Chris Pratt, Hollywood actor, unveils the depth of his Christian faith
Pratt's journey of faith began long before his stint in Hollywood, rooted in childhood experiences that involved significant personal moments of prayer and introspection. However, it was the premature birth of his son Jack in 2012, facing grave health issues, that profoundly strengthened his resolve to use his celebrity status for faith advocacy.
Chris Pratt's turning point: A personal crisis deepens faith
"The first time I walked up to the church altar, got on my knees, and cried, I was a child," shared Pratt, recalling the early impact of faith in his life. These early experiences with religion laid the groundwork for his enduring trust in God, a trust that was tested and solidified during his son's health crisis.
"I made a deal with God again: 'I'm sorry, God, here I am again, asking for your grace again.' And He saved my son, and that was the moment [my faith] was cemented," Pratt explained. His son's survival and subsequent recovery turned a new leaf in his life, prompting him to publicly dedicate his career and platform to religious purposes.
Fueling his renewed commitment, Pratt has willingly embraced public discussions about his beliefs, refraining from engaging in online debates but choosing to focus on positive engagement and sharing the power of prayer and his religious journey through various digital platforms.
Focus on Family: Raising children in faith
Married to Katherine Schwarzenegger since 2019, whom he met at church, Pratt is a father of four. He is dedicated to raising his children in a Christian environment, stressing the importance of imparting the values of prayer, grace, and joy found in Jesus.
“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," Pratt emphasized, highlighting the significance of being a role model for Christian values in his family. This dedication reflects his broader vision of being a guiding light not only for his children but for his audience and followers as well.
His engagement in faith extends beyond personal practices to public endorsements and collaborations. Pratt has recently aligned with faith-based media platforms, celebrating series like "The Chosen," which he praises for its portrayal of Jesus's life. He appreciates the series for its high production quality and compelling storytelling, which align with his unwavering commitment to Christianity.
Amplifying Faith Through Media and Partnerships
Further integrating his faith into his public life, Pratt participates in scriptural education and faith-based challenges, such as the Lenten Pray40 challenge promoted by Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg. This initiative aims to deepen spiritual understanding and commitment during the Lenten season.
Pratt's association with the "Bible in a Year" podcast on the Hallow app, where he engages with daily bible readings and meditative practices, reflects his intent to nourish his and potentially his audience's spiritual life. "I thought, if I partner with Hallow, maybe I can amplify what is ultimately a really beautiful thing,” he remarked, addressing his strategy to leverage media influence for faith promotion.
Despite potential backlash, Pratt remains steadfast, ready to meet criticism with prayer rather than confrontation. “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," Pratt declares, indicating his method of dealing with criticism is through faith and focusing on what matters most—his family and his calling.