Anne Rice, popular author of the Vampire Chronicles
, says she has “quit Christianity.”
, says she has “quit Christianity.” Rice—for most of her adult life—was a proclaimed atheist. But about ten years ago, she returned to the faith of her childhood and professed her Christianity.
I have followed her story from atheist to vocal Christian with interest for a few reasons:
- As a popular author, she’s in the celebrity realm. I’m intrigued to see what pop and Church culture “do” with celebrities who profess their faith.
- She’s an author. In general, I’m intrigued by most of what successful authors do. I just like seeing how they navigate life and how they portray themselves.
A few years ago, Rice appeared on my favorite Christian “talk show,” White Horse Inn. I regret that I can’t find that interview online now, but the notes are still posted. I remember listening way back then and enjoying it so much.
When I first heard of Rice’s ditching Christianity, I was heartbroken. But then I read further. A few sentences into this post, and I was nodding in agreement:
It’s simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group.
—Anne Rice
I was relieved to read that Rice still professes her belief in Christ. She claims that she is ditching the organized religion and all the trappings that go with it.
I get her. I really do.
Rice and I have a difference of opinion on the definition of the term, Christianity. She claims it involves following Christ’s followers—not just Christ.
I disagree. The definition of Christianity is still “those who follow Christ”—however broad and sullied those in the group make it. And, I’ll take the label because I do follow Christ. I think Brian McLaren sums it up well, as he supports Rice but maintains his affiliation with Christianity and all that term entails:
If I were to leave to join some new religion that claims to have – at last! – perfected the way of being pristine and genuine through and through, we all know where that’s going to lead. There’s one thing worse than a failed old religion: a naïve and arrogant new one. In that light, maybe only religions that have acknowledged and learned from their failures have much to offer.
—Brian McLaren
On some level, I wish Rice had chosen a different way to announce her decision, without saying she’s quitting Christianity.
But really? I’m sorta glad Rice made her announcement in the manner she did. You know why? Because she is still proclaiming her faith but she’s also exposing the legalistic and detrimental trappings of “organized religion.” Everyone’s talking about this! Isn’t that what we “Christians” want? Christ to be discussed in the public square?
What do you think of Rice’s announcement?
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Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. I receive a small commission based on purchases that I refer.
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