In a transparent conversation with Zach Sang on “The Zach Sang Show,” actor and singer Joshua Bassett explained how he came to trust in Jesus and reflected on how different his views are now from when he was previously on the show. 

“The very fact that I am here before you talking about Jesus and believe in Jesus is a testament to the fact that there might be something there because I was so vehemently opposed,” Bassett said during an interview published Aug. 1 [Editor’s note: This interview contains language some might find offensive.]. “I mocked God on this couch.” 

Bassett, who rose to fame starring in Disney+’s “ High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” grew up in a Christian family, but rejected Christianity for some time. However, he has since come to trust in Jesus “despite me mocking God in interviews, despite me saying that’s totally wrong, my family’s crazy.” 

“I thought my family was dumb,” Bassett said. “I thought any Christian was dumb. I thought they were so wrong. And then I had an encounter with the actual living God.”

Joshua Bassett: ‘I Was Completely Lost’

In addition to being an actor, Joshua Bassett is a musician who is currently touring to promote his new album, “The Golden Years.” In early 2023, Bassett started using his platform to share that he had trusted in Jesus and to encourage others to do the same.

“Jesus Christ is the only way,” he said in a tweet posted Jan. 5, 2023. “His death and resurrection are historically documented. Turn away [from] hate, seek forgiveness and come home to Him.”

RELATED: Disney Star Declares Faith in Jesus, Gets Baptized at Bethel Church

Bassett has shared publicly that he was sexually abused as a child and a teen and that he has struggled with anxiety and depression. This struggle became more severe following a major health crisis when he was hospitalized with septic shock. He told People magazine that after leaving the hospital, “I was even more depressed and stressed. I had a panic attack every single day.”

During his most recent conversation with Sang, Bassett said he wanted to “speak completely transparently” about his spiritual journey. He explained that he grew up in a Christian home but was not Christian at the time. Rather, he was “forced” to go to church. “My mom had to drag me,” he said.

But even though Bassett was rejecting Christianity, he was seeking the source of truth, love and peace. “I spent my entire life seeking truth, trying to find peace,” he said. Yet the only time he actually found peace was the “moment I accepted Jesus.”

“I struggled a lot with addiction,” said the singer, who shared that he did mushrooms, “plant medicines,” and ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage used in some South American cultures for spiritual ceremonies. Bassett even invited Sang to come with him to experience the ayahuasca, but Sang declined. Sang said that he—and even Sang’s mother—were worried about Bassett at the time and that he is relieved Bassett is doing better.

After bringing on guests such as Priscilla Shirer, Matt Chandler, and Jackie Hill Perry, Christian hip hop artist Lecrae invited his mom, Ormie, to join him on his podcast. The duo kept the conversation “real” as they discussed growing up in the church, incredible success, abuse at home, and family relationships.

“We gotta keep it real. We gotta come from underneath that rug, sweep the dust off us, and get down with it,” shared Ormie.

Lecrae and His Mom Talk About ‘Deeper Wounds’ They Have Together

As a single parent, Ormie fought to give Lecrae the life she wanted for him. The two struggled for years, both being arrested at different times, both wanting better for the other, and both going about life differently. “I get pushback in the family for being too transparent, maybe too vulnerable,” said Lecrae.

Ormie reflected on her favorite moments in Lecrae’s career. “Jimmy Fallon was a moment. The Today Show was a moment,” she said. “Then, your friends calling you saying, ‘Oh, I saw your son.'”

Before all of Lecrae’s success, there was chaos in the home. Ormie was a single mother who brought other trouble for her family. “It was my fault, my fault for that mess. ‘Cause I saw the mess coming, and I stayed,” she remembered.

“I remember the yelling. The fighting was so intense,” Lecrae said about a time when he was 12 years old. He used to sleep with a knife under his bed to help protect his mom and himself.

In an effort to create a stable home, Ormie committed to a man who was “toxic.” Lecrae recalled, “I don’t feel like you contributed to my trauma. I just think you were fighting for something that was never going to happen.”

