Interview with Chris Jericho
by Dale Thompson
HM Magazine
#76, March/Apri, 1999
(Published with permission)
[ in Japanese
]
How do other wrestlers
respond to you faith in Jesus Christ?
"Nobody really reacts one way or another. Some guys believe
in God, others feel He's a sham. Same as in real life."
Are there other wrestlers you have Christian fellowship
with?
"Eddy Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero Jr, NWO Sting, Alex Wright
are among the other Christians in the WCW locker room."
There are people who would say, "Rock music cannot be used
for the glory of God. Have people ever questioned your walk with God based
on the fact that you are a professional wrestler?
"I've had a few negative comments. But as we both know, it's
possible for the Lord to call anyone in any field to do his work. I was
a Christan long before I was a wrestler and the Lord has put me in this
position, so I guess it's cool with Him!"
When and how did you receive Jesus Christ into your heart
as Lord and Savior?
"I went to church as a kid but then got out of it. When I
was 16 I started going back and I've been going since. The Lord has protected
and been with me in so many ways...I couldn't live without Him!"
Are you able to share your faith and spiritual convictions
with other wrestlers or fans?
"I share my faith when the situation warrants it. I've tried
to turn some people onto the Lord, when I get e-mails dealing with the trials
and tribulations of their lives. I'm not very pushy though. I just give my
point of view and state my beliefs without forcing it down someones throat.
I find that just turns people off."
What are some bands that you enjoy listening to?
"I love heavy metal! I love Metallica, Kiss, Dream Theater,
Galactic Cowbys, Bride, Tourniquet, Stryper, Barren Cross, Iron Maiden. I'm
pretty much an old school rocker!"
If you had the attention of every teenager in the world
right now what would you say to them?
"Being a Christian doesn't mean you can't have fun. Having
a relationship with the Lord gives your life a kick in the butt to be the
best you can be and it will enable you to anything you can be! If you love
Jesus, your life will rock even harder!!!"
Are you involved in any ministries at this time?
"I barely have enough time to attend church on a regular basis,
which I really enjoy. I feel that the Lord is letting me do what I love
to do right now, but in about ten years He's going to send me to minister.
I don't know, maybe in Argentina or Nepal or something."
How do you balance a health relationship with Christ since
you are on the road so much? Are you able to fellowship within a church environment?
"Like I said, I'm on the road so much, I miss out on church
quite a bit. I fellowhip with the other guys a little, but I have a strong
personal relationship with God, so I pray a lot and just think of Him constantly.
I've been doing it for so many years, I'm getting good at it!"
What do yiou hope to accomplish as a born-again Christan?
"Being the best person I can be and loving and serving the
Lord the best I can. Ultimately making it to heaven, the goal for any Christian,
I imagine!"
In what way do you hope to be a role mode?
"Just to show people that they can accomplish ANYTHING they
put their minds to. Just trust in the Lord and never give in, until you succeed."
Do you have any closing thoughts or comments?
"God bless you and never stop fighting for the Lord!"
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