Anna Faris‘ candid comments about navigating political differences with her teenage son are drawing a wave of support online. While many have applauded her parenting approach, others are turning their attention to Chris Pratt and questioning whether his beliefs helped shape the teen’s views. A separate group of commenters has come to Jack’s defense, however, praising his Christian faith and rejecting the idea that his beliefs should be treated as a problem.
Anna Faris is getting plenty of support for how she is navigating political and religious differences with her 14-year-old son, Jack.
After the actress opened up about challenging some of the teenager’s conservative views, users on Reddit have been praising her for encouraging him to question his beliefs rather than simply shutting him down.
“Kids need to be taught how to think, not what to think,” one person wrote, while another described Faris’ approach as “tactful and reasonable.” Her question to Jack about whether being pro-life was a “luxury” also earned considerable praise.
Much of the criticism instead landed on Jack’s father, Chris Pratt. Faris shares her only child with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star, and numerous commenters speculated that Pratt’s religious beliefs may have influenced their son.
Others cautioned against writing Jack off at such a young age. Several users recalled holding conservative or religious views as teenagers before changing their outlook later in life. Some also worried about Faris discussing the matter publicly. A small number of commenters argued that Jack’s personal beliefs should remain private while he is still a minor.
Some Fans See Nothing Wrong With Jack’s Faith
The reaction elsewhere online was far less dismissive of Jack’s faith. Several YouTube commenters celebrated the teenager’s Christian beliefs, with one simply declaring, “Her son is amazing.” Another praised Faris for supporting Jack in his “pursuit of God and religion as a whole.”
Others went further by rejecting the suggestion that his faith should be viewed as a problem. One commenter insisted Jack is not merely “religious,” but has a relationship with Jesus, while another wrote, “God bless her son,” and expressed hope that Faris would eventually embrace Christianity herself.
Pratt also found some support. One person credited both parents, writing, “Chris is doing such a great job. And so is Anna.”
Another Christian commenter found common ground with Faris’ approach, arguing that faith is healthiest when beliefs can be questioned through thoughtful conversation.
Anna Faris Weighed In On Raising ‘Religious’ Son
During an appearance on Thursday’s episode of Chelsea Handler’s podcast, “Dear Chelsea,” the 49-year-old actress was asked about what’s going on at home and her parenting.
Describing her son as one who’s emotionally “solid as a tugboat,” Faris praised him for the way he handles situations well, but uncomfortably added a major caveat: “He is… religious.”
Handler then asked if she was religious, and Faris replied, “No, I didn’t grow up with religion,” per HuffPost.
Faris Spoke On How She Challenges Him To Really Inspect His Beliefs
The “House Bunny” star then shared that Jack recently asked her to accept Jesus Christ as her savior, and while she’s willing to do it for him, it’ll take more than him merely asking.
“I told him I would do anything for him, including this, but it’s gonna take a whole lot of long conversations,” she said.
Those conversations, Faris explained, often involve challenging right-wing political views sometimes associated with certain factions of modern Christianity.
She actively prompts Jack to think critically about nuanced political and social issues rather than blindly accepting dogma, adding that he’s always “impressive” with his response.
“I try to challenge him,” Faris told Handler. “I’m like, ‘Do you think it’s a luxury that you get to be pro-life?’ and he’s like, ‘Maybe.’”
The Actress Cited Examples Of How She Challenges His ‘Right-Wing’-Leaning Views
Faris went further, citing other examples of right-leaning views mostly attributed to Jack’s religion. She recounted asking him for his thoughts on “grifter” mega-pastors, to which Jack agreed that they “are the worst.”
“So it’s like, OK… we’re getting there,” Faris laughed, sounding slightly exasperated but proud.
Ultimately, the actress said she’s grateful her son is open to examining his own beliefs and recognizing hypocrisy within organized religion. “I’m appreciative we can have these long conversations,” she noted.
