By Condé Nast (through Vogue Taiwan), CC BY 3.0 Ariana Grande’s faith journey has taken quite a few twists over the years. Growing up in a Catholic family, she regularly attended church with her family. However, things started to change for her as she grew older, and certain experiences influenced her spiritual outlook.
A Few Interesting Facts About Ariana Grande
A Few Interesting Facts About Ariana Grande
- Family Matters: Ariana has always been close with her older brother Frankie. When Frankie, who is openly gay, faced judgment from the Catholic Church for his sexuality, Ariana became disillusioned with the church’s teachings. She mentioned that this was one of the main reasons she distanced herself from Catholicism (World Religion News, Telegraph).
- Turning to Kabbalah: Around 2013, Ariana found herself drawn to Kabbalah, a mystical branch of Judaism. She felt like Kabbalah aligned more with her values, especially when it came to treating others with kindness and understanding. Ariana credits Kabbalah with helping her navigate the highs and lows of fame and keeping her grounded during tough times (People, Telegraph).
- Faith in Her Music: Despite no longer identifying as Catholic, Ariana often includes spiritual themes in her music. For example, her song “God is a Woman” explores themes of divinity and empowerment, blending faith and personal strength in her artistic expression (Telegraph, People).
The Difference Between Catholicism and Christianity
Ariana’s break from Catholicism leads to an important question: What’s the difference between Catholicism and Christianity? While both share core beliefs—like faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection—there are key differences that many Christians point out.
- Salvation: Christians generally believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). Catholicism, on the other hand, teaches that sacraments and good works are also necessary for salvation.
- Authority: While most Christians hold that the Bible is the ultimate authority, Catholicism also emphasizes tradition and the authority of the Pope, which can sometimes add teachings beyond Scripture.
- Veneration of Saints: Many Christians are uncomfortable with the Catholic practice of praying to saints or venerating Mary, believing that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
The Gospel Message for Ariana—and for Us
Ariana’s spiritual journey might seem unique, but in a way, it’s relatable for many of us. Like Ariana, everyone needs God’s grace. The Ten Commandments show us how far we’ve fallen short of God’s standards, whether through lying, stealing, or even looking with lust. These examples help us realize our need for a Savior.
But here’s the good news: Jesus Christ died for sinners. He offers forgiveness and a fresh start to anyone who repents and believes in Him. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about recognizing our need for His grace.
Let’s pray that Ariana, and all of us, come to fully understand God’s love and the grace that’s available through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on her spiritual journey, it’s also a good time to reflect on our own faith and relationship with God.
But here’s the good news: Jesus Christ died for sinners. He offers forgiveness and a fresh start to anyone who repents and believes in Him. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about recognizing our need for His grace.
Let’s pray that Ariana, and all of us, come to fully understand God’s love and the grace that’s available through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on her spiritual journey, it’s also a good time to reflect on our own faith and relationship with God.
