Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of today’s most well-known actors. He was also a well-known atheist for many years. But everything changed when a woman at an AA meeting asked him a simple question and challenged his disbelief.That was the beginning of the inspiring Anthony Hopkins testimony!
We all have internal struggles, no matter how successful someone appears on the outside. During the early years of Anthony Hopkins’ career, he struggled with alcoholism.
Anthony’s addiction began «accidentally.» He adopted a more worldly outlook and began drinking because «that’s what you do in theater, you drink.»
But, as is all too common, the social activity quickly took over his life. Anthony’s drinking had gotten out of hand by 1975.
«I was hellbent on destruction,» the Oscar winner recalled. The wording of this sentence is a little different than the one used in the video. And there are millions of people like that around.»
But God’s strength shines brightest in our darkest hours!
«The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,» says the Bible. ~ Psalm 34:18
Anthony Hopkins’ Testimony To God’s Salvation
Sir Anthony Hopkins recognized the need for assistance. As a result, he turned to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Anthony Hopkins had previously been an atheist. However, a woman asked him a simple question during an AA meeting.
Anthony had never tried it before. But, desperate as he was, he reasoned, «Why not?» Everything changed for the desperate actor when he decided to believe and trust in God.
«I couldn’t stop [drinking], but I just asked for a little help, and pow. «It was like, bingo,» Anthony Hopkins remembered.
Anthony claims that the desire to drink was miraculously removed from him, never to return. And he’s been believing in God ever since, working day in and day out, year in and year out, to strengthen his faith.
When asked in a CNN interview with Piers Morgan if he believed in God, former-atheist Anthony Hopkins replied wholeheartedly, «Yes, I do. I do.”
Anthony Hopkins Shares His Faith With Today’s Youth
Anthony Hopkins is regarded as one of the greatest actors of our time, years after discovering faith. In fact, Queen Elizabeth knighted him in 1993 for his contributions to the performing arts, earning him the title of Sir Anthony Hopkins.
As such an esteemed actor, Anthony was invited to speak to a crowd of nearly 500 high school and college students at the annual Leadership, Excellence and Accelerating Your Potential conference (LEAP). And he warned them about the dangers of conforming to society.
«It’s not going to work if you chase money. «And chasing success isn’t going to work,» he said.
In fact, in a separate interview, Anthony discussed how unsatisfying success alone is.
«You know, I meet young people who want to act and be famous,» the renowned actor explained. «And I tell them there’s nothing up there when you get to the top of the tree. The majority of this is nonsense, and the majority of it is a lie. Accept life for what it is. Simply be thankful to be alive.»
Anthony Hopkins, a former atheist, can no longer live that way.
After sharing how he was saved from the depths of alcoholism, Anthony Hopkins explained the power our words and our beliefs have over our lives. He also mentioned how God can use anything, even our worst mistakes, for good.
“I believe that we are capable of so much,” Anthony said to the students. “From my own life, I still cannot believe that my life is what it is because I should have died in Wales, drunk or something like that. … We can talk ourselves into death or we can talk ourselves into the best life we’ve ever lived. None of it was a mistake. It was all a destiny.”
While Anthony Hopkins has, at times, played characters who are truly evil, the actor lives out his real life with Christ in his heart. He’s been an atheist before finding God and now he just feels sorry for atheists, comparing a life of disbelief to «living in a closed cell with no windows.»
«Wouldn’t you rather not have to live like that?» Sir Anthony Hopkins asked.
What a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Jesus, Anthony Hopkins’ testimony was!