Ormie shared more about her past and how she felt about church. She grew up in a “strict” and “rigid” church, attended youth group, and sang in the choir. Occasionally, her church would put up a tent outdoors with sawdust on the floor, and hold a revival. “Please, I don’t want to go to another revival,” she said.

When Lecrae mentioned that some people liked that type of upbringing, Ormie continued, “I felt restricted and I felt uncomfortable and I felt judged.” She described how church leaders would pray over her, and she had to “fake” like she was “falling out” to appease those praying over her.

Ormie’s grandmother said to her one day, “You’re such a pretty girl. You’re going to hell.” Her grandmother didn’t approve of Ormie’s makeup or red nail polish.

“I felt like an outcast,” Ormie said. Her family couldn’t go to basketball or football games because the church felt the events were “secular.” She continued to try and go to church, and even sang in the choir, until Lecrae was a little kid. Then, Ormie had had enough.

The two left the church, and Ormie later found a loving church that welcomed her and taught biblical truths.

After a standout rookie season, NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud is gearing up for his second year with the Houston Texans. The 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year recently appeared on the Sports Spectrum podcast to discuss his Christian faith and his determination to keep growing in Christ.

Speaking to Jason Romano, Stroud revealed when his faith became his own, how he handles challenges, and why he’s working on taming his tongue.

The 22-year-old QB, who played at Ohio State, is known for praising God during post-game interviews. Stroud has also shared how God gives him peace amid challenges, including the incarceration of his father, a former pastor.

RELATED: C.J. Stroud, Lamar Jackson Among Many Winners Who Honor God at NFL Honors

C.J. Stroud Is ‘Far From Perfect’ but Believes in ‘The Perfect One’

On the Aug. 2 episode of the Sports Spectrum podcast, C.J. Stroud said although he grew up in the church, his personal relationship with Jesus really began during college. Teammates at Ohio State invited him to church, where fell on his knees and felt “a bunch of conviction.”

That made Stroud realize he needed to “get back on track,” he said. “And that was when I started to really try to find Christ for who he was in my life—and not like what my parents are necessarily telling me.”

At Hope City House of Prayer in Columbus, Ohio, Stroud met faith leaders who helped him deepen his relationship with Jesus. They also helped Stroud establish a routine of regularly giving God glory and praise.

When asked about challenges he’s faced, Stroud said God gives him those as “opportunities to grow from.” The QB acknowledged he “wouldn’t be here without Jesus,” saying God can “change my story and use it to change others.”

Despite all the athletic success, Stroud said his identity isn’t as a quarterback or as a Houston Texan. “I’m first of all rooted in Christ and who he thinks I am,” he said. “My identity is in Christ, so [I ask] how can I serve him every day?”

‘I’m Trying To Get This…Right,’ Admits C.J. Stroud

As a high-profile athlete, Stroud realizes he’s in the spotlight. “I do have influence now,” he said, “and I want people to know…I’m trying to get this Christ thing right.” He also wants to communicate that Christians aren’t perfect but can strive to improve.

Because he struggles with cursing, Stroud is currently working on his language. “I can’t proclaim that I love God and have a wild mouth—that doesn’t make sense to me,” the QB said. He wasn’t raised to curse, and the habit might be tied to the emotions of competition, he said, but “I know it needs to stop.”

RELATED: ‘I’m Not Angry’—CJ Stroud Addresses NBC Deleting His Praise to Jesus in Interview

“Deadpool & Wolverine” has reached rare box office success, overtaking “The Passion of the Christ” to become the highest grossing R-rated film in the U.S. in history. 

Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

At the time of this article, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has grossed $395 million domestically. “The Passion of the Christ,” a 2004 depiction of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, earned $370 million domestically. 

The film is also within reach of breaking worldwide records. At the time of this article, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has grossed over $824 million worldwide and is projected to gross more than $1 billion by the end of its theatrical run. It currently is third on the list of highest grossing R-rated films worldwide, behind “Joker” and “Oppenheimer.”

