Captain James Arthur Lovell, Jr., the courageous naval aviator and iconic NASA astronaut, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the age 97. Known worldwide for commanding the harrowing Apollo 13 mission, Lovell’s story is not just one of space exploration but of a steadfast faith that carried him through uncertainty, danger and triumph.
Lovell’s faith quietly took root, which would become a foundation that steadied him through the intense pressure of space travel and the unknown. On Apollo 8, as he and his crewmates became the first humans to orbit the moon, they shared a Christmas Eve moment forever etched in history. With Earth rising over the lunar horizon, Lovell recited the opening verses of Genesis—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”—a profound reminder that God’s hand is at work even in the vastness of space.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
This blend of faith and exploration defined Lovell. When disaster struck during Apollo 13, turning a moon landing into a desperate fight for survival, it was his calm demeanor that led the crew home safely. The mission became a testament to God’s sustaining power in moments of crisis.
Lovell spoke of heaven not just as a distant promise but as a present reality. In a candid reflection with the Chicago Sun Times in 2018, he said, “We go to heaven when we’re born,” emphasizing that our spiritual journey begins here on Earth with God’s grace. He also told the outlet that he started off as a “loose Presbyterian,” and during his time at the Naval Academy he was required to go their church service. He also would attend the Episcopalian church with his roommate, stating that he “…got more involved with religion at that time.”
To order Jonathan Cahn’s new book, The Avatar, visit Amazon.com.
He later noted in the interview that he did not believe in an afterlife, but still went to church.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Lift up Lovell’s family in prayer during this time as they mourn his passing.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
