Last fall, researcher George Barna–the Gallup of the Christian scene–found that Denzel Washington is better known and better loved than any living American religious figure. Lately, it seems as if Washington is running up the score.
Denzel got a faith bump this fall, as Zondervan Publishing debuted the first (New Testament) installment of “The Bible Experience,” a much-anticipated audio version of the Good Book. Though his role–Denzel and wife Pauletta read the Song of Solomon–won’t appear until later this year when the Old Testament is released, Zondervan put Washington front and center in their publicity push.
Then, in interviews for the late December premiere of “Déjà Vu,” Washington mixed hints about his faith with some plain talk about his deep reading in various religions. “I’ve gone through the eastern philosophies, Christianity, Buddhism, Swamis, and back to Christianity and Islam,” he told Britain’s Guardian last month. “Just searching. ‘Siddhartha,’ by Herman Hesse, is my favourite book, because he was walking the earth, praying, searching. I kind of had that vibe and curiosity.”
To top it off, Washington is the January cover boy for the inspirational magazine Guideposts, where he touts his recently published book on the value of mentors.
Barna’s survey was one in a series seemingly aimed at exposing the decline of Christianity in the American mainstream. But with standard bearers like Denzel, does Barna really have cause to worry?
posted August 21, 2007 at 7:28 pm
It truly warms my heart and reaffirms my Christian faith when I see/read about high profile persons not afraid to participate in their
faith. We have had our fill of celebs ‘doing everything ‘ but behaving
in any acceptable manner. I bless, pray and praise their efforts in
being up front and open in thier christian walk.
posted September 24, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I AM A SINCERE DENZEL FAN, EVER SINCE HE APPEARED ON ST. ELSEWHRE.
HE IS SO ENGAGING, THIS WHY HE MAKES ALL HIS CHARACTERS BELIEVABLE.
I FEEL AS THOUGH HE SHOULD AT LEAT 4 OSCARS BY NOW, BUT I DO NOW THAT AT EVERY LEVEL THERE IS STILL RACISM.
SINCERELY
GWEN, AREAL BIG
FAN OF MR. WASHINGTON
posted October 14, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Man i love Denzel Washington he has the best movies and always kept his christian faith in his life just like all the other stars that are christian.It says he donated 2.5 million to his church ,thats just very amazing.
posted October 29, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I have always been a very big fan of Denzel Washington I think he is just awesome I have always felt that he had some sense of a deep spiritual connection with God he appears to be a very humble person I have truly enjoyed the majority of all his movies.
posted November 27, 2007 at 11:51 am
I just wanted to let everyone know that The Bible Experience: The Complete Bible with Denzel performing the Song of Songs is available in stores. Hearing him and his wife read the scriptures is something truly amazing!
posted December 28, 2007 at 10:34 am
I am definitiely the biggest fan that denzel has,walking as a christian is not easy when you are an actor. I feel that Denzel is blessed to do what he does,and to speak his faith makes me so proud of what he represents.
posted January 3, 2008 at 11:33 am
Denzel Washington is a man of faith who obviously shows us how to be good steward of stardom, wealth, power, and family. We all know to whom much is given much is required. He is an icon all people can look up to and he will always have my respect. He possesses a humility that makes him charismatic. I saw him on a BET show with his children and it made me more appreciative of his character.