Chris Pratt criticizes religions for the persecution he faces in his latest interview
Chris Pratt said he is not a religious person, while he dismissed claims that he attended the controversial Hillsong Church.
In a cover story for Men's Health, the Jurassic World actor tried to articulate his religious beliefs while he condemned the persecution of religions.
Pratt told the outlet, "Religion has been (outrageously) oppressive for a long time. I didn't know I'd be the face of religion when in fact I'm not a religious person."
"I think there's a difference between religiously following customs created by man, who I believe is a very real God, and controlling people, taking money from people, children. Appropriating the fear reserved to mistreat you. Steal the land to justify hatred."
"Whatever it is," the actor continued. "The evil that is in the heart of every single man has shone on the back of righteousness and has come along for the ride."
Pratt was then asked about reports of him attending the controversial and "notoriously anti-LGBTQ" Hillsong Church.
"I've never been to Hillsong," he replied. "I've never actually been to Hillsong. I don't know anyone from that church."
Pratt believes the public's misgivings about his religious beliefs and social media reaction following his winning speech at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards.
“God is real. God loves you, God wants the best for you. Sure; I do,” the actor said in his speech.
Now Pratt told the magazine, "Maybe it was too proud for me to stand on stage and say what I said. I'm not sure I touched anyone."
After joining Hillsong Church, Pratt's religious beliefs sparked a backlash, and actor Elliot Page came under severe criticism.
Page wrote on Twitter, "If you're a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don't be surprised if someone wonders why it hasn't been addressed. "
"It is wrong to be anti-LGBTQ, there are no two sides. The damage caused is serious. Full stop. Sending love to all," the tweet further read.
Pratt addressed the comments at the time, saying that Page's tweets "couldn't be further from the truth" and that he attends a church "that opens its doors to all."