the glow-up is a metaphor for the sanctification process—a spiritual journey manifesting externally in confidence and joy. The idea suggests that walking in faith and aligning with biblical values might lead to lifestyle improvements that read as enhanced physical beauty. It’s a holistic approach to faith that combines spiritual growth with tangible life changes.
Celebrities and Ministries: A Historical Pairing
Phil Cooke, an expert in Christian media, explains that leveraging celebrity voices isn’t new. Historical figures like Billy Graham often invited stars such as Johnny Cash to their events, using their influence to draw larger crowds and greater attention. With social media, these influencers command global audiences, amplifying their reach beyond what traditional media once allowed.
The Celebrity Ambassadors’ Role
Organizations like World Vision and Compassion International utilize celebrity ambassadors to reach broader support bases. This tactic extends the reach of their ministries through figures on platforms from television to Instagram. While some ministries value this connection, it raises questions about the ambassadors’ motivations, alignment with ministry values, and potential implications if a public figure stumbles.
Balancing Influence and Integrity
Phil Cooke emphasizes the importance of vetting influencers thoroughly. He advises that ministries seeking to partner with influencers should focus on those whose personal lives withstand scrutiny and resonate with the ministry’s mission. This, he says, prevents potential fallout from scandals or misalignment.
The Broader Impact
While the “Jesus glow-up” phenomenon might seem light-hearted, it poses significant questions about the relationship between celebrity culture and evangelism. As Katelyn Beaty discusses in her book “Celebrities For Jesus,” there’s a risk of subverting genuine ministry goals for popularity or profit. Beaty warns against potential dissonances, such as promoting wealthy Western influencers to speak for disadvantaged global causes, suggesting there’s more value in elevating local voices who directly benefit from the programs.
Towards a Genuine Representation
Beaty advises that authenticity and genuine connections should prevail, encouraging potential celebrity spokespeople to invest personally in the causes they promote. This investment might mean donating rather than seeking compensation, ensuring their influence genuinely benefits the cause rather than just their image.
The ongoing dialogue around these Christian influencers and their claims reminds us that faith’s manifestation is both personal and public—a connection that, when used thoughtfully, has the power to inspire profound change. Within this mix of spiritual and physical journeys, one can see how modern faith, influence, and beauty intertwine uniquely in our digital era.