Justin Timberlake is one of the most popular and successful music artists in the world. His catchy pop songs, smooth dance moves, and magnetic charisma have won over millions of fans globally. But behind the glitz and glamor of showbiz, many are curious about Timberlake’s personal life and beliefs, including his religion. So what faith does the former NSYNC frontman actually follow?
Justin Timberlake’s Religious Background
Justin Timberlake was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1981 to Baptist parents. His father, Randall Timberlake, is a Baptist choir director, and his mother, Lynn Harless, regularly attended church with Justin and his family while he was growing up.
The Timberlakes raised Justin in the Baptist tradition, attending church regularly and participating in Bible study groups. Religion was an important part of his upbringing and family life.
Baptism and Church Attendance as a Child
As is common in the Baptist faith, Justin Timberlake was baptized when he was around 10 or 11 years old. This signifies becoming an official member of the Baptist church.
Timberlake continued attending church services and youth group activities throughout his adolescent years. His family made religion a priority during his childhood.
Evangelical Christian Upbringing
The Baptist denomination falls under the broader category of evangelical Christianity. This form of Christianity emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the importance of spreading the faith (evangelism), and being “born again” through baptism and personal conversion.
Justin Timberlake’s parents instilled these evangelical Christian values in him from a young age. They frequently read Bible scriptures together at home and shared the teachings of Christianity with Justin and his younger siblings.
Justin Timberlake’s Religion Today
As an adult, Justin Timberlake does not follow organized religion as strictly as he did growing up. However, he still identifies with Christianity and maintains a spiritual faith.
Non-Denominational Christianity
In interviews over the years, Timberlake has moved away from labeling himself specifically as Baptist. Instead, he describes himself more broadly as a non-denominational Christian.
This means he believes in Christ and the Bible but does not fully conform to the doctrines and structure of any single denomination like Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, etc. He takes a more open, inclusive approach to his faith.
Belief in God and Prayer
Despite being less devout than in his youth, Timberlake still maintains a strong belief in God. He relies on prayer and his relationship with God to guide him spiritually.
In a 2017 Hollywood Reporter interview, Timberlake explained:
“I grew up in the South; I’m from Tennessee. The Bible Belt. But my parents wanted a dialogue. I grew up believing in God, but I wasn’t pushed to believe what my parents said.”
He went on to add:
“I have a personal relationship with Him. I don’t preach about what I believe, but I practice my faith — and my faith has helped me keep my sanity in a very stressful world.”
So while not overtly vocal about religion, Timberlake continues to value his faith and connection to God as his source of spirituality.
Attendance at Non-Denominational Churches
Rather than regular Baptist services, Timberlake prefers attending non-denominational Christian churches as an adult.
These churches welcome all variations of Christianity and do not have formal associations like Baptist or Methodist churches do. Their worship services and teachings adhere to general Christian principles instead of specific denominational doctrines.
Timberlake occasionally attends services at churches like Hillsong and Zoe Church when he is in Los Angeles. This allows him to maintain his faith while avoiding strict denominational labels.
How Justin Timberlake’s Wife Influences His Religion
As a Catholic, Jessica Biel has a different religious upbringing than her husband. However, the couple shares common ground in their belief in God and desire to raise their children with faith-based values.
Jessica Biel’s Catholic Upbringing
Jessica Biel was born into a Catholic family and raised in the Catholic tradition. Her ancestors were also primarily Catholic on both her American and German sides.
She attended Catholic school growing up and went to church regularly with her family. So Catholicism has deep roots in Biel’s background.
Blending Catholic and Protestant Faiths
When Timberlake and Biel wed in 2012, they brought their different Christian denominations together.
While Banks and Timberlake both maintain their own religious identities, they share core Christian beliefs and emphasize faith as a guiding force for their family.
They attend various non-denominational churches so as not to conform strictly to either Catholic or Protestant doctrine. The couple relies on their shared faith in God and Christianity to find spiritual common ground.
Raising Their Children with Values and Spirituality
Timberlake and Biel are now parents to two sons, Silas and Phineas. The couple has spoken about their desire to raise the boys with strong values and spirituality.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Biel explained:
“We don’t plan to raise them in just one specific religion. I think it’s so important to expose them to everything that’s out there. I just want to make sure they find what moves them and whatever they’re drawn to.”
