Actor Chris Pratt recently defended his faith at the movie premier of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
At the premier, Pratt responded to a question from a reporter regarding the criticism that he has received for his faith.
“That’s nothing new, that’s nothing new, you know,” Pratt said. He then paraphrased a portion of Scripture.
“If I was of this world, they would love me just like that. But as it is, I’ve chosen [you] out of this world. That’s John 15:18-20,” he said.
Pratt added, referring to Jesus Christ,
That’s the way it is. Nothing new. Two thousand years ago they hated Him too.
Pratt is well known for his role as Star-Lord in the hit Marvel trilogy franchise Guardians of the Galaxy; he’s also known for acting in the Jurassic World trilogy, and for his roles in The Lego Movie, Passengers and The Tomorrow War among others.
Pratt, who was raised Lutheran, is now a self-professed non-denominational Christian and has been outspoken about his faith before.
At the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards, Pratt gave an acceptance speech for the “Generation Award,” which he used as an opportunity to preach to his younger audience.
“You have a soul. Be careful with it,” Pratt said, before adding, “God is real. God loves you; God wants the best for you. Believe that; I do.”
The actor also suggested to his audience, “Learn to pray. It’s easy, and it is so good for your soul.”
There are few self-professed Christian actors in Hollywood, and even fewer A-list actors who are outspoken about their faith.
And yet, Pratt has also sometimes shied away from some of the most controversial issues of our time; issues that are central to orthodox Christianity.
For example, in 2018, Pratt received criticism for allegedly attending Hillsong Church, which the media has derided as “anti-LGBT.” Pratt disavowed any affiliation with Hillsong in an official statement.
He said:
“It has recently been suggested that I belong to a church which ‘hates a certain group of people’ and is ‘infamously anti-LGBT.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. I am a man who believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want free from the judgment of their fellow man.”
While it’s good that Pratt has used his influential platform to share God’s love for every person, there are several problems with his theology, made clear in his answer above.
First, all orthodox Christians – including those who believe that marriage is a lifelong union of one man and one woman – do not “hate” those who disagree with them. That’s a talking point used by the Left, and it should be rejected.
Second, the reason that orthodox Christians profess a strict sexual ethic is because it is properly ordered to best promote human flourishing and the happiness of men, women, and children. In other words, the Christian sexual ethic is motivated out of love, not hate.
And lastly, Pratt asserted that God “wants what is best” for us. Undoubtedly, that’s true.
But God who wants what is best for us also issues divine commands and laws that are ordered toward our good – that includes His laws governing sexuality. We can’t accept the idea that God wants our best, but then reject His commands that we don’t like. God instituted commands to us because of his love for us; His laws and His good intentions towards us go together.
It is vital that famous entertainers like Pratt who claim the name of Christ remember this and not try to have it both ways on the issue of sexuality.
It’s difficult for orthodox Christians to stand firm in an age that casts all sorts of libels, slanders and accusations at us. And it’s true that we are hated by the world because they hated Christ first.
But in Christ – and in accepting all of His teachings, even the difficult ones – we have great hope.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV).
If you want to learn more about the entertainment content your family is viewing, check out Focus on the Family’s free service Plugged In. The Plugged In team reviews movies, television shows, music, games, books and more. You can learn more about Plugged In here.
Additionally, you can read Plugged In’s review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 here.
Related articles and resources:
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
In Defense of That ‘Old-Time Religion’
The Proof You Need to Believe in Jesus Christ (Part 1 of 2)
Christian Cakebaker Jack Phillips Appeals ‘Transgender Cake’ Case to Colorado Supreme Court
Photo from Getty Images.
