Tom Hanks is undoubtedly one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. He has starred in countless films and television shows, captivating audiences with his charming personality and exceptional acting skills. However, what many people may not know about Tom Hanks is that he is a man of faith who values interfaith relations.
Hanks was born into a Catholic family in Concord, California, but his religious beliefs have evolved over the years. In an interview with The Guardian, he stated that he considers himself a “Bible-toting evangelical” and believes in Jesus Christ as his savior. However, he also expressed openness to other religions and their teachings.
In fact, Hanks has been known to attend services at various places of worship throughout his life. He has attended Catholic Masses, Jewish synagogues, and Greek Orthodox churches – demonstrating his respect for different faiths and cultures.
Hanks’ commitment to interfaith relations extends beyond attending different religious services. He has used his platform as a celebrity to promote messages of unity and understanding among people of different faiths.
In 2010, Hanks produced a documentary called “The Pacific War” which explores the experiences of American soldiers during World War II in the Pacific theater. The documentary featured interviews with veterans from various backgrounds including Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims – highlighting the shared humanity between individuals despite their differences.
Moreover,Hank’s work on screen reflects his values towards interfaith relations too.He played Robert Langdon,a symbologist character created by Dan Brown,in both “The Da Vinci Code”and “Angels & Demons”.These movies sparked controversy amongst some Christian communities due to their portrayal of certain aspects of Christianity.However,Hank’s approach was respectful towards religion rather than critical or dismissive.In addition,the movie depicted how Langdon respected all religions equally without making any distinction between them.This message resonated strongly with viewers around the world who appreciated Hank’s efforts towards promoting interfaith relationships.
Apart from his work in the entertainment industry,Hanks has been actively involved in various philanthropic efforts too. Hanks supports multiple charities, including the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, UNICEF, and World Wildlife Fund – all of which work towards improving the lives of people around the world regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
In addition to his humanitarianism,Hank’s personal life also reflects his commitment towards interfaith relations.He is married to Rita Wilson,a Greek-American actress,and they have two children together.The couple often celebrates both Christian and Greek Orthodox holidays with their family- showcasing their respect for each other’s traditions and beliefs.
One particular incident that stands out about Tom Hank’s commitment to interfaith relations was during a flight he took from Los Angeles to New York City on September 11th,2001.His plane was diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland due to airspace closures following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. During this time,Tom Hanks reached out as an ambassador of goodwill between different faith communities amongst stranded passengers by organizing a prayer service where individuals were encouraged to share prayers or express any feelings they had regarding the situation.This act brought comfort and solace amidst chaos and confusion at that time.
Tom Hanks’ commitment towards Interfaith relationships has earned him recognition beyond Hollywood.In 2016,the Archbishop of Athens awarded him with a medal for promoting cross-cultural understanding through film-making.Additionally,in 2019 he received The Cecil B.DeMille Award at Golden Globe Awards for outstanding contributions made by an individual over their lifetime towards entertainment field.These awards are not only testaments but also reinforce Hank’s dedication towards fostering unity among people from diverse cultures and religions.
In conclusion,Tom Hanks is more than just an actor; he is a man who values interfaith relations. His actions highlight how fostering mutual respect amongst different cultures can help promote harmony among people.Tom Hanks’ commitment to interfaith relations serves as an inspiration for all of us to respect and appreciate each other’s beliefs, values, and traditions.