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Exclusive Interview with "Fireproof" Co-Star Erin Bethea

By Tim Waggoner

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In an exclusive LifeSiteNews.com interview, Erin Bethea, co-star of the recently released pro-marriage film "Fireproof," addressed the role the film has played in her life and the challenge actors and actresses face in striving for success without sacrificing morals and issued advice to young people on how to stand up for what they believe in.

When asked about her current "faith walk", Bethea revealed how "Fireproof" had strengthened her call to carry out God's will in the media industry.

"It was a reaffirmation of what I feel like I am called to do in my life, which is to use my talent and my ability that God has given me to reach people.  Whether that's through Christian media or secular media, either one I am completely open to," said Bethea. "I keep having this feeling that I am part of something so much bigger than me."

Responding to a question regarding her potential future in Hollywood and the many Christian celebrities who have been swept away by the celebrity lifestyle, Bethea offered advice to other aspiring actors and actresses who may be faced with choices that could compromise their morals for the sake of success.

"Before you begin your career it is important to have a firm foundation and to have a history and a pattern already of areas where you have made wise choices as a performer," said Bethea, mentioning how she had chosen to study theater at a Christian school that affirmed her Christian values.

"They may not have been the choices that led you to the most success, but they were wise choices as far as your values and morals," she said.

A good example of this, said Bethea, is co-star Kirk Cameron's policy to kiss only his wife - a decision that could limit his ability to fill future roles.

She also stressed  the necessity of surrounding oneself with value affirming peers: "It is important to have people in your life who will remind you where you came from and of those standards you set early on, and basically give you a hard time if you start thinking about compromising."

"Have a group of people around you who love you enough to tell you the truth and who aren't blinded by success," she continued.

Bethea alluded to American Idol winner Jordin Sparks' courage to publicly advocate abstinence before marriage and addressed the difficulties young couples face in remaining chaste before marriage.

"There is a lot of pressure. It is great when there are people in the spotlight that have made a statement saying they have made that commitment."

Many young Christians are being discriminated against in schools for upholding values such as natural marriage, said the "Fireproof" co-star. Bethea, however, encouraged these young Christians to stand up for their beliefs, saying, "Be true to who they are and to what they know is true."

Bethea also reflected on her prayer life, stressing the necessity of talking to God every day. "It is like any relationship - if I don't talk to God how do I maintain a relationship with him?"

The blooming Christian star concluded the interview with one of her favorite quotes: "You never want to sacrifice your future on the altar of the immediate."

See related Fireproof coverage:

Pro-Marriage Film Fireproof Wins at the BoxOffice with Highest per Screen Opening Weekend of 2008
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08093014.html

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