10 Times Denzel Washington Was Candid about His Christian Faith

Amanda Casanova ChristianHeadlines.com Contributor
Updated Apr 14, 2022

Throughout his career, actor Denzel Washington has been open about his faith. Most recently, Washington reportedly offered some Biblical-inspired wisdom to actor Will Smith after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

Here's a look at 10 times Washington has talked about faith and its impact on his life and career.

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Denzel Washington, Washington shares his supernatural experience coming to Christ

1. Oscars 2022 on Smith-Rock Incident

"Denzel said to me a few minutes ago, he said, 'At your highest moment, be careful— that's when the devil comes for you,'" Smith said during the Oscars while accepting his award. Smith was referring to the commercial break when Washington approached Smith after Smith rushed on stage to slap Rock for joking about Smith's wife.

Washington's statement to Smith refers to 1 Peter 5:8, which says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

2. Showtime's Desus & Mero Podcast 2022 on talent

"One of the most important lessons in life that you should know is to remember to have an attitude of gratitude, of humility, understand where the gift comes from," Washington said. "It's not mine, it's been given to me by the grace of God."

3. New York Times 2021 Interview on spiritual warfare

"This is spiritual warfare. So, I'm not looking at it from an earthly perspective," Washington told the New York Times. "If you don't have a spiritual anchor, you'll be easily blown by the wind, and you'll be led to depression.

"The enemy is the inner me," Washington added. "The Bible says in the last days – I don't know if it's the last days, it's not my place to know – but it says we'll be lovers of ourselves. The number one photograph today is a selfie, 'Oh, me at the protest.' 'Me with the fire.' 'Follow me.' 'Listen to me.'"

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Denzel Washington, times Washington was candid about his faith

4. 2021 "The Better Man Event" on the role of a man

"The John Wayne formula is not quite a fit right now. But strength, leadership, power, authority, guidance, [and] patience are God's gift to us as men. We have to cherish that, not abuse it.

"I hope that the words in my mouth and the meditation of my heart are pleasing in God's sight, but I'm human. I'm just like you," he said.

5. 2021 Religion News Service Interview on how his faith impacted his film, "Journal for Jordan"

"The spirit of God is throughout the film. Charles is an angel. I'm a believer. Dana's a believer. So that was a part of every decision, hopefully, that I tried to make. I wanted to please God, and I wanted to please Charles, and I wanted to please Dana."

"I am a member, also a member of the (Cultural Christian Center) out here in New York. I have more than one spiritual leader in my life. So there's different people I talk to, and I try to make sure I try to put God first in everything. I was reading something this morning in my meditation about selfishness and how the only way to true independence is complete dependence on the Almighty."

6. Instagram Live with Pastor A.R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center on his salvation

"I was filled with the Holy Ghost, and it scared me. I said, 'Wait a minute, I didn't want to go this deep, I want to party,'" Washington said of the time he gave his life to Christ.

"I went to church with Robert Townsend, and when it came time to come down to the altar, I said, 'You know this time, I'm just going to go down there and give it up and see what happens. I went in the prayer room and gave it up and let go and experienced something I've never experienced in my life."

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Denzel Washington, Times Washington shared about his faith

7. 2017 The Christian Post Interview on advice for millennials

"I would say to your generation – find a way to work together because this is a very divisive, angry time you're living in, unfortunately, because we didn't grow up like that," he said.

"I pray for your generation," he added. "What an opportunity you have! Don't be depressed by it because we have to go through this, we're here now. You can't put that thing back in the box."

8. 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards

"I'm a God-fearing man. I'm supposed to have faith, but I didn't have faith," he said, according to Faith Wire. "God bless you all, all you other actors."

9. 2015 Church of God in Christ's Charity Banquet

"Through my work, I have spoken to millions of people. In 2015, I said I'm no longer just going to speak through my work. I'm going to make a conscious effort to get up and speak about what God has done for me."

10. 2007 Reader's Digest Interview on his faith

"I read the Bible every day. I'm in my second pass-through now, in the Book of John. My pastor told me to start with the New Testament, so I did, maybe two years ago. Worked my way through it, then through the Old Testament. Now I'm back in the New Testament. It's better the second time around."

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.