“Guardians of the Galaxy” star Chris Pratt was asked about the criticism he has received from people for being outspoken about his faith in Jesus. Pratt fielded the question at a recent Cinema Society screening for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which opened in theaters on May 5.
During an interview at the screening, Page Six reporter, Nicki Gostin, told Pratt that she admired him for being open about his faith. She then used some colorful language to describe criticism Pratt has received and asked him if it’s “a hard thing to do”—remaining faithful to his beliefs despite the naysayers.
“Oh, yes, I sure do, but it’s nothing new,” the blockbuster actor replied. “If I was of this world they would love me just like that.”
Pratt told the reporter, “But as it is, I’ve chosen out of this world. That’s John 15:18-20.”
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The passage Pratt cited was the account of Jesus warning the disciples that the world would hate them for following him because they hated him first:
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
The 43-year-old actor explained how he handles those who object to his faith, among other challenges, saying, “Oh, just how you deal with anything,” he said. “Like a rhino, stick your head down, you keep driving forward, you have thick skin and if anyone gets in your way, you stick the horn right up their a**!”
Pratt made headlines for his acceptance award speech at the 2018 MTV Movie TV Awards because he gave the audience and those watching the broadcast throughout the world “9 Rules for Life.” Two of those rules were “God is real. God loves you. He wants the best for you. Believe that. I do,” and “Learn to pray. It’s easy, and it’s so good for your soul.”
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