Actor John Rhys-Davies Is 'Absolutely in Love' with the Study of European Christian History

Michael Foust

Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
Updated Nov 13, 2024

The Emmy-nominated actor, who is best known for his roles in the Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings franchises, says he is indebted to Christianity and believes it has brought more positive change to the world than any other religion. Actor John Rhys-Davies portrayed Sallah in the Indiana Jones films and Gimli in the Lord of the Rings series but has found a niche in recent years within faith-based projects, such as I Am Patrick, The Apostle Paul: Redemptionand Beyond the Mask. His latest project is Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, in which Rhys-Davies lends his voice as the narrator of a faith-focused podcast series presented by Hope Media Group and Compassion International. It also features the voices of Sean Astin, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Ben Barnes.

"I am absolutely in love with Western European Christian civilization, which has given us and the world these glorious things like the right of the individual conscience, the right of free speech, the right of free assembly, democracy, the abolition of slavery, the concept of a just war," Rhys-Davies told Crosswalk Headlines. "... We are the heirs and custodians of the greatest attempt at living morally and justly that there has ever been on earth."

Although Rhys-Davies grew up Protestant, he said he does not consider himself a person of faith. Still, he said, he believes Christianity has had a profound impact on the world.   

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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

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