Denzel Washington Discusses Faith in New Interview

“Hey, why not start with a prayer?” It was an unexpected opener from Denzel Washington during our conversation about faith. These words, spoken at the beginning of our interview, really set the tone for what was to come. This chat was part of a series of twelve interviews I conducted for my upcoming book, titled “Witnesses of Belief: Conversations about Faith and Meaning,” which is set for release in October 2025. It might seem like a minor thing, but it created an intimate atmosphere.

I began writing this book after stepping back from over thirty years in ministry as an Anglican priest. Denzel and I had several phone calls leading up to our first in-person meeting, where I was eager to dive deeper into his spiritual journey.

Having heard him speak publicly about his faith, I anticipated a rich discussion. Honestly, I felt that our conversation could help me advance in my own faith journey, and it did.

Denzel Washington: Prioritizing Faith Over Fame

Reflecting on his earlier days, Denzel recalled a moment when he was around twenty years old. While working in his mother’s beauty salon, a client, Ruth Green, prophesied that he would travel the world and preach to millions. She wasn’t even sure how to spell “prophecy,” but Denzel’s mother helped by adding the term “pastor.” It’s curious how life unfolds, isn’t it?

In our talk, he candidly shared thoughts from fifty years ago, wondering, “Who is this crazy woman?” Yet now he feels he has allowed the Lord to reach many through him.

We navigated various topics during our exchange, including some personal narratives that hopefully resonate well with readers of the book. It was not just about Denzel’s successes; it was about deeper discussions surrounding faith.

The Need for Meaning in a Chaotic World

We often live in turbulent times, I think it’s fair to say. Denzel’s insights led me to ponder how many of us chase after “more”—whether it be wealth, power, or fame—in search of deeper meaning. He emphasized that those superficial pursuits don’t fulfill our real needs. It’s kind of like the fleeting satisfaction we get from likes on social media.

My brief time at Denzel’s school of thought, if you will, reaffirmed that a life centered on God offers more than worldly achievements.

When I asked how he would like to be remembered, he paused, revealing that he sees himself not merely as a “man of God” in a conventional sense. Instead, he believes it is a continuous journey. His worth isn’t tied to fame or being a pastor but comes from genuine conversations with God.

I found that to be a profound perspective, often overlooked by many.

Amidst all this, one of the most well-known figures in the world prioritizes daily prayer and Bible reading—not for the sake of accumulating knowledge but to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. He articulated, “It’s not something you know, it’s someone you know.”

Although I’ve stepped away from daily ministry, my desire to learn hasn’t diminished. Denzel reignited that initial calling I felt to the priesthood.

That profound connection with God, as described by him, brings peace in what seems like an increasingly chaotic world. Just five months post our conversation, he remarked at his baptism: “God has done a lot for me, but he does a lot for those who trust him.”

This journey of discovery and the wisdom shared by figures like Denzel Washington invite us to rethink what we truly seek in life.

In closing, my hope is to reach a similar realization, echoing Denzel’s sentiment: “I don’t want any more… I want God.”