Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Kevin Sorbo is sick of what he calls Hollywood’s intolerance to those who believe in God. Sorbo plays a college professor in the new movie “God’s Not Dead” which hits theaters nationwide this weekend.
“There’s a negativity towards Christians in Hollywood,” Sorbo told FOX411. “And a negativity towards people who believe in God.”
It’s not just faith that Hollywood is intolerant of. Sorbo, who has spoken out against President Obama’s policies, feels the backlash from the entertainment industry for his political affiliations.
“There’s also a negativity towards people who aren’t liberal. There’s no question that it has hurt me in Hollywood that I didn’t vote for Obama.”
Sorbo said he doesn’t understand why his religious or political beliefs should have any affect on his work as an actor, but he has noticed a decline in role offers since coming out of the “Christian closet.”
“There’s some much bashing going on in the media and world for people who believe in God,” said Sorbo. “I’m just not afraid of the [politically correct] crowd I’ll go right back at them.”
What it all comes down to is Hollywood not being open to those with differing beliefs, said Sorbo.
“There’s so much anger in Hollywood,” the “God’s Not Dead” star said. “They don’t like the truth, they’d rather belied to and they just attack anybody who doesn’t agree their way.”
“Yet they scream for tolerance and they scream for freedom of speech but only if it’s their way,” Sorbo continued. ‘”I don’t begrudge them their beliefs, why do they begrudge mine?”
Sorbo said he often finds himself asking, “Why is there a fear factor for God in Hollywood?” to which he has no answer.
“I wish someone in Hollywood would come up and answer that question,” he said. “I don’t want to cut people’s freedom of speech down but the other side does. They can have their opinions but say I can’t have mine?”
But those with Sorbo’s opinions are starting to become more vocal. With the rise of faith-based shows like “Duck Dynasty” and Sorbo’s new film “God’s Not Dead,” mainstream Hollywood might have some competition.
“I think ultimately, the sleeping giant is waking up. People are tired of it,” Sorbo said. “Christians as a whole, I find, are far more tolerant than the kinds of things you see on SNL and MSNBC bashing Christians and making comedic jokes about Jesus.”
Look at Bill Mahr who often makes jokes at the expense of the religious, said Sorbo. “He’s the biggest atheist out there but look at him, he’s miserable.”
Be an atheist if you want, the actor said. But don’t tell him he can’t believe in God.
“I’m not the perfect Christian, I don’t pretend to be,” he admitted. “I’m sure there are smarter atheists out there that can make me look like a complete fool but that’s why they call it faith. If I’m wrong, I’ve lost nothing and if I’m right I’ve gained everything.”
It’s that kind of attitude that Sorbo has tried to instill in his three children. But it’s a constant battle in a world that is becoming more accepting of promiscuity and bad behavior.
“It’s tough to find a good role model for kids today,” said Sorbo. “Even on the Disney Channel there’s stuff there that just isn’t suitable for kids.”
There’s a “purposeful downplay of morals in Hollywood,” and Sorbo wants to know why.
“I don’t want to see 11-year-olds talking about sex and I don’t think that’s being prudish of me.You can’t protect them with everything in media but I want to let my kids enjoy being a kid and Hollywood for whatever reason again just wants to change the moral values most families want for their kids.”
What’s the solution? Start standing up for what you believe in, he said.
“The silent majority is starting to get annoyed with what’s going on” said Sorbo. “I think more people need to start speaking about it instead of just sitting there and taking it because we’ve turned into a bunch of wusses and it’s ridiculous. Its happening, you’re getting attacked, you need to stand up for yourself and your beliefs.”
Faith & Fame is a regular column exploring how a strong belief system helps some performers navigate the pitfalls of the entertainment industry. Reprinted from FNC
