.jpeg "Alan Ritchson Claps Back at Christian Critics, Calls Out Church Hypocrisy")
In an interview with GQ, Ritchson revealed that some Christians struggle to separate him from the characters he plays on screen. “People have this weird relationship with fictional characters and sort of equate that to the real human being,” he said. “I don’t have that problem, making that distinction. I get criticized a lot by Christians who are like, ‘How dare you have an unmarried sex scene on TV and then talk about Jesus?’ I’m sorry—I doubt that’s going to be part of the conversation when I’m standing at the pearly gates!”
Ritchson, who has spoken openly about his faith before, has also been vocal about his frustrations with modern Christianity. In a Hollywood Reporter cover story last year, he described Christianity as “the most vitriolic tribe,” calling out behavior that he believes contradicts Jesus’ teachings.
One of his biggest concerns? The unwavering support many Christians have for Donald Trump. “Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to treat him like he’s their poster child, and it’s unreal. I don’t understand it,” Ritchson said.
The actor also didn’t mince words when it came to scandals within the church. He slammed religious institutions that have covered up abuse, saying, “I can’t for one second support the Catholic Church while there are still cardinals, bishops, and priests being passed around with known pedophilic tendencies.”
But Ritchson’s willingness to speak his mind doesn’t stop at religion. He also took aim at a former classmate—controversial Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. “That motherf***er. We are adversaries,” he declared, criticizing Gaetz’s political actions and continued support from Florida voters. “It’s shocking to me that the panhandle of Florida continues to vote for somebody—knowing everything we know about him and the promises that he’s made behind closed doors about pardoning certain criminals—he’s just not a good dude!”
Despite his frustrations, Ritchson doesn’t see himself jumping into politics. “There’s part of me that wants to get into politics to outdo somebody like him for good, and there’s part of me that’s like, I’m not duplicitous enough to succeed in politics,” he admitted. “There are certain people that do a good job of staying true to who they are, but they’re ineffective. I think Bernie Sanders is a hero. But it’s like, what has he accomplished?”
While Ritchson’s outspoken nature may ruffle some feathers, it’s clear he’s not afraid to stand by his beliefs. And as fans gear up for Reacher Season 3, premiering February 20 on Prime Video, one thing is certain—Ritchson will continue to play by his own rules, both on and off screen.