Alan Ritchson is never shy about what he thinks. A vocal Christian, the “Reacher” star often speaks positively about his faith while offering critiques of how the church falls short.
Ritchson regularly shares his thoughts on life and faith via his YouTube channel InstaChurch. In his videos, he offers encouragement, responds to critics, and even makes apologetic arguments for the Christian faith.
Last month, Ritchson joined Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast and spoke candidly about his mental health, his faith, and his frustrations with the church.
Maher, a staunch atheist, sparred with Ritchson about the reliability of the Bible and Christian values. At one point, Maher joked that Ritchson might make him convert to Christianity by the end of the episode.
“If I could have my druthers, I want less vitriol in the world, and I want the Christian community not to be the one that’s known for making outliers and monsters of others,” Ritchson told Maher.
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This week, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) published a profile exploring Ritchson’s life. During his interview with THR, Ritchson echoed comments he made to Maher—followed by stern criticism for Christians who he feels have too closely aligned themselves with former President Donald Trump.
“I’m a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do. Love other people until death,” Ritchson told THR. “It doesn’t mean we’re all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing.”
Ritchson went on to express his frustration that Christians in America tend to be more known for their hatred than their love, saying, “Christians today have become the most vitriolic tribe. It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do.”
It angers Ritchson that so many evangelical Christians continue to offer uncritical support to Donald Trump.
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“Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to be treating him like he’s their poster child and it’s unreal,” Ritchson said. “I don’t understand it.”
