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John Schneider's U-Turn
It took personal turmoil and the friendship of Johnny Cash to point this veteran actor in the right direction.
Kris Rasmussen
 2 of 2
Before Johnny and June (who both passed away last year) counseled
Schneider, the actor admits that his notion of Christians were of people that
were "too nice." He adds, "I couldn't relate to them because nothing about their
lives seemed real to me. My life was messy and imperfect, so I couldn't see
where I would fit in." But Schneider claims when he heard Cash talking about his
relationship with Jesus, suddenly that all changed. "It was the first time that
I saw that you could say 'Jesus is Lord' and still be a man," Schneider says.
"Once I realized I was part of this bigger plan, I didn't want to be a follower
but a leader for the cause."
For Schneider, being a leader has included becoming more involved in
charity work by helping to create the Children's Miracle Network, and by being a
voice for Christian values in the entertainment industry by directing and
producing new projects he feels are redemptive. Back in 2002 he directed a
Christmas movie for PAX, and he currently plans to develop and direct a movie
based on the popular book July, July.
He also hopes to continue playing Jonathan Kent on
Smallville, a role that has a special place in his heart.
"Jonathan Kent is the character I would most respect if I met him in real life.
He's as close to John Wayne as you can get, and I've always wanted to play a
character like that." He adds, "The Kents are a very traditional, loving family.
Jonathan realizes that even though his son is Superman, if he doesn't impart
values to Clark, Clark could just as easily turn out to be the most evil man in
the world instead of a hero."
The cameras are ready to roll again. But before dashing off to do another
take, Schneider pauses for a moment before adding one final thought: "I want
people to know that God is not using me just because I am John Schneider the
actor, the celebrity. God doesn't really care about that.
"God has something big for everyone. Everyone needs to look at where they
are in God's plan. Not where God is in their plan, but where they are in his
plan. Then move forward and take the hill!"
A Christian Reader original article. Kris
Rasmussen is a writer based in Michigan.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click
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