“The Passion of the Christ,” which was directed by Mel Gibson and starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus, sits 10th on that list, having earned more than $612 million worldwide. 

“The Passion of the Christ” was controversial at the time of its release for its graphic depictions of the violence endured by Jesus, as well as for accusations of antisemitism against Gibson. Gibson famously began production of the film without outside funding, because he was unable to garner support for the project. 

Nevertheless, while critical reviewers found the film lacking, audiences flocked to see it and gave it glowing reviews. 

Caviezel has long contended that a sequel to “The Passion of the Christ” is in the works. However, after two decades, the film has not begun production and there appear to be no immediate plans for it. 

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is the Deadpool character’s highly anticipated foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Disney having recently acquired 21st Century Fox, which owned the rights to the character—as well as to the X-Men and Fantastic Four. 

Somewhat unexpectedly, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has been criticized by conservative Christians. In addition to criticizing the film’s use of graphic violence, profanity, and crude humor, some have characterized the movie as blasphemous. 

RELATED: Priscilla Shirer Sees Biblical Truth in How ‘Inside Out 2’ Portrays Joy, Anxiety

Throughout the film, Deadpool refers to himself as “Marvel Jesus,” seeing himself as a savior not only of the multiverse depicted in the film but also of a cinematic franchise whose most recent installments have received mixed reviews. (A hallmark of the character is his ability to break the fourth wall.)

(RNS) — The image of the televangelist, often remembered as a man in a pastel suit preaching about God through a television screen, has become a relic of the past. Fewer people watch broadcast television than ever before. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t an audience for religious programming.

If you type “Christianity” into YouTube’s search engine, hundreds of thousands of results appear in seconds. Among them, and not too far from the top, is a video titled “All Christian denominations explained in 12 minutes.” The explainer, posted by a user called “Redeemed Zoomer,” features colorful moving text, hand-drawn figures, clip art, compelling photos and clear audio. It has been viewed 10 million times.

Richard Ackerman is the 21-year-old behind the channel, which has 436,000 subscribers. He is on a mission to convert his generation and advocate for conservative reforms within Protestantism, which he believes has become too liberal.

“Leftists have been very intentional in hijacking the most culturally important churches in every Western nation and replacing them with their own ideology,” Ackerman wrote for the conservative evangelical journal “American Reformer.” “The only hope for American culture in the foreseeable future is if these extremely culturally significant churches see a true spiritual revival, and return to the gospel.”

Unlike the thunderous televangelists of the 1980s, Ackerman is a bookish Christian convert from a humble suburb of New York City. His family is of Jewish heritage, and he grew up unaffiliated with religion, but after traveling to the Midwest to attend a Christian music camp in middle school, he decided to convert.

“I saw that these traditional Christians welcomed me more than anyone back home in New York ever had,” Ackerman said. “It gave me this beautiful image of Christianity that I’ve never seen before.”

Ackerman returned to New York and became a Presbyterian at 14 years old, joining the Presbyterian Church (USA).Prior to his conversion, Ackerman said he was an angry and depressed teenager who struggled to connect with others. He said his faith was transformative for his mental health and social life.

“For the first time ever, I was able to empathize with other people and I actually cared about them like I didn’t before,” Ackerman said. He tried enthusiastically to share the gospel with his peers, but “it didn’t work at all,” he said.

So, he turned to social media.

He first started making videos of himself gaming with sermons playing in the background, but they didn’t get many views. It took three YouTube channels and one Instagram account before the Redeemed Zoomer maintained viral popularity in 2022, first on Instagram, for his short educational videos breaking down basic Christian theology. One of his most popular videos explains the duality of Jesus as both God and man using a Venn diagram.

Some of his most recent videos on YouTube include “Can You Lose Salvation?” and “Why Modern Protestantism SUCKS.” Other videos aim to help young men cope with loneliness and finding meaning in their lives. Ackerman also provides maps, viewed by millions, of “good churches.”

