Movieguide® Award-Winner Andy Erwin Defends Actor Chris Pratt: ‘Keep Standing For Jesus’
By Movieguide® Staff
Director and producer Andy Erwin, known for Movieguide® Award-winning movies like AMERICAN UNDERDOG and I STILL BELIEVE, recently defended Christian actor Chris Pratt.
Pratt recently came under fire from some Christian communities due to comments the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY actor made about his faith in a recent interview with Men’s Health.
“I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person. I think there’s a distinction between being religious—adhering to the customs created by man, oftentimes appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God—and using it to control people, to take money from people, to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred. Whatever it is,” he told Men’s Health. “The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride.”
While some accused the actor of abandoning his stance on faith and God, Erwin admonished Pratt for standing up for the truth.
“Great interview w @prattprattpratt in the new Mens Health,” Erwin wrote on Instagram. “Really admire how this guy represents truth in love. Uses his platform to point people to a very real God, not religion. I think criticism on either side, a lot of times, is the sign you are doing something right not wrong. I’ve visited his church @zoechurchla and know his pastor @chadveach both are super solid. Keep standing for Jesus, Pratt. Behind you 100%.”
Pratt also admitted that the foul language he used in the interview, and in general, was too much.
“Big takeaway: I cuss too much—I’m going to work on that,” he wrote, thanking Men’s Health for the interview.
Movieguide® previously reported on Pratt’s faith in 2018:
At the MTV Awards, which aired on June 18th, Chris Pratt accepted the Generation Award. In his speech, he shared “The 9 Rules of Chris Pratt,” which included some funny tips, silly potty humor, but mostly, spiritual advice. Pratt, who is very vocal about his Christian faith on social media and in interviews began his rules by telling the young crowd, “You have a soul. Be careful with it.”
He continued to advise the audience to be kind to each other, stating, “If you are strong, be a protector. If you are smart, be a humble influencer. Strength and intelligence can be weapons and do not wield them against the weak. That makes you a bully. Be bigger than that.”
Later, Pratt implored, “God is real. God loves you, and God wants the best for you. Believe that, I do” while also encouraging the young people to learn to pray, which received applause.
Movieguide® previously honored Erwin Brothers’ movies at the Annual Movieguide® Award Gala for their strong messages about faith.
A review of the Erwin’s most recent blockbuster, AMERICAN UNDERDOG, reads:
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is an uplifting, entertaining sports drama about the highly honored quarterback, Kurt Warner. It shows the challenges Warner overcame and is intentionally very clean and inspiring. At a young age, Kurt wants to be a winning quarterback, but he struggles making it into the National Football League. He falls in love with Brenda, a divorced woman with two children. They struggle until Kurt becomes a star in the Arena Football League, then becomes a popular starting quarterback in the NFL in 1998.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is a well-plotted sports drama, with strong personal elements and heartwarming moments. The main characters and storyline are well crafted by the directors and lead actors. AMERICAN UNDERDOG has intense football violence that gives power to the story, but it’s not too intense. The movie is marred by some low-key foul language, which is often mumbled. AMERICAN UNDERDOG contains strong references to Christianity and faith. It stresses doing the right thing, having God as your Lord and Savior, praying for help at the lowest point, and much more. AMERICAN UNDERDOG is recommended for older children and up.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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