Denzel Washington has always been one of my favorite Hollywood actors. I was especially impressed with his role in the movie called “The book of Eli“. (I do not recommend this movie for children.) What I did not realize was Denzel Washington’s faith in Jesus.
Recently Denzel and his wife Paulette was interviewed by Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning. In that interview both he and his wife talk about their role that they played on the latest audio Bible called “The Bible Experience“. Although neither of them became deep in their theology in the interview, it was apparent that Paulette Washington was a strong supporter of the traditional family. Here is that interview on CBS.
Video of Denzel and Paulette Washington on CBS Sunday Morning
This interview caused me to dig a little deeper into what would motivate Denzel Washington and his wife to be so excited about this project and why they didn’t mind being associated with a project that was outside of the Hollywood mainstream.
Denzel Washington’s very personal experience with the God of the Bible.
Denzel Washington, Age 57, still remembers the day when he had a very real encounter with the God of the Bible. This was 30 years ago according to an interview given by Denzel to GQ magazine. He tells the magazine that it happened while he was attending a church service at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. He still attends this church to this day. The Pastor’s message was “Just let it go.” He decided to go with it.
Denzel relates how he both physically and spiritually felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. He states “I was slobbering, crying, sweating and my cheeks blew up. I was purging.” He also admits to being so frightened by the experience that he called his mom. He was almost ready to run from the church.
His mom explained that he was being filled with the Holy Spirit. He asked her, “Does that mean I can’t drink wine anymore?”
Denzel told the magazine that he still reads from the Bible every day. He also reads a devotional called “My Daily Word“. He then shares something that he read from that devotional the day before. “Don’t aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.”
Denzel Washington’s consistent walk of faith.
This is not the first time Denzel has expressed his Christian faith. This is not some story of a quick conversion to gain some publicity. He has consistently expressed his Christian faith ever since his 1977 debut in Hollywood. He is listed as the second most powerful Christian in Hollywood on Beliefnet. In that interview he talks about how a woman in his mom’s beauty shop gave him a personal prophecy that he would preach to millions across the world. Denzel believes that the messages that he is able to convey in his movies does just that.
He also quotes his mom as telling him right before he was awarded an academy award that “Man gives the award, but God gives the reward.”
So personally, even though I have never met Denzel Washington, my hat goes off to him for being so vocal and faithful to speak about his personal experience with God.
Pastor Duke
About the Author:
I have been a believer in Jesus for 33 years. In ministry for over 20 years and was formerly the secretary treasurer of White Pine Ministerial Association. I am an alumnus of LIFE Bible College and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Follow Pastor Duke's Google Profile
PastorDuke – who has written 728 posts on Taber's Truths Christian Living Magazine.
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I admire the fact that Denzel Washington is so open about his faith in an atmosphere that is so anti-Christian, Hollywood. The one thing that has always bugged me about him is the way he takes on roles that require so much obscene language and vile activity. I’m not judging, I’m just curious.