Mark Wahlberg talks on the importance of not “denying” his religious beliefs.
The 51-year-old told co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, “It’s a balance,” regarding his propensity to discuss religion.
“I don’t want to convert people to my religion, but I also don’t do that. It’s a more serious sin. I can’t hide my values from my profession, even when they are controversial. I think it’s essential to share this knowledge with others. But because I have friends from a variety of backgrounds and religions, it’s important to respect and value them as well.
Wahlberg stressed that he still has the same “share but don’t push” attitude toward the four children he and his wife Rhea Durham have together.
He went on, “I don’t push it on them,” after that. They do know, though, that Dad cannot start the day without praying, without reading my Scripture, or without going to Mass. And ideally, instead of having something forced upon them, kids will naturally gravitate toward it, thinking, “Well, if it works for Dad, maybe it will work for us.”
“I don’t want to convert people to my religion, but I also don’t do that. It is a more serious sin.
Wahlberg spoke on what works for him as a paid ambassador for the Catholic prayer app Hallow and guest narrator when they sat down to talk about the Lenten season and the associated fasting periods.
Wahlberg claims that there are many different aspects to fasting. “First and foremost, I believe it’s critical to acknowledge that there are other factors to take into account if you struggle with eating.” God is aware of the things you ought to keep your distance from.
“Everyone knows the kinds of habits that make us feel bad about ourselves and less than magnificent. Therefore, it’s about being able to distance yourself from them and focus on healthy behaviors instead of bad ones. One of the disadvantages of fasting is that I won’t be able to consume any meat today. I’ll have just one meal today and every Friday until Good Friday.
Additionally, as part of the Pray40 Lent Challenge on the Hallow app, Wahlberg will lead listeners through insightful lessons on the discipline of fasting.
He claims that the self-control required to endure the hardships of Lent transforms people into “better versions of themselves.”
At least that is what he has seen firsthand.
“Discipline has always been vital to me in life,” he said. When I started seeing movies and stopped listening to music, I realized I needed a lot more discipline in my life, and that discipline has given me so much more. I want to share the abundance of blessings I’ve received with others, whether it is by fasting, increasing my physical activity, putting aside other commitments, or just devoting more time to prayer and contemplation. These items are essential.
In response to a question about his religious views, Wahlberg said, “Oh, it’s everything.”
“It’s given me so many opportunities,” he went on. It is clear that God did not come to save the pious. He came to bring the guilty. All of us want to become better versions of ourselves, and focusing on our faith has allowed me to achieve just that.
