It would have been difficult for many to predict the strange career path and public perception Chris Pratt has gone through. While he started as the breakout role on Parks and Recreation, the actor has become a social pariah in some parts of the internet.
But the internet crowned “Worst Hollywood Chris” wants you to know he’s still just a cool, down-to-earth guy.
And it starts with his claim that he’s “not a religious person.”
In an interview with Men’s Health, Pratt tried to address some of the rumors and attacks on his character. One of the most prominent has been claims that he’s a very religious person who attends a homophobic church.
According to Pratt, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person.”
He went on to criticize organized religion, which he described as ‘oppressive as f***’:
“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.”
After talking about how ridiculous these claims are, some were quick to defend the Marvel actor.
However, his claims don’t hold the water he thinks they do. While Pratt was very critical of organized religion in the interview, he is very outwardly a religious person.
As many pointed out, he’s made several Instagram posts that directly contradict any claims of not being very religious. This includes a time he helped carry a cross up a mountain for Easter.
Within that same interview, he talks about going golfing with his pastor, something no non-religious person would do.
But the biggest claims come from the controversial Hillsong Church. In 2019, after Elliott Page called out Pratt for attending an “infamously anti-LGBTQ church,” many were quick to tie him to Hillsong, a church that meets that description and additionally has recently seen controversy over sexual misconduct scandals.
Despite Pratt claiming he has nothing to do with Hillsong, he has been spotted there. And his current place of worship, Zoe Church, has direct ties to Hillsong, with the very pastor friend Pratt goes golfing with, Chad Veach, being a contributor to the previous church.
Because of this, it’s difficult for many to believe what he says about religion.
The article includes some other strange claims, like how Pratt says he doesn’t like being called “Chris” as well as his attempts to address a supposed dig he made at his ex-wife and son.
But claiming he’s not very religious is almost certainly a defense after what many see as criticism for his religious beliefs.
