Mark Wahlberg Claims He Can't Deny His Catholic Faith, But Won't Force It On Others

American actor Mark Wahlberg has made it clear where he stands on the subject of his faith and how it relates to his career as a performer.

Wahlberg is a devoted Catholic, and he has stated that even though his beliefs and faith are not common in the entertainment industry, he cannot deny them and is unapologetic about them.

The actor said that he would not impose his beliefs on others, especially not on his family, because he prefers for people to do so voluntarily.

Read on for more details.

Wahlberg recently spoke with Savannah Guthrie on "Today" about various subjects, including his Catholic faith and fasting.

While stressing how being a Catholic is to him, the "Pain & Gain" actor said that he has always discussed it with others but would never try to "jam it down anyone's throat" because he respects everyone's beliefs.

Although he doesn't try to force his beliefs on others, Wahlberg, 51, noted that he cannot deny his faith as he considered the seriousness of such an offense. "It's important for me to share that with people. But I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it's important to respect and honor them as well," he explained, per People.

Wahlberg went on to reveal that his faith as a Catholic has helped him maintain discipline in most areas of his life. The actor was discussing the need for a fast and what it means, revealing that it has more to do with detachment from anything and is not just restricted to food alone.

He noted that it takes some discipline to successfully be able to refrain from things that give one pleasure, saying that it has helped him stay true to himself.

"Discipline has always been important to me in life," Wahlberg shared per Insider. "Once I started getting into movies and transitioned from music, I realized I needed a lot of discipline in my life. And that discipline has afforded me so many other things."

Wahlberg also talked about his fasting rituals while sporting an ash cross sign on his forehead to honor the Catholic tradition of Ash Wednesday.

He said that ideally, he would not eat meat and would have just one meal on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during the lent season, as he pointed out that having such a discipline to detach from things helps "people to be better versions of themselves."

The actor detailed his approach to introducing religion to his children, noting that he doesn't want to force them into it but hopes they find a way. Together with his wife, Rhea Durham, Wahlberg has four children: sons Michael, 16, and Brendan, 13, as well as daughters Ella, 18, and Grace Margaret, 12.

"Again, I don't force it on them," he said, referring to his four kids. "Before it was like 'OK, everybody's got to be in Catholic school. We've got to go to mass every Sunday.' But that can also create some resentment. I want them to gravitate towards it in a very natural way."

According to People, Wahlberg also discussed this same issue last year as he pointed out that he hopes his actions draw them closer and more naturally.

"They think Dad's crazy, and he's boring," he shared at the time. "But even with my faith, I don't force it on them. But they know that Dad can't start the day without being in prayer, can't start the day without reading my Scripture or going to Mass."

He added, "And hopefully, instead of forcing that on them, they'll say, 'Well, if it works for Dad, maybe it'll work for us,' and they'll kind of gravitate towards it on their own."

According to Entertainment Tonight, the "Father Stu" star also revealed that he wanted to embrace posting more faith-based content and "things that will help people" after his role as a priest in the film.

"I feel like this is starting a new chapter for me in that, now, doing things like this, real substance can help people," he said at the time.

"I definitely want to focus on making more. I wouldn't say necessarily just faith-based content but things that will help people. So, hopefully, this movie will open a door for not only myself but for lots of other people in Hollywood to make more meaningful content," he added.

According to ET, the actor has a special connection to the film "Father Stu," which is about a boxer who discovers a new calling as a priest.