Jane Fonda: Feeling the Holy Spirit

I just read a rather unexpected and very interesting interview of Jane Fonda where she talked about the Holy Spirit. (“Jane Fonda on Lohan and Finding God”, Ruben V. Nepales, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2007 June 03) Almost 70 now, Fonda had married and divorced some of the most famous and richest men and now spends her time writing books (3 at the same time) alone in a private ranch (watch my eyes turn green!). And there she was talking openly about religion and her faith. Well, it’s not anything unusual. Just the other day, three former US presidents (Bush Sr., Carter and Clinton) shared the stage with Billy Graham on the inauguration of the latter’s library in North Carolina and took turns extolling God and the work that Graham did.

Not that popularity prevented anyone from having faith. Those former presidents most probably had faith before becoming popular. Besides, a former sex-symbol like Fonda curiously pursuing the influence of the Holy Spirit in her life has more news value. It is such a pity that that bit of news ironically came out in the entertainment section. (Where else could it be otherwise, silly me? How about, hmm, front page?) For me, it was good news; no, it IS great news!

She, the Barbarella who donned probably the very first spacesuit in Hollywood that showed a lot of flesh, became the fantasy for many young men in the late sixties. In the early ‘70’s, she came to UP College of Arts and Sciences one day wearing a t-shirt and denims and spoke against the Vietnam War. Unwittingly, I find myself pondering upon her transition from a glamorous celebrity to a political activist to a tycoon’s wife to an exercise guru to a book-writer and now to an aging, professing believer. As a former student-activist, as a writer and as a not-so-aging believer, I can relate with her personal journey.

Somehow (unless it is another Hollywood publicity trick, which I doubt), the role of such a unique and intelligent person as Fonda as a real person who does have genuine spiritual needs can inspire even the most cynical among us. Especially so when she spoke lovingly of Lindsay Lohan (who co-stars with Fonda in the latest movie “Georgia Rule” as if she were her mother. Well, alright, that last part might have been a carry-over of her film role as Lindsay’s mother. But, the Holy Spirit thing? I find that hard to turn away.

Whatever we might say about Jane Fonda and her morals (who will cast the first stone?), we must allow every person the chance to discover what the Holy Spirit can do in our lives. Unlike Socrates who only heard an “inner voice” or the conscience, anyone must feel blessed for the privilege of knowing and eventually receiving the Holy Spirit.

Many great and ancient civilizations had founded their cultures on their understanding of the secrets of the spirit and of the soul; yet, today more people spend more time securing their grasp on material possessions and political power. Perhaps we listen more to the call of the world and not the voice that speaks into our hearts.

People have many motivations for noticing what the Holy Spirit is doing. Age, with all the challenges attached to it such as sickness, loss of beauty and youth, acquired wisdom and the prospect of death, certainly can be a major factor. Religion -- the ceremonial practice, that is -- no longer matters at a certain age. Even for many of the young today, a relationship with a divine being is the primary consideration. Of course, family and traditions are the most natural but perhaps the least fail-safe way toward spiritual enlightenment. Theologians have a funny way of complicating matters of faith. Jesus knew that too well.

Fonda’s own confession came as sincere and open-ended. She said:

I was raised as an atheist. Sometimes it's in the presence of pain and chaos that you begin to heal. It was when I was in tremendous pain that I began to feel the presence of the spirit in me, the sacred. That was when I began the process of becoming whole. Maybe it's different when this happens to you when you're older because you're really aware of it. As I became aware of this part of me moving back inside, I sort of said, this is God.

When I began to feel whole, I really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I'm still in the beginning of a journey into what that means. And it's hard because I'm a feminist, especially in the way Christianity is viewed these days in this country. I'm a feminist Christian who is exploring what that means.

Historically, the Holy Spirit was poured out to humans at a time set by heaven’s itinerary. He had sent His son, allowed Him to die, raised Him and welcomed Him back in heaven. It was time for the Holy Spirit to do His part. 3000 Jews accepted the “gift of the Holy Spirit” on Pentecost Day. Was that a majority or a minority? Could it have been more? Who knows? God simply harvested on that day; or should we say He planted the Spirit generously for the first time in history? (Can you hear the angels shouting in heaven in jubilation?)

So, what value is there in one person seeking to know the Holy Spirit? Is it something to scoff at or rejoice about?

Often, I eagerly await the next Hollywood blockbuster. But now I wonder what the titles are to Jane Fonda’s three books.

We will know a tree by its fruits. For even now, heaven does not cease to plant His Holy Spirit within receptive hearts.