Will Smith recently spoke with Newsweek about his new movie, Seven Pounds.  But interestingly enough, most of the interview seemed to be about religion and Tom Cruise – at least the parts they printed.  Here are some highlights.

On the rumors that Will and Jada‘s new school, the New Village Academy, is a Scientology school:

It was just important to me to put something out there to help kids understand that it all starts right there—in that classroom and with those teachers. I want to be a part of kids figuring out that it is a new time in America and they can be a part of it. I take my citizenship very seriously, and one part of that is service. My grandmother taught me that, and I was happy that President-elect Obama talked about it so much on the campaign trail. Part of the reason the country is where we are now is because many of us aren’t doing our part. We need to get back to the help-your-neighbor concept that’s just disappeared in the last eight years.

On whether or not he’s a Scientologist:

No, but when people are afraid of religion they have to go back and get in touch with the Good Book. Fear of other religions means you’re questioning your own understanding, and that’s just not where I am.

On being raised Baptist and his current religious views:

Yes, but I grew up in a neighborhood with all religions, and so I’m very used to studying and being around different faiths. So it doesn’t bother me to look into different religions. My grandmother raised me to be a do-gooder in the church, that it was about doing what you can to help your community. So whatever religion does that— Jewish, Muslim, Scientology—it’s cool because the end result is the same.

On his close friendship with Tom Cruise:

Tom is one of the most open, honest and helpful people I’ve met in Hollywood, or really anywhere. I mean, how many people in his position would want me to win, want me to be a bigger and better movie star? Few people in this business want me to win like that. I was so used to competition between other artists that I just didn’t get him at first. And then Tom just broke it down to me and said, Will, we are not competing, so don‘t think that way. That blew my mind because that is not how this business works at all.

On what Will has done for Tom:

Well, I hooked Connor up! It’s just to have someone who knows what you’re dealing with and being able to talk to them and get good advice and know that they mean you the best. I think now I’m mature enough to know how important it is to bounce things off the wall to someone who knows exactly where I’m coming from.

Yeah, whatever, Will.  The gentleman doth protest too much.  I just don’t buy the whole “I love all religions including Scientology” rap.  What’s wrong with admitting it?  Anyhow, you can read the entire interview here.

[ Images by WENN ]

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