What’s the Big Deal About Connor Cruise Wearing a Jesus Necklace?

Connor Cruise–son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman–wore a Jesus necklace to a recent event. While it’s not at all unusual for starts to sport religious jewelry (hi, Justin Bieber), Connor’s necklace is a much bigger deal. Why? Because Connor, like his dad, is a Scientologist. Although Scientology often stresses that you can belong to any religion you want and still practice Scientology, wearing obvious Christian jewelry is a pretty big “don’t,” especially when your dad is the most well-known member of the religion.

In Touch magazine (via Crazy Days and Nights) claims that Connor’s necklace was a symbol that he is rebelling against Tom and against Scientology. In April, The Daily reported that Connor’s older sister Isabella Cruise was leaving the Church, but shortly after that story circulated Isabella took a job working for stepmom Katie Holmes‘ clothing line, Holmes & Yang. Scientology’s “disconnection” policy states that Church members need to cut non-Scientologists out of their lives, and when someone tries to leave the Church it’s common to bribe them or offer them something in exchange for remaining in the fold, which could have been what happened with Isabella’s new job. Connor, unlike his sister, has followed Tom into the entertainment industry and has a lead role in the upcoming Red Dawn reboot. It’s possible that Connor’s necklace was some kind of sign of rebellion, but it’s also possible that he’s just a dude wearing a necklace. Right now, it’s too soon to tell – although it’s sure interesting to speculate.