In an interview with Bild.com, Brad Pitt reportedly pointed out that although he was raised as a Southern Baptist, he does not believe in a god. Though many people have suspected for some time that he is "godless," this may be the first time that he has actually come out publically calling himself an atheist.
Reportedly, when he was asked if he believed or if he was spiritual, he responded:
No, no, no! I'm probably 20 percent atheist and 80 percent agnostic. I don't think anyone really knows. You'll either find out or not when you get there, until then there's no point thinking about it.
So, do I point this out as a sort of "chalk another one up for us?" No. I point this out to further counter the contention that atheists don't give.
In addition to being involved with the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, Brad headed up Make It Right. Through his efforts, the organization has been instrumental in helping to rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Following is the "History of Make It Right" from the group's Web site:
Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The slow reaction to the initial emergency and to the ongoing crisis exposed troubling realities about the response capabilities of the American government when the citizens of our most culturally diverse city were in desperate need of help.
When Brad Pitt visited the Lower 9th Ward for the first time after the storm, he was shocked by what he saw: the remnants of people's lives strewn across the streets and an entire neighborhood torn apart and turned upside down. Pitt was even more disturbed by the lack of a clear plan to address the situation. Many were quietly saying there was no chance the Lower 9th Ward would ever be re-built.
In a series of community meetings, residents of the Lower 9th Ward told Pitt about the challenges their community faced, both before and after the storm. The rising cost of energy placed a strain on the low-income households of the neighborhood, and residents expressed concern about worsening environmental conditions. Their concerns have been validated by many scientists, who have concluded that climate change is increasing the frequency and strength of hurricanes, resulting in the erosion of wetlands and barrier islands that once protected the coast. The residents of the Lower 9th Ward told Pitt that, while their terrible crisis had exposed their vulnerability, Katrina had also created an opportunity: to build something better than what had existed before.
Inspired by the courage and hope of the residents he met, Pitt resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild. Just as importantly, he wanted to help recreate and nurture the unique culture and spirit of the Lower 9th Ward, which symbolizes the soul of New Orleans. He understood instinctively that a New Orleans rebuilt without the Lower 9th Ward would never be whole.
He began by working with Global Green to sponsor an architecture competition aimed at generating ideas about how to rebuild sustainably. Pitt worked with local community leaders as well as experts from around the world to develop viable ideas for the Lower 9th Ward. That successful project inspired Pitt's new focus: Make It Right.
The Mission of Make It Right is clear: it is to be a catalyst for redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward, by building a neighborhood comprised of safe and healthy homes that are inspired by Cradle to Cradle thinking, with an emphasis on a high quality of design, while preserving the spirit of the community's culture. The goal is to accomplish this quickly, so that the first residents can begin returning to their homes as soon as possible.
If you would like to help in the efforts of Make It Right, you can do so by making a donation.
Comments
Terrific article, Trina.
Could it be because he's also a vampire?
Look at Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Both are atheists and give vast amounts of money to charity.
Good article but bad title... Atheism is NOT an admission! We admit BAD things. Atheism is good!
I would have suggested "Brad Pitt: another charitable un-closeted atheist" or something like that.
But not admit. Never admit. I smell a rant coming.
I agree with David Silverman. When I saw that headline come up on the news feed, I thought it was going to be some xtian nutjob going on about it.
Still, Pitt sounds like a decent chap. Good for him.
Boast! That's what atheism is. It's a boast, not an admission. I definitely feel a rant coming on.
I thought it was already widely known that both Pitt and Jolie are atheists. I really don't think this is anything new. On a related note, I heard that Richard Dawkins also admitted to being an atheist recently, lol.
Say it isn't so--Brad and Angelina, if your listening, there's still time. :)
I am surprised to learn from your article that there is a belief that atheists don't give--a contention easily refuted. Having relatives who are atheists, it never occurred to me that an atheist cannot be generous and social consciousness.
Oops - I meant to say "have social consciousness" or "be socially conscious."
So he's an atheist and a stoner...and of course a cheater...and people put this idiot up on a pedestal. Nice.
Hey Roc, you're very quick to judge. You must be a christian.
Brad Pitt, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet are atheists? I live in a happier (and more truthful) world than I thought!
I like him better already.
You mean THE BRAD PITT! You mean THE ACTOR BRAD PITT! You mean THE GUY MARRIED TO ANGELINA JOLIE! Man you convinced me, where do I sign up to be an atheist?
I remember growing up in the church and my pastor and Sunday school teachers telling me that I will probably go through life being made fun of and harassed by my piers for being a christian... they were right about one thing. I have gone through my life being harassed. Not for being a christian, but for being an atheist. I knew, since I was about 7 years old and could think rationally for myself, that these crazy stories I was being told in church were purely insane. But, I was forced by my parents to go to church. I remember sitting there, scared as crap, thinking to myself about how bizarre it was that all these people in this building are crazy enough to believe these lies. "A man lived in a whales stomach for 3 days!","Moses could part the seas and talk to burning foliage”,” an apple tree contained human's knowledge”,” and rainbows are god's way of saying he wont flood the ENTIRE EARTH again." Then why is it that I can make a rainbow with a lawn sprinkler? Does this mean I am god?
"Then why is it that I can make a rainbow with a lawn sprinkler? Does this mean I am god? "
It's a government conspiracy! They've been putting something in the water:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c6HsiixFS8
"Admit" - It's not a crime you know.
Err...Didn't anyone read the article??
He said he was 20% atheist...which i'm guessing means he is 80% theist.
He is 80% agnostic and 20% Gnostic.
So...he believes that there is a God 80%...but acknowledges that there is a 80% chance it is just a guess.
Either that or he has NO idea what an agnostic or an Atheist is and how they non exclusive.
The comment about finding out when you get there also suggests he believes there IS a 'There' to get to.
Shame really, as an atheist the title sparked a glimmer of hope...sadly, you have over sold it.
just because a person is an atheist doesnt mean he's evil.. you have to respect what other people believes in.. thats what they believe.. they wouldnt care what you believe.. thats yours.. so leave him alone, goodness gracious.
@say, i hope that wasn't directed at me. Being an atheist myself an all.
That said Brad is not an atheist..he said it in black and white. He is a theist 80% and an atheist 20%.
Ps i don't have to respect any belief...I can respect the person if they deserve it though..and i think he does
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