Throughout history, many celebrities have chosen to convert to different religions. Their motivations for doing so have been varied and complex, often influenced by personal experiences, intellectual pursuits, or a desire for a deeper spiritual connection. Here are 18 examples of individuals who have embraced new faiths and the reasons behind their conversions:
Mahershala Ali
The Oscar-winning actor was born into the Christian faith but converted to Islam in his late teens. He was drawn to the religion’s emphasis on social justice and its teachings of peace and submission to God. The Moonlight star told fans, “I’ve been through some tough times in my life, but my faith has always been there for me. It’s given me strength and hope.”
Mike Tyson
The former heavyweight boxing champion was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but later converted to Islam. He credits his conversion to his time in prison, where he found comfort and guidance in the teachings of the Quran.
Chris Martin
The lead singer of the British rock band Coldplay was raised in a Christian household. Still, while he has never formally converted to any particular religion, he has been influenced by various spiritual traditions, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. He was reportedly inspired by the Sufi mystic tradition and its focus on inner peace and spirituality.
Snoop Dogg
In the early 1990s, Snoop Dogg was introduced to the Nation of Islam, a black nationalist and religious movement. He was drawn to the Nation of Islam’s message of self-reliance, black empowerment, and social justice. He also became interested in the Nation of Islam’s teachings on the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic tenets of the Islamic faith.
Cat Stevens
The British singer-songwriter was born into a Christian family but converted to Islam in the early 1970s. He was reportedly inspired by the Quran’s teachings on social justice and its emphasis on submission to Allah.
Clarence Thomas
The associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States was raised as a Baptist but later converted to Catholicism. He credits his conversion to his wife, who is Catholic, and his desire for a deeper spiritual understanding.
Nicolas Cage
The American actor was raised as a Catholic but later converted to Buddhism. He was reportedly drawn to the religion’s emphasis on meditation and mindfulness. According to Cage, his religious journey is ongoing, and he continues to explore different beliefs and practices. He is open to new ideas and experiences and continuously learns and grows spiritually.
Russell Simmons
The American hip-hop mogul was raised as a Baptist but later converted to Hinduism. He was reportedly inspired by the religion’s teachings on karma and reincarnation.
Shirley MacLaine
The American actress was raised as a Presbyterian but later converted to Judaism. In the 1970s, MacLaine began exploring Sufism, an Islamic mystical tradition emphasizing love, music, and inner peace. She was drawn to Sufism’s message of tolerance and its emphasis on personal spiritual growth. She also studied with Inayat Khan, a renowned Sufi musician and teacher.
A.R. Rahman
The Indian composer and musician was born into a Hindu family but later converted to Islam. He was reportedly inspired by the religion’s emphasis on spirituality and its message of peace.
Deepak Chopra
The Indian-American author and physician was raised in a Hindu family but later converted to Christianity. He was reportedly drawn to the religion’s teachings on love and forgiveness.
Elizabeth Gilbert
The American author of “Eat, Pray, Love” was raised in a Catholic family but later explored various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. She ultimately found a sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment in meditation and mindfulness.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is an American actress who converted to Hinduism in 2010. She has spoken about how her faith has given her a sense of peace and purpose. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she said, “Hinduism has given me a great sense of peace and purpose. It’s helped me to be a better person, both on and off screen.”
Madonna
The American pop icon was raised Catholic but later explored various religions, including Kabbalah and Buddhism. She has expressed a deep interest in spirituality and mysticism.
Gwen Stefani
The American singer-songwriter was raised as a Catholic but later converted to Anglicanism. She was reportedly drawn to the religion’s emphasis on tradition and ritual.
John Coltrane
The American jazz saxophonist was raised as a Baptist but later converted to Scientology. He was reportedly drawn to the religion’s emphasis on personal development and self-improvement.
Mike Pence
The former vice president of the United States was raised as a Catholic but later converted to evangelical Christianity. He is known for his strong religious beliefs and his conservative political views.
Kanye West
The American rapper-producer has expressed a strong interest in Christianity in recent years. He has released gospel albums and has frequently spoken about his faith in interviews and on social media.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
