Actor Mel Gibson Opens Up About Faith and Challenges in Hollywood on Joe Rogan Experience
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson shared his insights on faith, the hurdles of producing Christian films in Hollywood, and his views on Darwinian evolution. Known for his iconic roles in films like Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, Gibson’s conversation with Rogan has sparked renewed interest in his beliefs and the impact of his work.
Gibson, 69, reflected on the significant challenges he faced while creating The Passion of the Christ, which, despite its struggles, became the highest-grossing R-rated film in U.S. history, earning approximately $370.8 million against a modest $30 million budget. He noted, “There was a lot of opposition to it. I think if you ever hit on that subject matter, you’re going to get people going because, of course, it’s a big subject matter.”
The film, released in 2004, focused on the crucifixion of Jesus and aimed to convey the idea that Christ’s sacrifice was for the redemption of all humanity. Gibson passionately stated, “The idea was that we’re all responsible for this, that His sacrifice was for all mankind, and that for all our ills and all the things in our fallen nature, it was a redemption.”
Rogan, who identifies as agnostic and was raised Catholic, agreed with Gibson, expressing that Christianity often faces disproportionate criticism in secular Hollywood. He remarked, “Christianity is the one religion that you’re allowed to disparage,” highlighting the unique challenges faced by Christian filmmakers in a predominantly progressive industry.
Gibson, previously recognized as one of the most influential Christians in Hollywood, emphasized the honor he felt in bringing The Passion to life, despite the resistance he encountered. “I was born into a Catholic family. I’m very Christian in my beliefs,” he affirmed. “I do actually believe this stuff to the full.”
The conversation also touched on the resurrection of Christ, which Gibson considers “verifiable history.” He pointed to historical accounts outside the Bible that affirm the existence of Jesus, noting, “Every single one of those guys died rather than deny their belief. Nobody dies for a lie.” He acknowledged that the resurrection remains a challenging aspect of the Christian narrative for many, as it “requires the most faith and the most belief.”
When discussing evolution, Gibson expressed skepticism about Darwinian theory. “I don’t really go for it,” he said, questioning the transition of Ice Age dinosaurs and asserting his belief in a divine creation. He acknowledged some micro-evolutionary processes but maintained that they exist within a framework of intentional design. “Anything left to itself without some kind of intelligence behind it will devolve into chaos,” he argued, reinforcing his view that a higher intelligence orchestrates the universe.
In a poignant moment during the podcast, Gibson revealed that he was aware of wildfires threatening his home in Malibu while recording the episode. He humorously criticized California’s government, saying, “I think all our tax dollars probably went for [Gov. Gavin Newsom’s] hair gel. It’s sad. The place is just on fire.” This personal touch added a layer of relatability to the conversation, showcasing Gibson’s commitment to his family and community even amidst his busy schedule.
As the discussion wrapped up, Gibson’s reflections on faith and the challenges of filmmaking in Hollywood resonated with many listeners, reminding them of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. His willingness to speak candidly about his beliefs and experiences continues to inspire those within the Christian community and beyond.
For more insights into the intersection of faith and film, you can explore resources from the Christian Film Database or check out the latest updates on faith-based cinema at Faithwire.