Ackerman defines a “good” church as one that affirms the Nicene Creed, which is the defining statement of belief for mainstream Christianity, and one that teaches marriage is only between a man and a woman and that there are only two genders.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a high-rise apartment in New York City overlooking the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty, Catholic thought leaders both conservative and liberal gathered to pray together and share a fine meal over a glass of Cabernet Francis — all in an effort to overcome polarization.

In the Catholic world, it’s hard to imagine an unlikelier pair than Tim Busch and the Rev. Jim Martin. A successful businessman and entrepreneur, Busch founded the Napa Institute in 2011 to combat secularization in the church and uphold conservative values. Martin, the editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine “America” is best known for his Outreach program, aimed at promoting inclusivity and welcome for LGBTQ+ members of the Catholic community.

Together, these two representatives of opposing factions in the church have created a framework for dialogue, even friendship, among priests, activists and journalists who would otherwise be arguing over divisive theological issues on social media.

Busch contacted Martin and asked for his help to bring left leaning Catholics to the table and today the two speak regularly to work on common issues and think of ways to bring their dinner experiment to U.S. parishes. The dinners started in late 2023, as Busch became increasingly concerned with rising political polarization in the U.S. and the deepening fractures he saw mirrored in the Catholic church.

Tim Busch. (Photo courtesy Catholic University)

Of course, in the minds of many liberal Catholics, Busch is partly responsible for those fractures, having hosted gatherings at the Napa Institute where some of the most vocal conservative Catholic voices in the U.S. railed against woke-ism and liberal ideologies.

By this year’s annual summer gathering of the Napa Institute, held July 24-28 at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, Busch had struck a new tone, urging Catholics during his keynote speech to leave the culture wars behind and to “stop hating and start loving.”

Busch has hosted four dinners, with 40 guests so far, and plans to host three more this year. “We are not there to debate or have a theological conversation, although it’s not prohibited, it’s just not the primary goal,” Busch told Religion News Service in an interview on Monday (July 29).

“After all, we all share the same beliefs on 95% of the issues,” he added.

The meetings start with a short Mass in the chapel in Busch’s apartment, followed by reciting the rosary before a Marian shrine that his daughter made. After a brief reception, guests are invited to sit for dinner. It was Martin’s idea to ask participants in turn to share their favorite Bible verse and describe how it has impacted their lives.

“That allows them to talk about their spiritual life, but also the family, the kids, the priests, the conversions. It’s really touching,” he said. “There are so many people who break down crying during the event. I think it shows the impact of meeting people that they have never met before, but they know who they are, and every day they get up in the morning and fight them instead of fighting the devil. I think that’s a big relief.”

There are 12 guests for every dinner, with Busch and his wife attending every one. “It was very Eucharistic,” the Rev. Ricky Manalo, a member of the Paulist Fathers, who attended one of the dinners in March, told RNS.

“Any type of gathering that centers around food is always a good start to conversation and common ground,” he said.

A French chef prepares a Mediterranean-inspired dinner for the guests, and Busch, who is in the wine business, pulls out copious amounts of wine — averaging one bottle per guest — from his Trinitas Cellars. “It dials everybody down,” he said.

Many of the wines are named after Marian shrines, but the one titled after Pope Francis is the real conversation starter, Busch said. “Especially for left/center people, they think, “Oh, this guy doesn’t hate the pope — he makes wine with the pope’s name on it!” he said, adding that he sends cases of the wine to the pope as well.

Busch said he tries to invite six people from both camps, conservative and liberal. Every guest receives a bio of the other participants before the dinner so “nobody gets surprised,” he explained. No one has canceled last minute, and overall people who attended said they were glad to have come, Busch said.

Conservative guests have included the editor of “First Things” magazine, Russell Ronald Reno, and Catholic commentator and author Sohrab Ahmari, and Father Javier del Castillo, the U.S. vicar of the Prelature of Opus Dei.