Is there God in Hollywood?

NOW AND IN THE PAST

Hollywood is ultimately a business, and pleasing the masses—particularly the global audience—often takes priority over promoting specific values. Content that aligns with broad secular themes tends to attract larger, more diverse audiences. Faith-based or overtly spiritual content, while it has its niche audience, can sometimes polarize viewers or be perceived as less marketable on a global scale.

As society has shifted toward accepting and promoting lifestyles and ideologies that differ from traditional religious teachings, Hollywood has followed suit to remain culturally relevant. Despite that in the past big players in Hollywood’s past had strong faith and this often translated to the screen.

Hollywood once had a robust representation of stars and creators who embraced and showcased their Christian faith. Actors like Jimmy Stewart, known for his humility and values both on and off-screen, brought authenticity to roles like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, a film celebrated for its spiritual and redemptive themes. Similarly, Charlton Heston, famous for The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur, played roles that underscored biblical narratives and the triumph of faith over adversity.

Michael Landon, best known for his roles in Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven, was a Hollywood icon who brought heartfelt, family-oriented stories to life. His work often reflected strong moral and spiritual undertones, resonating with audiences who valued traditional Christian principles. Landon’s legacy is a testament to the era in Hollywood when storytelling was deeply rooted in themes of faith, redemption, and the importance of family.

Behind the scenes, filmmakers like Cecil B. DeMille were unafraid to weave Christian ideals into epic storytelling, creating timeless classics that honored religious traditions. Even in an evolving industry, these figures left an indelible mark, demonstrating that faith and entertainment could coexist in powerful and impactful ways. Their work serves as a reminder of a time when Hollywood often celebrated moral courage and spiritual resilience.

THE FUTURE

Where does that leave us now? For those of us who hold to faith and long for a return to Christian values in Hollywood—and by extension, all media—there is hope. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a meeting with a group dedicated to supporting and growing God’s presence in Hollywood. Their mission isn’t limited to Christian productions but extends to influencing the culture behind the scenes across all types of projects.

This group, the DFW chapter of the Hollywood Prayer Network, hosted an inspiring event that brought together producers, writers, actors, and talent managers as guest speakers. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about their current work and hear a heartfelt plea for creators to unite in fostering support and pushing forward the message of God.

THE HOLLYWOOD PRAYER NETWORK DFW EVENT

One of the speakers was Jayme Thompson, CEO of Five Talents Entertainment, who shared her inspiring journey through the Nashville music scene and behind-the-scenes work in film production. Her path ultimately led her to her true calling: fostering and guiding talent in both industries. She spoke candidly about her early restlessness and frustration with her own lack of success. However, when she surrendered to God’s plan and sought to use her gifts as He intended, she found opportunities and rewards far beyond what she had ever imagined.

Writer and producer duo Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman delivered a powerful call to action for 2025, likening the current Christian movement in Hollywood to the Normandy invasion. They described it as a push to reclaim occupied territories, with tanks and troops advancing toward the enemy. Solomon and Konzelman emphasized the need to maintain momentum, cautioning against complacency. “The tanks in Normandy eventually ran out of gas,” Chuck stated, “and the same can happen to Christians.” He reminded the audience that evil doesn’t disappear permanently when confronted—it retreats and waits for its moment. Christians must stay vigilant and continue advancing.

David Heavener presented a trailer for The Last Evangelist and announced plans to relocate to Dallas to continue filming the series. He recounted his unexpected journey, from starting as a singer to becoming an actor. David’s passion was evident as he engaged the crowd with a parody game show, What’s It Mean to Be a Christian? His key message centered on embracing the roles God has assigned to each of us. “Whether we realize it or not, we’re all actors in the grand production directed by God,” he said. “We are the stars of our own stories, and we can’t hand off our roles to someone else. Some actors never show up to the set—will we play our part?”

These were just a few of the incredible speakers at the event, which seemed to have a strong turnout. However, chapter president Matt Martin hopes to see even greater participation in the future. He envisions bringing together more Christian creatives and producers to inspire one another, pray, and support the creation of content that influences society and shapes the values of the next generation.

In an industry that sometimes shies away from faith, gatherings like these remind us that there are passionate individuals working to shine His light in even the most unexpected places.

To learn more about the Hollywood Prayer network visit: https://hollywoodprayernetwork.org/