Russian swimming champion Ivan Kozhakin shared his thoughts on his religious beliefs and affiliation with the Protestant Evangelical denomination in an interview with "SE," as well as his perspective on the world.
— I lean towards conservatism, although traditions evolve. I won't claim to know what is right or wrong; rather, I have simply found my place within this. This inclination came from my parents.
— You are currently enjoying dessert before competitions, having received a neutral status. However, this restriction can also be justified by certain dogmas. Where is the line?
— That's a good question. Many argue that Christianity imposes limits, but I see it differently. If a waiter approaches us and explains the rules of this café, we wouldn't stand up and argue. Otherwise, we might be asked to leave. Regardless of what people say about the Big Bang, the Universe has a Creator, and this has been scientifically proven. The Creator has His own rules, which do not restrict individuals but rather aim to ensure they live their lives to the fullest without causing harm to themselves. People have started to break the law—eating pork and other forbidden foods, entering same-sex marriages. New diseases and wars have emerged. This is the fault of humanity, not the Creator.
Sports cannot be compared to this—it is a more specific matter that should be viewed in a different context. Christianity does not limit me. The goal is salvation after our death, but salvation comes not from a checklist of good deeds but from faith in Jesus. Good deeds and life changes are fruits of faith. However, it is all more profound than that.
— To wrap up this topic: so was the Big Bang real after all?
— I cannot say with absolute certainty. I believe that everything is much broader; perhaps there was an explosion as well... God created this world through His word, as stated in the Gospel, and humanity simply cannot fully grasp this and invents rational explanations.