From being one of the most beloved actors on TV to being one of the most contentious actors in cinema, Chris Pratt quickly became a public figure that some people cannot fathom they once loved. Albeit connected to the comedy stratosphere through his work on the comforting sitcom led by Amy Poehler, Parks & Recreation, and of course, Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, the 43-year-old actor threw his reputation of funny sitcom guy turned heartthrob out the window due to his association with religion.
Perhaps also derived from his divorce from Anna Faris, Pratt immediately received backlash from the moment he strayed away from his former wife and openly praised God on stage at an awards show. This uncanny moment was seemingly very out of character for Pratt, who was known to make even the most ungentlemanly jokes on set. For this reason, fans quickly started wondering where could have Pratt found this new light in his life. So, what religion has made Pratt allegedly partake in a church with allegedly bigoted views?
Is Chris Pratt a Christian?
Despite running from religious allegations for years, Pratt has recently openly discussed his association with Zoe Church, a youth-oriented Christian congregation in Los Angeles. The actor has been attending the same Christian church for years now, alongside his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. Despite his open and very public proclamations of faith, Pratt has recently belittled his involvement with religion — much to everyone’s surprise.
According to the Jurassic Park actor for Men’s Health back in June 2022, he is not nearly as religious as fans may believe. In the cover story, Pratt even criticized organized religious facilities for their history of corruption and documented sins, which are oftentimes relegating their own wrongdoings to the name of God. Moreover, in the same interview, Pratt, who is the father to two children with Schwarzenegger and Faris, also mentioned the taboo subject of the continuous and far too prevalent abuse of children among Christian officials.
“Religion has been oppressive as f**k for a long time. I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person. I think there’s a distinction between being religious — adhering to the customs created by man, oftentimes appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God — and using it to control people, to take money from people to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred. Whatever it is. The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed onto the back of religion and come along for the ride.”
Is Chris Pratt part of Hillsong Church?
Aside from his religious beliefs, the actor has also brought up the rumors that he attended Hillsong Church, which is known for its slew of controversies, including anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs. “I never went to Hillsong,” he said. “I’ve never actually been to Hillsong. I don’t know anyone from that church.” This alleged connection with the celebrity megachurch Hillsong, which has since been denied, is what ultimately led Elliot Page to openly condemn the Guardians of the Galaxy actor through an Instagram story.
“If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don’t be surprised if someone simply wonders why it’s not addressed. Being anti LGBTQ is wrong, there aren’t two sides. The damage it causes is severe. Full stop. Sending love to all.”
Regarding the audience’s negative response to his religious beliefs, the actor said that it was likely derived from the MTV Movie & TV Awards when he proclaimed, “God is real. God loves you, God wants the best for you. Believe that; I do.” The moment was broadcasted on live TV, with an immediate barrage of criticism from audience and fans alike.
“Maybe it was hubris for me to stand up on the stage and say the things that I said. I’m not sure I touched anybody.”
While Zoe Church is certainly not free of its own arsenal of controversies, according to Pratt, it is a place “that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.” Naturally, this affirmation ought to be taken with a grain of salt, as it derives from a wealthy cisgender, heterosexual male, but his heart is likely in the right place.
In the meantime, to catch up on all of Pratt’s work outside of religious grounds, The Super Mario Bros. movie is out now in theaters.