Christians are divided when it comes to their famous followers, a group that includes theologians, scholars, historians, artists, athletes, scientists, businessmen and politicians. Some, like Mother Theresa, walked the walk, but others made up their own rules as they went along.
One of the most famous, or infamous, Christians of the 20th century is not one that would immediately come to mind for most people — Adolf Hitler. During his tenure, he made his religious affiliations very clear.
Politicians
Although most of the U.S. Presidents belonged to some Christian denomination, or at least claimed to be Christian, the Catholic Kennedys and Shrivers were undoubtedly the most famous. Some were brought up in the Christian faith, like George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and others, like Barack Obama, converted later in life. Some, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, simply married into the faith.
Celebrities
One of the most devout celebrity Christians converted as a teenager while starring on a television sitcom. Kirk Cameron and his wife, Chelsea Noble, live a very Christian life. This couple have managed to marry their faith with their profession by directing, producing and acting in movies that conform to Christian standards. Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Tom Hanks and Sylvester Stallone also follow the Christian faith. Elvis Presley, undoubtedly the most famous Christian singer, loved to sing Christian hymns and gospel songs as much as rock and roll.
Evangelists
It might have been the makeup more than the faith that made Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner, wife of televangelist Jim Bakker, so famous. Other famous evangelists include Oral Roberts, Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell.
Athletes
Olympic speed skater Trevor Marsicano made waves at the 2010 Winter Olympics, when he made his plans to become a youth pastor known. NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is also a devout Christian. In an interview with Christianity Magazine, Tebow stated, “…when people look at me or look up to me, hopefully they see that it’s not about me. It’s having a relationship with Christ, and it’s a lot bigger than me. And that’s what I’m living for–it’s not the money or the fame. It’s having a relationship with Christ, impacting a lot of people and trying to help, encourage, and inspire people.”
