What's With Mandy?

I'm a big fan of Mandy Moore's music and A Walk to Remember. I always thought she was a Christian, but now I wonder. What's the deal with Mandy?

It's rarely a good idea to hold strong hopes that famous people will act the way we think they should. The problem? We don't know them or their faith. All we know is the "public image" of the real person.

So what do we know about Mandy? She has talked openly about her Catholic faith, and she's made public commitments not to appear nude in movies or be photographed in revealing clothing. But, Mandy also says she really enjoys cussing—especially saying the "F" word (which she said over and over on a TV episode of The Osbournes).

Several of her movies, like her music, have been wholesome and positive. She's played Christians in films, but also played teens who drink heavily and have premarital sex. In Saved!, she plays a very un-Christlike, hypocritical Christian girl. This is far different from A Walk to Remember where she played Jamie, the devout daughter of a pastor.

But Mandy is not Jamie. She's a real person. And we really don't know what her relationship with God is like. Should we be disappointed by Mandy's choices? Sure. Based on what she's said about her faith, it's OK to question some of the choices she's made.

Even when we do have to point out what someone is doing wrong, we don't have to have a judgmental attitude toward them—we all mess up (Romans 14:4). My advice: If she's involved in stuff that bothers you, stay away from it. But say an occasional prayer for her. Ask God to help her to understand his truth and make wise choices in her personal life and career.

To Burn Or Not to Burn?

My friends and I like to share music. Is it wrong to burn CDs or download music for free online? And if burning whole CDs is stealing, what about making mix CDs (with a bunch of favorite songs) for friends?

I'm no lawyer or expert in copyright law, but here's my understanding of what's against the law when it comes to burning CDs and sharing music files:

It is only legal to make copies of music files you own for your own personal use. For instance, I can make a copy of a song from a CD to play on my iPod—if I paid for that song to start with. However, it's against the law for me to make a copy for you—even if it's a mix tape. Doing this might not feel the same as tucking a CD inside your coat and walking out of a music store, but the law says it's exactly the same.

I've heard Christian students say, "I know it's wrong, but I do it anyway." That's a dangerous attitude. As believers, God tells us to obey those in authority over us (Romans 13:1) and not to steal (Exodus 20:15). Downloading music we don't own or burning CDs for others goes against both of those commands.

You also have to remember this stealing does hurt people. When you steal your favorite artists' music, or make a copy for a friend, you're hurting them financially. For every song or CD copied, that's money they don't get.

Should I junk Punk'd?

I think the MTV show Punk'd is awesome! I love watching Ashton Kutcher do all those practical jokes. Anything wrong with watching this show?

I'll admit it: Some of Kutcher's gags are funny. Punk'd uses hidden cameras to catch the reactions of people caught in elaborate practical jokes. But they're not just any people—they're celebrities. (Except for when Kutcher punk'd us all by saying the show was cancelled!)

Unfortunately, Punk'd comes with the same values of MTV and Kutcher's other hit, That '70s Show—lots of harsh language, crude humor and barely dressed people. Kutcher's whole personality and reputation are a celebration of worldly attitudes about sex, fame and money.

Should you watch it? That's up to you and your parents, based on your own decisions about what's healthy for your mind and relationship with God.

What about playing such jokes on your friends? That depends on how your friends will react, and your attitude as well. I believe you can play a practical joke in a loving way. But you can also do it cruelly with the intent of causing pain, or carelessly with the motive of getting laughs at the victim's expense.

Way back in Sunday school, you probably learned The Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Let that determine how you'll treat your friends—and whether or not you watch Punk'd.

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