These podcasters are heaven-sent.
Los Angeles-based actresses Arielle Reitsma and Angela Halili have become breakout stars with their wildly popular podcast “Girls Gone Bible” — but some skeptics say the pair are “using the Lord for their personal gain.”
Reitsma, 33, and Haili, 27, started the Christian podcast back in May and have already garnered millions of listens and hundreds of thousands of devoted followers.
The pair discuss scripture, sobriety and the hazards of dating as a devoted follower of Jesus. One recent episode revolved around the importance of modesty, with the duo citing Bible passages about avoiding impropriety.
“Modesty is the art of walking with Jesus and it’s something that we genuinely take seriously,” Halili — who has appeared in FX’s “American Horror Stories” — declared.
However, she went on to confess: “I have worn some questionable things, I’ve posted some questionable things… I thought there was a time in my life where I thought that being provocative was empowering.”
“We’re learning every single day,” Reitsma — who briefly appeared in “How I Met Your Mother” — chimed in. “We understand that with the platform that we have we need to do right. we do not want to be ignorant. We want to glorify god. We can’t just talk the talk, we have to walk the walk.”
That episode came after the pair were blasted for photos posted to their respective Instagram accounts where they show off their God-given beauty.
“It is shameful for you to represent Jesus Christ in this manner,” one Christian critic raged beneath a recent photo of Halili in a crop top. “Really, look at these lust-provoking photos. it is about you and you are using my Lord for your personal gain.”
“Worldy gratification for eternity in the pit,” a second blasted. “You sold your soul in the worst way possible – for what, 100,000 likes? You will not be forgiven for mocking the Holy Spirit.
Reitsma has also faced similar criticism for uploading sizzling snaps of herself.
“Stop showing off your body that’s supposed to be for your husband,” one railed beneath a photo of the beauty with her bottom facing the camera.
However, the pair have quickly found a faithful following, with many of the believers sending messages of support.
“I absolutely adore you both,” one fan cooed. “I’ve seen so much hate and negativity specifically from believers and it has been extremely disappointing, but Jesus called you both for such a time as this. Our generation needs you. Two beautiful, strong, young, ambitious and relatable people with enough courage to bring hope and light to the lost.”
“I LOVE YALL!!” another wrote. I’m in my early twenties and am maturing in my faith. I found your podcast and it’s been such a big support. Y’all have encouraged me and also convicted me. I can’t wait to share it.”
Reitsma and Halili already boast more than 300,000 followers on their “Girls Gone Bible” Instagram account, and have even started selling merchandise on their website.
Addressing some of the criticism, the pair told listeners that they are “teachable” and are on a “journey” to becoming better Christians.
They also said they’d faced extreme judgement from fellow Christians and had found non-believers to be nicer.
‘I know some girls that take photos in their crop tops and their bikinis but they have more compassion in their hearts and more empathy and they would never write the things that some of these Christians are writing,” Reitsma declared.
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