Celebrating the Legacy of Faith: John Rhys-Davies on the Judeo-Christian Foundations of Western Culture
In a world increasingly questioning its moral and cultural foundations, Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies, known for his iconic role in The Lord of the Rings, is offering a powerful reminder of the beauty and strength embedded in Western culture — and the Judeo-Christian values that shaped it. In a heartfelt conversation with CBN News, Rhys-Davies illuminated the profound influence Christianity has had on the world, urging today’s generations to celebrate the legacy they have inherited.
Though not a devout believer himself, Rhys-Davies’ respect for his Christian upbringing is palpable. He insists that Western society, built on the principles of individual freedom, democracy, and moral justice, owes its existence to early Christians who risked everything to defend the sanctity of individual conscience.
A Legacy of Freedom and Justice
“The generations of today are inheritors of one of the most glorious accomplishments that mankind has ever had,” Rhys-Davies said, referencing the creation of Western, European, Judeo-Christian civilization. While acknowledging the flaws that come with any culture, he emphasized that it was Christians who led the charge against slavery, declaring it morally wrong and working tirelessly to eradicate it. This moral stance, Rhys-Davies pointed out, is one of the many gifts that Christianity has given to the world.
“We must not forget it was actually those Christians who said, ‘Slavery is morally wrong and we must get rid of it. … We must extirpate it in the world,’ and they did so,” he declared. His message was clear: the moral conscience of early Christians laid the groundwork for the modern ideals of human rights and justice that continue to resonate today.
The Christian Foundation of Democracy
When discussing the political legacy of the Judeo-Christian tradition, Rhys-Davies passionately credited early Christians and deists for establishing the freest form of government ever known to mankind. The concept of democracy, he explained, was birthed from the Christian conviction that individual rights, freedom of conscience, and personal expression were non-negotiable.
“Christians argued, ‘Surely, what I believe in and my devotion to my God must trump the emperor’s insistence that I worship him,’” Rhys-Davies explained. This belief, he said, led to the establishment of democracy, where individuals are free to express their thoughts and beliefs without fear of imprisonment.
In Rhys-Davies’ eyes, the freedom to live according to one’s conscience, as enshrined in Western democracy, is “unquestionably the finest way of organizing people in a political and social manner that we’ll ever have.” These freedoms, he argued, are the true glory of mankind, and it is only through such a framework that individuals can live in peace and dignity.
A Christmas Carol: A Story of Redemption
Rhys-Davies’ reverence for Christian values is evident even in his choice of projects. He served as the narrator for a re-release of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a tale whose redemptive themes deeply resonate with the actor. Rhys-Davies sees the story’s enduring appeal in its message of transformation and hope, themes that echo the Christian narrative of redemption.
“We love that idea that, no matter how much we fail, we can change, we can start again,” he reflected. “There is hope. In the dark of winter, there is hope.” This message of renewal, of the ability to begin again despite past mistakes, is one of the most powerful aspects of A Christmas Carol. It speaks to the universal longing for redemption, a theme that has its roots in Christian faith and doctrine.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Rhys-Davies’ insights offer a clarion call for us to recognize and celebrate the incredible cultural and moral achievements rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. In a time when Western culture is often criticized, his words remind us that the values of freedom, justice, and redemption — which continue to guide us — were forged by those who followed Christ’s teachings.
As we reflect on these profound truths, we are called not only to honor the legacy of our ancestors but also to carry these values forward, ensuring that the light of hope, justice, and freedom continues to shine for generations to come.
In the spirit of John Rhys-Davies’ reflections, let us celebrate the Judeo-Christian foundation of Western civilization, recognizing it as a beautiful gift, full of purpose, hope, and the promise of transformation.
