Let’s dive into a candid conversation about the outspoken views of Succession star Brian Cox. Known for his bold opinions, the actor has once again sparked a heated debate after a recent interview. In it, he called out the Bible as "one of the worst books ever" and criticized religion in general. Fans are now curious: what exactly does Brian Cox believe in, and how has his perspective evolved over time?
What Does Brian Cox Believe In?
Growing up in a Catholic household, the Scottish powerhouse behind films like Troy and X2, as well as his unforgettable role on HBO’s Succession, has had a fascinating spiritual journey. In a thought-provoking July 2022 interview with physicist Brian Cox for The Guardian, the actor revealed that he's become increasingly atheistic in recent years. "I grew up in a Catholic family, but these days, I’ve become quite atheist," he admitted, adding a layer of complexity to his evolving worldview.
For Brian Cox, religion isn’t just a matter of faith—it’s a reflection of human nature. "Religion is confusing because we don’t fully acknowledge who we are as humans," he explained. "That’s why theater is so important to me. Acting mirrors religion in a way, but it’s also deeply tied to our humanity. Religion can provide comfort, but it can also lead us down dangerous paths. It’s like a cul-de-sac that offers peace but distracts us from the real challenges we face as a species."
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Exploring the Role of Religion vs. Acting
In response to physicist Brian Cox's question about whether acting serves a similar purpose to religion, Brian elaborated: "Absolutely, Brian. Acting is truthful. It’s about holding a mirror up to nature, just as Shakespeare so brilliantly put it in Hamlet. Religion, on the other hand, often distracts us by promising salvation if we follow certain paths. But who are we really following? God, Muhammad, or the pope? These figures are human constructs. We need to look inward, not outward, for answers."
Brian Cox Calls the Bible “One of the Worst Books Ever”
Brian’s candid critique of religion didn’t stop there. During an April 28, 2024, episode of Rich Leigh’s "The Starting Line" podcast, he took things a step further. His comments about the Bible as "one of the worst books ever" quickly went viral, sparking both praise and criticism from fans and critics alike.
“Religion holds us back because it’s based on belief systems that aren’t rooted in who we truly are,” Brian explained. “We’ve created this idea of God as a control mechanism, and it’s deeply patriarchal. It started that way, and it remains so. We’ve neglected the matriarchal side of things, and I believe it’s time for a shift toward more balanced perspectives.”

Brian’s criticism of the Bible didn’t stop at its patriarchal roots. He described it as a book filled with "propaganda," questioning the validity of its foundational myths. "Take the story of Adam’s rib, for instance," he said. "People believe it because they’re desperate for answers, but they don’t need lies. They need the truth. The Bible isn’t the truth—it’s mythology, plain and simple."


