Chris Pratt has made a name for himself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, portraying heroes like Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the ever-goofy Andy Dwyer in “Parks and Recreation.” But beyond the big screen, Pratt is a man on a mission—one far greater than any cinematic adventure.
In an exclusive interview with “The Christian Post,” Pratt made it abundantly clear where his priorities lie: “I care enough about Jesus to take a stand, even if it cost me. It could cost me everything, but I don’t care. It’s worth it to me because this is what I’m called to do, it’s where my heart is.”
It’s rare to see someone in Hollywood so outspoken about their Christian faith, but Pratt refuses to shrink back. “I’m a father of four. I want to raise my children with an understanding that their dad was unashamed of his faith in Jesus, and with a profound understanding of the power of prayer, and the grace and the love and the joy that come from a relationship with Jesus.”
A Journey of Redemption
Pratt’s faith journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Though he never doubted the existence of God, he admits he wrestled with commitment and found himself slipping into old habits.
“The first time I walked up to the church altar and got on my knees and cried, I was a child,” he recalls. “The next time I did it, I was still a child, I was 19. And then the next time I did it, I was in my 30s. … I’d make promises, but I didn’t keep them.”
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
But everything changed in 2012 when his son, Jack, was born seven weeks premature, weighing only three pounds, 10 ounces. Watching his newborn struggle in the NICU was a defining moment in Pratt’s life. “I prayed hard to God. I was in a season of transition spiritually at that time, and didn’t quite fully understand. I made a deal with God again: ‘I’m sorry, God, here I am again, asking for Your grace again.’ And He really saved my son, and that was the moment [my faith] was cemented. My heart softened, and my faith hardened. That was the moment that I was like, ‘Moving forward, I’m going to give my platform to God.’”
Using His Platform for a Greater Purpose
True to his word, Pratt has used his celebrity status to be a light in a dark industry.
“This platform was given to me for a reason,” he says. “I want to affirm the people who are believers in Christ. I want them to hear me and say, ‘Wow, that’s cool. He’s willing to say it. I’m going to stand up at work today and say it.’ But I also want to reach out to the people who have no idea who God is… I want to be a light to people who’ve never seen light.”
One of the tools that strengthened his walk with Christ was the “Bible in a Year podcast” on the Hallow app. “You get to books like Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and my brain starts wandering four seconds in,” he admits. “But when I hear it, it’s different for me. … It gave me a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the Bible. It totally strengthened my walk with Jesus.”
/**/Faith in Action
Pratt isn’t content to just talk about his faith—he’s putting it into action. This year, he partnered with Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg to promote the Pray40 challenge on Hallow, a campaign encouraging believers to spend daily time in prayer and Scripture reflection during Lent.
“I thought, if I partner with Hallow, maybe I can amplify what is ultimately a really beautiful thing. This Bible in a Year podcast, the prayers, meditations—it’s all soul food.”
He’s also an outspoken fan of “The Chosen,” the hit TV series about the life of Jesus, which he watches with his son. “It’s fantastic. Jonathan Roumie is amazing. The acting, the set design, the production value—it’s really leveled up Christian entertainment.”
Navigating Criticism with Grace
Of course, not everyone appreciates Pratt’s boldness in proclaiming his faith. He faces criticism from both secular audiences who view his faith as an anomaly in Hollywood and some Christians who question his choices. But Pratt isn’t interested in engaging in online battles. Instead, he leans on Proverbs 26:20: “For lack of wood, the fire will go out. Where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
“I’ve never had someone walk up to me and say, ‘Hey, Chris, I want to have a conversation about your belief that offends me,’” he says. “It’s all just noise online. … We have to be really careful with our words. It says in the Gospel that the tongue is like the most dangerous weapon, and just because you’re putting it in your phone doesn’t mean you’re not speaking it.”
Rather than responding with anger, Pratt chooses to pray for his critics and keep his focus where it belongs. “When I hear words or see words, when there’s blowback—and I’m sure there’s going to be blowback from this—I am just going to rely on God. … I was called by God to do it, and if people don’t understand me, I’m going to pray for them, and then I’m going to go back and hang out with my kids and play tag.”
Pratt’s unwavering commitment to Jesus in an industry often hostile to faith is nothing short of inspiring. While many celebrities bow to cultural pressures, Pratt stands firm in his convictions, reminding us all that faith isn’t something to be hidden but to be lived out boldly.
His story is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the impact of standing firm in one’s beliefs. When those with massive influence openly declare their faith, it encourages everyday believers to do the same. Pratt’s willingness to be a “city on a hill” challenges all of us to ask: Are we willing to stand for Jesus, no matter the cost?
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
