1. Justin Bieber
The world’s biggest pop star used to be in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. But in recent months it seems Justin Bieber can’t stop talking about his newly discovered faith in Jesus. He told Complex magazine, ‘I’m not religious. I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation … He created a pretty awesome template of how to love people and how to be gracious and kind. If you believe it, He died for our sins.’ To read more on the faith of Justin Bieber, including the amazing story of how he was baptised in an NBA player’s bathtub, click here.
2. Kanye West
The writer of 'Jesus Walks' is a controversial choice for this list. After all, he once said, ‘I’m doing pretty good as far as geniuses go…the Bible had 20, 30, 40, 50 characters in it. You don’t think that I would be one of the characters of today’s modern Bible?’ and ‘A god…That’s who I think I am’. However, in August 2013, during an interview on American TV, Kanye West sported a ‘WWJD’ bracelet and proudly proclaimed ‘I’m a Christian’. He added, ‘It’s important to me that I grow, walk and raise my family with Christian values.’ He also recently tweeted ‘My number one enemy has been my ego… there is only one throne and that’s God's…’ He surprised many by inviting gospel megastar Kirk Franklin into the studio to record a prayer which is featured on his latest album The Life of Pablo.
3. Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic)
The lead singer of OneRepublic has also written top tunes including Beyoncé’s ‘Halo’, Adele’s ‘Rumour Has It’ and Leona Lewis’ ‘Bleeding Love’. The American songwriter identifies as a Christian but doesn't want to be a 'Christian artist'. Ryan grew up in a Christian family and his uncle Mark Tedder is a prominent worship leader. Ryan rarely speaks about his faith in the press, but in this revealing interview the singer confirms his Christian faith and defends his decision to work in mainstream music. 'You'd be amazed how many artists were raised in the church', he says, citing Bono and Katy Perry.
4. Jessie J
The English singer songwriter hit the headlines in 2013 when she told The Mirror she’d chosen praying over partying. She described her single ‘Thunder’ as ‘a dedication to God’, explaining ‘I remember I prayed a lot when I worked on this album and it’s not something I’ve ever spoken about openly. But I’m just more confident and feel more comfortable to be open about my beliefs and feelings on the world now. I thank God every day for my blessings and my talent.’ She also explained, ‘Whenever I can I do go to church and I feel that when you’re right with your religion, your church travels with you. I’ve very much enjoyed bringing my beliefs onto the album. I think it’s important that whatever your beliefs are you use them in your day-to-day life.'
5. Adam Young (Owl City)
Best known for his 2009 chart topper ‘Fireflies’, Owl City (real name: Adam Young) produces consistently upbeat electronic pop. His latest album Mobile Orchestra contained a worship song – ‘My Everything’. But far from playing to solely Christian audiences, Young has established himself as part of mainstream music culture, working with producers Stargate (Beyoncé, Mariah Carey) and duetting with Carly Rae Jepsen (of ‘Call Me Maybe’ fame). In an interview with Christianity Today Young said, ‘my prayer has always been, “Lord, just give me the songs you want me to write so I can record them, release them, put them in the can, and reflect all glory and praise back to you.”’
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