Will Smith’s spiritual openness is both a door and a danger

Just over a week ago, Will Smith released a new album entitled Based on A True Story. The record reflects on the actor’s personal journey, providing listeners a window into his spiritual journey. It is a side of Will Smith the public is not usually privy to. While he has often presented himself as the jokester or life of the party, seldom has he shared his spiritual views.

God’s will or Will’s will

In an interview with Christian Hip Hop artist, Lecrae, Smith made some interesting statements. Reflecting on his cultural connection to Christianity, he said: “I was raised with a Old Testament grandmother. So my way and my deepest understanding is biblical.”

He then shared his encounters with other religions: “But I’ve read the Quran from cover to cover during Ramadan two years ago… I read the Bhagwat Gita from cover to cover, I read the teachings of the Buddha.” Summarising his position, he says: “If I had to say what my religion is…I would take the Muhammad Ali quote and my religion is love.” He expanded, “I believe in the oneness and the possibility of harmony between people who are all reaching for the one truth.”

These comments are evidence of a widespread societal trend called syncretism. The Oxford dictionary defines syncretism as “the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.”

Simply put, it is a pick and mix approach to spirituality. People adopt elements from various religions without committing to any one in particular. Unfortunately, syncretism is the antithesis of Christianity.

So while Smith acknowledges that he has cultural roots in the Christian faith, it is clear he has not yet decided to make Christ his Lord and Saviour. 

It’s been concerning to see Witchcraft becoming trendy and celebrities are increasingly more open about practising it. Ariana Grande is an example of this. Just a month ago, Jonathan Bailey, her fellow castmate in the Wicked film shared a video on Instagram of Arianna performing tarot card readings. Personally, if there is an artist I follow who practices witchcraft, I’d rather know that, as that will help me make a better informed decision of whether I choose to consume their art.

Can this be a good thing? 

So, in one sense, Smith’s comments are helpful. I think it’s useful for Christians to know where these public figures stand. It enables believers to be more discerning about the content they engage with. 

Cultural openness to spirituality in a generic sense may also mean there are more opportunities for Christians to share the gospel. 

However, there is undeniably a danger in public figures ushering attention to syncretism. While they may sound unifying, such beliefs ultimately blur the line between truth and error. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). You can’t have true unity if you reject the one who makes reconciliation with God possible.

In Smith’s interview, I think Lecrae took a fair approach, challenging Smith to get to the root of his beliefs. It was made evident that Smith isn’t a Christian.

That clarity is important for Christian viewers, especially given his collaboration with gospel artist Chandler Moore on Based on a True Story. Some believers criticised the partnership. But based on the song alone, it wasn’t obvious where Smith stood spiritually. The interview helped clarify that.

Ancient idols

Of course, syncretism is not a new phenomenon. Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous instance in which the Israelites opt to worship idols as a result of growing impatient with their wait on God.

The Bible is very clear on this — we should not be playing with idols. 

In the interview, Smith also shared that his significant wealth wasn’t enough to satisfy an inner longing that pressed him. “It is such a rare gift to reach the end of the material world”. Before adding that he’s begun a quest to look inwardly for solutions. “There’s a place that I’ve discovered within myself that is an infinite well”.

It seems he is yet to realise there is an end to himself. And so my prayer for Will is that he soon recognises that we as humans are limited resources and the only unlimited source for true life is Jesus. As he said of himself in John 4:13-14: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”