So while passing on faith, Timberlake and Biel aim to provide their children with diverse spiritual experiences beyond only Catholic or Baptist traditions. Their hope is to equip them with the tools to shape their own beliefs.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite his broadly Christian identity, Timberlake has faced some controversies over the years related to religion and morality. His views and artistic expression have sometimes conflicted with conservative religious values.
Explicit Lyrics and Performances
Earlier in Timberlake’s solo music career, he exhibited edgier and more sensual content in songs, music videos, and live performances. Some of his lyrics and dancing sparked criticisms from religious groups for being too explicit.
For instance, his 2002 breakout single “Cry Me a River” features a vindictiveTimberlake dancing suggestively with a scantily-clad woman behind him in the music video. Many denounced this departure from his wholesome boyband image.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy
The most famous backlash came from Timberlake’s 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance with Janet Jackson. At the end of their risqué routine, Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson’s breast on live TV, causing a national uproar.
Many were shocked that a supposedly devout Christian would participate in such an inappropriate stunt. Timberlake apologized but faced enduring criticism, especially from evangelical circles.
Use of Marijuana and Alcohol
Although practicing Christians often abstain from drug use and drinking, Timberlake has openly talked about using marijuana and alcohol.
For example, in an interview with Playboy magazine, he admitted to smoking marijuana regularly. He also owns his own brand of tequila called Sauza 901.
While not illegal, his recreational marijuana use and alcohol business venture go against Baptist principles of sobriety and temperance. This has drawn some disapproval from devout fans.
Justin Timberlake’s Statements on His Faith
Throughout the years, Timberlake has shared quotes and insights that provide a window into his religious beliefs and spirituality:
| Year | Quote |
|---|---|
| 2000 | “I’m spiritual, so I look forward to going to church. I’m not a huge churchgoer–I’m not going to pretend I am. |
| 2007 | “Religion is still a very taboo subject. People can be cynical about it and poke fun at it. I don’t really care. It’s not going to dissuade me from believing in God.” |
| 2011 | “I still have my beliefs, and I still believe there’s a right and wrong. Otherwise, there would be no rules in life. I’m still very spiritual and believe God has a plan.” |
These quotes reveal that while Timberlake rejects rigid religious structures, he remains grounded in faith-based principles and a personal relationship with God. His Christian beliefs still provide his life with meaning, even amidst fame and controversy.
Conclusion
Justin Timberlake has experienced a spiritual evolution over his career, from strict Baptist roots to a more flexible non-denominational Christian faith. However, belief in God and identifying as a Christian remain constants for him.
Though no longer vocally evangelical, Timberlake relies on his relationship with God as a moral compass and source of guidance. Religion provides him an inner foundation of values to draw upon, even amidst the temptations of fame.
While some criticize his lifestyle choices, Timberlake stays true to his own personal connection to Christianity. This nuanced, open-minded approach allows him to balance religious tradition with the realities of the entertainment world.
Ultimately, faith remains central to Justin Timberlake, both publicly and privately. It is an integral part of his identity and inner spiritual life.
FAQs
What church does Justin Timberlake go to?
Justin Timberlake does not regularly attend one specific church. He sometimes goes to the non-denominational Christian churches Hillsong and Zoe Church when he is in Los Angeles. As a non-denominational Christian, he does not like to follow one strict doctrine or congregation.
What denomination of Christianity was Justin Timberlake raised?
Timberlake was raised Baptist Christian by his parents. The Baptist tradition emphasizes adult baptism, scripture, and spreading the faith. His upbringing instilled these evangelical values in him.
How did Justin Timberlake’s wife Jessica Biel influence his faith?
As a Catholic, Jessica Biel has a different upbringing than Timberlake. However, they share core Christian beliefs and both want to raise their children with values and spirituality over one strict doctrine. They now often attend non-denominational services together.
Why was Justin Timberlake criticized by some Christians?
Earlier in Timberlake’s career, his racy lyrics and sensual performances contradicted his wholesome, churchgoing image. The infamous 2004 Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” also outraged many Christians. His openness about smoking marijuana and owning a tequila brand have also drawn some criticism as un-Christian.
Does Justin Timberlake still consider himself a Christian today?
Justin Timberlake still identifies as a Christian, although his faith is now more spiritual than religious. In interviews, he has moved away from specific labels but continues to profess a strong belief in God and the importance of his relationship with his Christian faith.