“In the spotlight, Justin Bieber’s life is a masterclass in redemption – a phoenix rising from the ashes of controversy and scandal. However, behind the scenes, a different narrative is unfolding, one that has fans and critics alike scratching their heads. At the center of this brewing storm is Carl Lentz, the Australian pastor who has transitioned from being Bieber’s pal to a spiritual guru, with some even labeling him a ‘cult’ figure. As the world watches, Lentz’s influence over Bieber’s life has sparked a flurry of questions: What’s really going on behind the closed doors of their spiritual retreats? Is Lentz truly a guardian angel or a master manipulator? And most importantly, has Justin Bieber’s quest for spirituality led him down a dangerous path? In this article, we delve into the mysterious world of Lentz and Bieber, and explore the disturbing allegations that are raising serious questions about the nature of their relationship.
Fans Have Serious Questions About Justin Bieber’s Pal-Turned-Spiritual Guru As He Faces ‘Cult’ Accusations – Yahoo
It was only a matter of time before Churchome — the buzzy, Beverly Hills-based church led by Justin Bieber’s longtime spiritual advisor, Pastor Judah Smith — landed back in the headlines. On May 2, Smith found himself ambushed by paparazzi after stepping out of his car, a moment he later recounted in an Instagram-posted sermon.
“I got out of my car and was immediately surrounded by paparazzi — that’s a first for me,” Smith quipped in a clip from an Instagram-posted sermon. When a “nice lady” whipped out her camera and asked point-blank, “So is this a cult or not?” he deadpanned, “Oh my word, I wasn’t expecting that question,” before joking, “If we’re a cult, we are the worst cult in the history of all cults. We meet once a month, guys.”
Sure, it’s a punchline — but the cult allegations circling Churchome aren’t exactly new. Founded in 1992 by Smith’s parents in Seattle and later rebranded and relocated to L.A., Churchome has become a go-to for the pray and slay crowd. With its slick app, trendy branding, and celeb-heavy front rows (think Kourtney Kardashian, Ciara, Russell Wilson, and Selena Gomez), Churchome looks less like a house of worship and more like a spiritual Soho House — minus the cocktails.
At the center of it all is Smith, whose relationship with Bieber goes back to 2010. The pastor’s youthful sermons and casual style helped shape Bieber’s post-teen-idol spiritual identity, with Smith even telling E! News in 2013 that the two “share Scriptures on a regular basis.” That connection was back on display in April, when Bieber posted a vulnerable message on Instagram: “They treat me like ass out here, but I remember that I am flawed and God forgave me.” He added, “When I’m really honest, I can be mean and hurtful too.”
The Impact on Parenting and Screen Time
As someone who grew up reading Highlights for Children and National Geographic Kids, Netflix’s latest announcement had me jumping out of my chair in excitement. The streaming service announced they are launching a free Netflix Jr. Magazine, geared toward preschoolers, set to release this spring.
“It’s an actual, physical magazine your kids can hold in their hands — full of games, stories, activities — everything you need to share in the fun of your child’s favorite Netflix characters,” said a statement on the company’s website. More from SheKnows
Netflix worked with a preschool childhood development expert to create a fun magazine of activities your little ones will love. “We hope the magazine will provide new ways to share in the fun of your child’s favorite Netflix show and characters,” added the statement. Plus, what kid doesn’t love getting something special in the mail?
This is all part of Netflix’s expanded kids’ content. On Jan. 24, 2022, Netflix Jr. launched the Bedtime Stories with Netflix Jr. podcast, designed to help kids fall asleep to the voices of their favorite characters. The first collection of stories are about 10 to 15 minutes each and feature characters from StoryBots, Chip and Potato, Super Monsters, StarBeam, Ada Twist, Scientist, Ridley Jones, Trash Truck, and Go! Go! Cory Carson. These are available now!
Click here to read the full article. To subscribe to the free Netflix Jr. Magazine, simply go to NetflixJr.com/subscribe and fill out the form. Parents will have to include their birthdate, name, email, address, and phone number, and agree to the Terms and Conditions. The magazine doesn’t release until spring, and will only be available while supplies last, so subscribe now and get a jump on it.
Lisa Rinna’s Confidence Boosters: Wigs and Bikini Photos
Along with stripping down for some sultry bikini snapshots, she also has another way to boost her confidence. Despite starring in RHOBH, Rinna is pretty private about her self-care routines and how she boosts her confidence. But she did give one detail: and it’s all thanks to her wigs!
In a previous interview with People, she talked about her confidence booster, saying, “I’m telling you, the wigs have been so much fun!” “I throw a wig on and honey, I just walk through that door with confidence,” she added. “It’s amazing. I love what a wig does. They’ve been such a great form of expression for me.”
Netflix’s Expanded Kids’ Content and Marketing Strategies
More from SheKnows ADVERTISEMENT Netflix worked with a preschool childhood development expert to create a fun magazine of activities your little ones will love. “We hope the magazine will provide new ways to share in the fun of your child’s favorite Netflix show and characters,” added the statement. Plus, what kid doesn’t love getting something special in the mail?
This is all part of Netflix’s expanded kids’ content. On Jan. 24, 2022, Netflix Jr. launched the Bedtime Stories with Netflix Jr. podcast, designed to help kids fall asleep to the voices of their favorite characters. The first collection of stories are about 10 to 15 minutes each and feature characters from StoryBots, Chip and Potato, Super Monsters, StarBeam, Ada Twist, Scientist, Ridley Jones, Trash Truck, and Go! Go! Cory Carson. These are available now!
Additionally, the company is focusing on other initiatives and features for kids on Netflix. For instance, they have launched a dedicated section on the platform for kids called “Kids & Family,” which offers a variety of content, including animated series, movies, and educational programs.
The role of marketing and branding in the success of Netflix Jr. cannot be overstated. The company has invested heavily in promoting its kids’ content, with campaigns that target parents and caregivers. The goal is to make Netflix Jr. a go-to destination for kids’ entertainment and education.
The implications for the future of children’s entertainment and education are significant. With Netflix Jr., the company is poised to become a major player in the kids’ market, offering a range of content that is both entertaining and educational. As the streaming wars continue to escalate, Netflix Jr. is well-positioned to be a major player in the kids’ space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Justin Bieber’s spiritual guru, Hillsong Church’s Carl Lentz, has ignited a firestorm of concerns among fans and critics alike. As our article has explored, the allegations of cult-like behavior, exploitation, and emotional manipulation have raised serious questions about Lentz’s influence over the pop star and his flock of devoted followers. The implications of this saga extend far beyond the realm of celebrity gossip, instead, it sheds light on the blurred lines between spirituality and manipulation, and the vulnerability of young people seeking guidance and community in today’s tumultuous world. As we move forward, it is essential to examine the ways in which charismatic leaders can wield significant power over their followers, often blurring the lines between spirituality and exploitation.
Moreover, this controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, media literacy, and accountability in the digital age. In an era where social media platforms can amplify and distort information, it is crucial for individuals, especially young people, to be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls of blindly following charismatic leaders or movements. As we navigate the complexities of modern spirituality, we must prioritize discernment, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.
