Matthew McConaughey Questioned God’s Existence
Matthew McConaughey has mentioned God during acceptance speeches, and he identifies as “religious.” However, he revealed that he once questioned the existence of God.
Matthew McConaughey says he went on a ‘hedonism tour’
While filming The Wedding Planner, McConaughey says he lived life to the fullest. In his book Green Lights, he says he “took a lot of showers” during the day. He was focused on having fun and enjoying the single life.
Before filming began, McConaughey moved into the Chateau Marmont. Since he would be playing a role in a romantic comedy, he wanted to keep his mood carefree. As a result, he says he decided to “dance with his devils” and enjoy being a single man.
After McConaughey finished what he refers to as a “hedonism tour,” he says he began to ponder religious matters. His thoughts turned toward God.
Matthew McConaughey questioned God’s existence
McConaughey says he went through a period in his life where he questioned the existence of God. He says he didn’t stop believing in God, he just wanted to rely more on his own abilities and exercise his free will. McConaughey says he was ready to be the boss of himself and he wanted to take charge of his life.
McConaughey didn’t want to leave his life up to fate. He says it was important that his hands were “on the steering wheel.” Unlike Carrie Underwood, it seems like he didn’t want Jesus to take the wheel at that time in his life.
He also says he was “tired of letting myself off the hook on easy street.” In his book, he goes on to list things he wasn’t interested in being part of, such as forgiveness that he didn’t earn (grace). He wanted to take matters into his own hands and take responsibility for what happened to him.
Matthew McConaughey on his belief in God
McConaughey has thanked God during acceptance speeches on awards shows. The most notable time is during the Oscars when he received an award for his performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club. McConaughey wasn’t afraid to mention God’s name and give him credit for his success.
“First off, I want to thank God, because that’s who I look up to,” McConaughey said during his acceptance speech. “He has graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other hand.”
During an interview with Joe Rogan, McConaughey says he noticed times when his Hollywood peers have seemed uncomfortable with his mention of God.
“I have had moments where I was on stage receiving an award in front of my peers in Hollywood and there were people in the crowd that I have prayed with before dinners, many times,” he said. “And when I thank God, I saw some of those people go to clap, but then notice that, ‘This could be a bad thing on my resume,’ and then sit back on their hands.”
The actor continued that he has “seen people read the room” and decide not to clap because they thought it might have negative consequences for their careers. However, he says he chooses not to judge them for this reaction.
McConaughey also says he hasn’t seen any negative results from expressing his belief in God. Says McConaughey, “I haven’t measured or noticed where it has harmed or gotten in my way of what I wanted to achieve in Hollywood.”
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