Religion doesn’t seem to be very popular in Hollywood these days.

While there was a time in American history when Tinseltown held a majority of individuals who practiced the Christian or Catholic faiths, many say neither is in favor anymore.

However, that isn’t stopping Mark Wahlberg from saying loudly and proudly, that he is proud of his religion.

The film star who broke box office records remains one of the most popular faces in Hollywood, and he believes two things: staying true to his faith, and respecting and honoring other people’s faiths.

Wahlberg recently spoke about his dedication to Catholicism, appearing during an interview on Ash Wednesday with the symbol of the cross on his forehead.

In regards to his faith, Wahlberg first said he doesn’t want to “jam it down anybody’s throat.” But he also added:

But I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin.

You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people.

The veteran actor said he has “friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions,” so it’s not about trying to convert them. It’s more about staying strong in his own beliefs.

As fasting is a major part of the faith, Wahlberg elaborated, saying it’s more about “challenging people to be better versions of themselves.”

He’s also active in other ways, as he leads listeners of Hallow’s Pray40 through prayer during Lent. Other celebrities who have participated include Jim Caviezel, who starred as Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.”

In general, Wahlberg says discipline has been a driving force for him, and he wants people to understand that:

I just think it gives me — discipline has always been important for me in life.

Once I started getting in movies and transitioned from music, I realized I needed a lot of discipline in my life, and that discipline has afforded me so many other things, and I have been rewarded for it so much, and I want to share that with people.

In regards to his children, Wahlberg says he doesn’t force his faith on them, but he hopes they will “gravitate toward it in a natural way.”

He wants his kids to understand that his top priority on Sunday is to attend church, and that he will begin his days by praying. This used to be far more common throughout America, of course.

In the end, Mark Wahlberg will never apologize for his faith, nor will he force others to accept it.

Like so many people who believe strongly, he just wants to bring people together — and no matter how atheistic Hollywood gets, it’ll never change his beliefs in the slightest.

Key Takeaways:

• Actor Mark Wahlberg appeared in an interview on Ash Wednesday with the sign of the cross on his forehead.
• He spoke about his dedication to the Catholic faith, and how discipline has played such a powerful role in his life.
• For his children, he says he doesn’t force his belief on them, but he hopes they will “gravitate toward it in a natural way.”

Source: Washington Examiner

Ben Dutka

Ben S. Dutka is a journalist, writer and editor with over two decades of experience. He has worked with three newspapers and eight online publications, and he has also won a Connecticut short story contest entitled Art as Muse, Imaginary Realms. He has a penchant for writing, rowing, reading, video games, and Objectivism.

Ben S. Dutka is a journalist, writer and editor with over two decades of experience. He has worked with three newspapers and eight online publications, and he has also won a Connecticut short story contest entitled Art as Muse, Imaginary Realms. He has a penchant for writing, rowing, reading, video games, and Objectivism.