Navigating Divergent Views in Parenting
Anna Faris maintains a practice of engaging her 14-year-old son, Jack, in open discussions regarding his religious beliefs. During a recent episode of the Dear Chelsea podcast, the actress described her approach to parenting her son, whom she shares with her former husband, actor Chris Pratt. While Faris did not raise Jack in a religious household, her son has expressed an interest in faith, even asking his mother to accept Jesus Christ as her savior. Faris notes that she respects his exploration but approaches these topics through extensive, candid dialogue.
Faris characterizes Jack as emotionally grounded, which allows her to pose challenging questions about his worldview. She specifically probes his opinions on topics such as the pro-life movement, asking him whether he considers that stance a luxury. When discussing religious leaders, she questions his perspective on figures he perceives as grifters. She expresses appreciation for his ability to identify hypocrisy, viewing these long conversations as a way to sharpen his critical thinking rather than a source of conflict.
The Roots of Faith and Public Scrutiny
Chris Pratt has become one of the few prominent figures in Hollywood to speak publicly about his Christian faith. His commitment to these beliefs deepened significantly after Jack was born nine weeks premature in 2012. The infant suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage, an ordeal that led Pratt to seek spiritual comfort. In a December 2025 essay for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Pratt recounted his time in the NICU, stating that he promised to devote his life to sharing God’s message if his son survived.
Pratt has faced public criticism over his religious expression throughout his career. In a 2023 interview with PageSix, he addressed the backlash by referencing biblical scripture, specifically John 15:18-20, to explain his position. He suggested that such criticism is not new and occurs because he has chosen a path outside of what he defines as the world. His personal life has also evolved since his 2017 divorce from Faris, as he later married Katherine Schwarzenegger, with whom he shares three children.
Moving Forward with Respect
The dynamic between Faris and her son highlights the complexities of modern co-parenting when values diverge. Faris has remarried, wedding cinematographer Michael Barrett in 2021, and now navigates life as a stepmother to his daughter, Margot. Despite the differences in their upbringing and individual beliefs, Faris remains focused on maintaining a strong connection with Jack. She views his pursuit of religion as a personal journey that provides them with a platform for ongoing communication.
This parenting strategy reflects a broader trend in how public figures manage private life differences in the digital age. By refusing to shut down conversations about faith or political labels, Faris avoids the trap of ideological isolation. She continues to work in the industry, currently promoting her new comedy film, Spa Weekend, which is now playing in theaters. The broader context of her parenting suggests a commitment to open inquiry that will likely continue as Jack enters adulthood.