Bear Grylls Combines Survival And Faith In New Series
For Bear Grylls, faith extends beyond a mere Sunday routine; it forms a vital connection with God that intertwines with every challenging climb, jungle exploration, and moment of uncertainty.
“Faith is a journey, isn’t it?” Grylls, a former British Special Forces member, shared in an interview with The Christian Post.
He articulated the relationship between faith and doubt as intertwined elements, noting, “I experience numerous doubts and struggles. There are days when I think it’s all absurd, yet throughout all of it, I feel Christ illuminating my dark path and providing strength when I’m weak. He’s been present through every valley and peak, in jungles and deserts. We all need that in life. For me, it’s not just a Sunday thing; I rely on Him every day. That’s how I approach life.”
“I usually don’t discuss my faith unless someone asks,” he added. “It’s an integral part of my life, something I truly need, and it represents the best part of my existence.”
Grylls’ deep connection to God has developed over his lifetime. In a 2023 interview, he expressed his thoughts on the current state of church culture. “I think Jesus would have a hard time with 99% of churches today,” he remarked. For Grylls, a bestselling author known for his survival shows like “Man vs. Wild” and “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” faith is profoundly personal and should be expressed without the formalities and performance that he believes often obscure genuine spirituality.
“Our purpose in life is to stay close to Christ and shed the unnecessary rituals and fluff, even if it means stepping away from traditional church structures,” he advised. “Focus on the aspects of church that emphasize community, honesty, and love.”
His remarks stirred both appreciation and debate, illustrating his belief that faith equates to survival—spiritual survival that requires honesty, vulnerability, and a connection to something larger than oneself.
This philosophy informs his latest endeavor, “The Chosen in the Wild,” a collaborative project with the series “The Chosen,” which chronicles the life of Jesus and His followers.
The six-episode series will feature various cast members from “The Chosen” as they join Grylls for outdoor challenges, reflecting on the faith that sustained Jesus’ disciples during their journeys. Grylls discussed the project at ChosenCon, held at the Orlando World Center Marriott Hotel, where he first announced “Running Wild with Bear Grylls.” He expressed enthusiasm about merging adventure with faith, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Jesus’ disciples amidst the challenges of the wild.
“What we aim to achieve with ‘The Chosen in the Wild’ is to reveal the authentic stories and journeys of these individuals,” Grylls explained.
“Isn’t that the essence of ‘The Chosen’? It showcases the genuine reality of Jesus’ relationships and experiences. It’s the element of faith I resonate with most—not the formalities or rules, but the core message of ‘Keep your eyes on me, and you’ll be okay.’ I’ve felt that many times throughout my own adventures. It’s a unique opportunity to bring together the essence of ‘Running Wild’ and ‘The Chosen,’ allowing fans to see their favorite actors in a new light.”
For Grylls, “The Chosen in the Wild” encapsulates his personal philosophy in both his adventurous spirit and spiritual life. He advocates for stripping away pretenses to reveal the raw truths of human existence. He believes the outdoors, much like faith, uncovers the essence of humanity: vulnerable, imperfect, yet capable of remarkable feats.
“I think the wild shows us who we truly are,” he stated. “Adventures awaken something within us. The great outdoors brings us to life.”
With “The Chosen in the Wild,” Grylls aspires to highlight the humanity of Jesus’ disciples—ordinary individuals confronting extraordinary physical and spiritual challenges.
The project underscores the idea that faith, similar to survival, is a continual journey filled with doubts, fears, and the relentless pursuit of moving forward. Yet, through it all, Grylls reassures that God remains present, guiding His followers through both literal and metaphorical wildernesses.
“When you embark on an adventure, you establish a direct connection,” Grylls noted. “That’s precisely what we aim to accomplish.”