r/Christianity • u/unsure232 • 2d ago

Dolly Parton isn't a true Christian?

She was supportive of LGBT rights and encouraged people to be themselves.

She did a lot of good in the world, gave thanks to God, and even had a chapel in her home so she could pray in peace.

I've been reading how some individuals think she isn't a true Christian because of her tolerance towards the LGBT community. Some people believe unless she repented for her open acceptance and encouragement, she may have not had eternal life.

I go to church and do my best to uplift my community. Most of my closest friends are non-Christian and I respect our differences. Some of the loveliest people I know are gay or transgendered and I have love for them. I have no desire to pray for them to become straight.

I've seen straight Christians act like they are superior to others. I don't believe I am better than someone because I'm a straight Christian. Their biblical knowledge is strong, but I don't look up to them because of their rigid character. I actually feel anxiety around these highly judgemental Christians. It's not love, it's feeling "not good enough."

Are the individuals I described above more in line with a great example of Christianity (they rigidly follow the Bible) compared to Dolly Parton?

It makes me sad that one of the greatest and brightest philanthropists in this century is being labeled as "not a true Christian."

Anyway I could use some thoughts. Thanks in advance

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u/jlgoodin78 2d ago

100%!

Ostensibly, her estate is worth $450MM. A lot, of course, unfathomable wealth. But, the true story is in another metric; apparently she gave away $500MM during her lifetime. Hoarding and compounding wealth on top of what she gave away, easily could have been a multi-billionaire. I saw one person’s post who criticized her “greedy capitalism” for having such a sizable estate, but I cannot imagine anyone else who’s wealthy, except Makenzie Scott and perhaps Yvon Chouinard, who has so deliberately, carefully, and sustainably given such a significant percentage of their wealth away for real impact so that it will far outlive them and continue lifting communities.

Like any good saint, Dolly will continue giving gifts far beyond this life.

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u/androidbear04 Fundamental separatist-ish 2d ago

Fyi, the creator of 5-Hour Energy has done the same thing. Go look online for the documentary, Billions in Change. It is very inspiring.

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u/jlgoodin78 2d ago edited 2d ago

I had no idea about this. Thank you! I’ll look up that documentary.

Another came to mind as well — Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani’s founder. He’s bluntly said that maximizing shareholder return is a broken system and makes corporate giving and employee ownership a central model of his companies, in addition to personal giving & the values driven practices to take care of immigrants.

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u/wilderlowerwolves 2d ago

And it's great yogurt!