After spending time learning about other types of religions and even meeting the Dalai Lama, Rodgers has expanded his notion of what it means to ‘believe.’ He now considers ‘spirituality’ to be a much better path for him.
Though Rodgers did not go as far as to call himself an atheist, he did conclude that religion can be divisive in the interview with Patrick.
“Religion can be a crutch, it can be something that people have to have to make themselves feel better,” he explained. “Because it’s set up binary, it’s us and them, saved and unsaved, heaven and hell, it’s enlightened and heathen, it’s holy and righteous…that makes a lot of people feel better about themselves.”
The comments made about religion upset his already estranged family. The NFL star reportedly has not really talked to his family since 2014, though details surrounding the reason are unclear.
“They were dismayed,” an inside source told PEOPLE. “The family is very dedicated to their Christian faith.”
“His comments are very hurtful to the family,” the insider added, while explaining they “still [love] Aaron very much. They have these times where things start to thaw out, but then something like this happens, and then it’s back to square one. It’s sad.”
“To them, his comments are basically a slap in the face to the fundamentals of who they are. It’s basically him turning his back on everything they have taught him.”
