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1 1 Introduction Negotiating Holiness and Hollywood Donna: We were standing outside looking at the star of Jesus Christ that we have out front. And you know me, being the actress, pointed and said, “I’m going to have one of these one day.” Grauman’s Chinese Theater is the symbolic center of Hollywood, but less than two miles south on Wilshire Boulevard sits Destiny Theater, the art deco–style home of the Oasis Christian Center. The theater is several blocks from the famous Walk of Fame, sidewalks dotted with more than two thousand starshaped plaques bearing the bronze-engraved names of celluloid celebrities, radio personalities, and entertainment idols. But on this boulevard in front of Destiny Theater sits a single, specially crafted bronze star. On the field where an official Walk of Fame star contains a symbol such as a microphone or a movie camera to indicate the honoree’s area of expertise, this one depicts a cross-shaped sword laid diagonally over an open Bible. The honoree is “Jesus Christ—The Son of God.” This emblem represents a bold attempt to establish a spiritual center for the Hollywood entertainment industry, one that affirms ambitions for wealth and fame for all believers. On a Saturday night, I walk past Jesus’ Hollywood star to find the celebration service in full swing. A pulsing wave of music hits me as I enter the lobby. The sloped floor leads into the auditorium, and a small sign over the entrance reads, “Through these doors walk champions of life.” The auditorium is packed, and everyone is on their feet, black and white, singing and swaying, many with hands raised, most with big smiles. An usher points to an open seat several rows down. I am immediately surrounded by worshipers. Sitting is out of the question, but, after a moment, standing feels all right. The music is an engaging blend of funk, gospel, and R&B and seductively invites even a church novice to stand, clap, move, and groove as the songs continue. ‘Cause I love you, Lord, and your amazing grace, You comfort me, through everything. I fall on my knees, with a childlike faith, 2 hollywood faith I will lift my voice to you and sing, I’m a child of the king. Everyone is deeply engaged, following lyrics printed on big, wide, colorful screens, and it’s safe to sway to the music because all eyes are focused on the activity up front. The six-piece band includes drums, bass, electric guitar, synthesizer , congas, and a saxophone with musicians impressively in sync in a blast of composed sound. The group of five black and white worship leaders and an even more diverse choir of eight enthusiastically guide the crowd through song transitions. The music is new to me, and I found out later that members of the congregation write more than 80 percent of the songs. The music picks up the pace amid whoops and cheers. Lord of Lords, King of Kings, holy, mighty, Perfect in every way, giver of amazing grace. Musical changes are smooth, and another transition shifts the rhythm into a deep, syncopated drumming. Overcomers, wanna hear you, Who of them that love the Lord, me wanna see you, If you’re not one of them, my God will fill you, With his joy and his love, Jesus will free you. Oooaahh-ugh! Many are now jumping up and down. Hands are raised in the air. I notice a few Hispanics and Asians now, both on and off the platform. From conversations and pastoral messages in previous services, I know many people here are in the entertainment industry. The metaphor of worshiping in a converted movie house near the center of Hollywood is hard to ignore. The auditorium has been modernized, yet the platform and seating maintain the theatre ambience. The worship space seems to represent the sacralizing desire embraced by believers here to see their pursuit of success in Hollywood as a holy endeavor that energetically glorifies God. The musical devotion continues without weakening until the last song comes to a passionate finish. When I need you all that I do is call you, Lord, and you come through for me, Every time, you never let me down, You promised me if I believe, all that I need I will receive it all, Every time, you never let me down. The music ends, and people are laughing and hugging each other. Two young women in front of me turn to each...

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