Response to "I'd first like to thank GOD!"

This is my response to Vanessa's post, which can be viewed here: http://homertheheretic.blogspot.com/2011/01/id-first-like-to-thank-god_21.html

Hey Vanessa, great post! I always find it disconcerting when celebrities thank God or Jesus Christ in their acceptance speech.

You've stated an important point in your last sentence. Does the mention of God actually help these individuals remain as moral beings? Or are they just stealthily using religious gratitude to attain a more positive public image, thus boosting their career? In a way, celebrities thank God in their speeches to affirm to the public that they are Christian and proud of it. There has always been this perception that being Christian means being a wholly good, morally inclined person, who lives a life of temperance, humility, prudence, and charity. What better way to attain a positive public image than implicatively stating that you are living the ideal Christian lifestyle? And to think, this all begins just by giving thanks to God in an awards acceptance speech.

Take a look at Jennifer Hudson, for instance. She's known for openly thanking God in her acceptance speeches, sometimes even numerous times in the same speech. In her Oscars Awards Acceptance Speech for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress, she says:

"I would first of all like to thank God, who has brought me through. I would like to thank my family, those in heaven and those who are here today...I'd like to thank the Academy, definitely have to thank God I guess again."

I don't know about you, but doesn't her speech come off as a little bit...contrived? I mean, "definitely have to thank God I guess again"? It sounds so hollow and unmoving. More importantly, the fact that she thanked God twice in her speech denotes her need to reiterate her Christian faith. But regardless, Jennifer Hudson is commonly seen as a role model with a 'wholesome image'. Surely her Christian-inspired speeches aren't the main reason as to why that is, but they are indeed a major contributor. And as a result of her positive, wholesome public image, Hudson is experiencing ultimate success in the media. She's currently the spokesperson for Weight Watchers, a program that encourages a healthier, and ultimately, better lifestyle. Who better to promote a good lifestyle than someone with a 'wholesome image'?

This is just another example of how religion is used in popular culture as a benefit or an advantage, though not necessarily always in a good sense.