Actor Denzel Washington and retired pastor Rev. Russell Levenson engage in a profound and insightful discussion about faith, spirituality, and the meaning of purpose in life. This conversation is part of Levenson’s new book, Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning, which is set for release in October 2025. The discussion began with an unexpected twist: Washington, rather than Levenson, initiated the prayer, underscoring his belief in the divine as the starting point of spiritual exploration. This small yet significant gesture set the tone for their conversation, emphasizing that the divine, not the human, is where one should begin when discussing faith.
Levenson, having spent over three decades in ministry as an Episcopal priest, approached the conversation with both curiosity and eagerness to learn. The two had spoken by phone beforehand, and their first in-person meeting was marked by a warm and personal rapport, with Washington’s characteristic humor and warmth. As a man who has spoken openly about his faith journey in public interviews and speeches, Washington provided Levenson—and readers of the book—the opportunity to explore deeper spiritual dimensions. Their dialogue was a mutual exchange, with each learning from the other, as Levenson shared his own reflections on aging and spiritual growth, and Washington offered insights rooted in his life experiences and faith.
A key moment in the conversation was Washington’s reflection on a prophecy that he encountered over 50 years ago. While working in his mother’s beauty parlor at the age of 20, a customer named Ruth Green wrote on a paper that he would