Chris Pratt, the actor known for his role as Star-Lord in the Marvel trilogy franchise Guardians of the Galaxy, has stood up for his faith at the movie premier of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Pratt responded to a question from a reporter about the criticism he has received for his faith. Pratt, who is now a self-professed non-denominational Christian, has been outspoken about his faith before and used his influential platform to preach to his younger audience at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards. In his acceptance speech for the “Generation Award,” he suggested to his audience, “Learn to pray. It’s easy, and it is so good for your soul.”
Despite standing up for his faith, Pratt has sometimes shied away from controversial issues of our time, such as the 2018 criticism he received for allegedly attending Hillsong Church, which the media has derided as “anti-LGBT.” Pratt disavowed any affiliation with Hillsong in an official statement, but this shed light on some problems with his theology. Pratt’s answer referred to those with orthodox Christian beliefs that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman as “hateful,” but 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. Pratt also asserted that God “wants what is best” for people, but God who wants what’s best for people also issues divine commands and laws that are ordered toward their good.
It is vital that famous entertainers like Pratt, claiming the name of Christ, remember this and not try to have it both ways on the issue of sexuality. Christians can’t accept the idea that God wants what’s best for people but then reject His commands that they don’t like. God instituted commands for people because of His love for them. In an age where orthodox Christians receive libels, slanders, and accusations from the world, it’s challenging for them to maintain their beliefs. However, in accepting all of Christ’s teachings, including the difficult ones, Christians have great hope.
While Chris Pratt has demonstrated admirable boldness in the entertainment industry by standing up for his faith, his statements referencing orthodox Christian beliefs and the Church’s sexual ethic are somewhat lacking and not biblically solid. Therefore, Christians in the entertainment industry should continue to boldly speak for their faith and stand firm on the teachings of Christ.