Kristin Chenoweth stars in ABC's soapy new dramedy "GCB" -- based on a book called "Good Christian Bitches" -- and says she's a Christian, but doesn't find the title offensive.
"There's a difference between making fun of something and having fun with something," she told NPR's Jackie Lyden. "And we do the latter."
Chenoweth calls herself "a God person" and speaks often about her faith, but she insists she's not judgmental.
"It's not my job to decide whether someone is 'a sinner' for doing something or being something or saying something. My grandma said, 'Oh, Kris, I read the Bible like I eat fish. I eat the meat that serves me well, but I don't choke on a bone.' I loved that, and I've never forgotten it."
The winner of an Emmy ("Pushing Daisies") and Tony ("You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown") recently announced the dates for her first-ever world tour. Chenoweth will perform tunes from her recently released country album, "Some Lessons Learned," as well as an array of Broadway favorites, including tunes from "Wicked," "Promises, Promises," and "Glee."
Chenowith said that Dolly Parton has been an inspiration.
"This is a woman who has sacrificed and worked her butt off and worked hard to own her own music and not sold it — which is so smart," she said.
Chenowith won't compare herself with Parton but said she likes the way she country icon has handled herself.
"I'm trying to learn, as I'm in my 40s, to embrace what I've been able to achieve and be proud of it. And I know there's roles that I will want to play before I die, but I'm still just taking one day at a time."
