Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals Why She Decided To Be ‘Anti-Religion’

Kathie Lee Gifford has opened up about the reason she is “anti-religion” despite being a devoted Christian.

The 72-year-old tv personality explained that she believes religion can often “put people in chains,” while sharing insights about her beliefs in God.

Despite being offered a shot at reality TV stardom, Kathie Lee Gifford once admitted she chose to step away from fame to be present with her family.

Gifford has remained one of the most visible faces of modern Christianity in Hollywood and has lived a faith-based life as long as she can recall.

However, she has seemingly left many shocked by labeling herself as “anti-religion,” explaining that she believes religion can keep people bound.

“The Bible talks about prayer without ceasing. Our life should be nonstop prayer, nonstop conversation, dialogue, and walk with our Lord,” Gifford told Fox News Digital. “It’s not a religion. I am very anti-religion. Religion puts people in chains, and Jesus takes them away. So I’ve always tried to be, and I am, the exact same person.”

The former “TODAY” show co-host has been busy with her advocacy for Childhelp, a charity organization set out to protect vulnerable and neglected children, yet has maintained relevance in showbiz as an actress.

However, she doesn’t believe it means she’s playing on both the spiritual and circular terrain at the same time.

“I don’t separate the secular from the spiritual. I don’t say, ‘Oh, I’m an actress. So that’s my secular life.’ And then I go, ‘and I raise money for Childhelp.’ No, it’s all one life, lived in accordance with God’s blessing, with His, I don’t like to call them commandments, His teaching, His guidance. We live according to that,” she added.

Weighing in on some of the principles she has adopted in running her life, Gifford noted that she sees the scriptures as a guiding light, particularly for issues relating to making decisions and anxiety.

She also explained the reason why she’s so “bold” about her faith, especially in a space like Hollywood where it’s tough to be one.

“Scripture says don’t, don’t worry about anything. Don’t worry about anything. I am with you. I will lead you. I will guide you every day of your life,” she said. “In Him we live and move and have our very being. That means every nanosecond of our lives is in service to our Lord. So I lose sleep because I’m old. Not because I’m worrying about getting something wrong. I pray before I open my mouth, and then I ask the Lord to guide me.”

“People go, I can’t believe how bold you are for your faith,” she added. “I don’t care what people think. I care what He thinks. And a few hands, like maybe two hands full of precious friends who love me. I care what they think.”

The “Then Came You” actress, who’s set to emcee Childhelp’s Drive The Dream gala in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, also spoke about her love for giving back, particularly with her advocacy that has helped give countless children’s lives meaning.

“I’ve always been an advocate for children long before I joined Childhelp,” Gifford said. “That’s just been a lifelong thing for me. God loves all the little children. And we’re all made in the image of God, no matter what color we are, no matter where we come from.”

She further stressed that Jesus’ love for children and his belief that “They are the kingdom of heaven” has been the “driving force” for her all her life.

Speaking more about her Christian faith, Gifford stated that she believes the more she gives, the more she gets back in return.

The actress stated that it’s a “scriptural concept” that has always worked for her, noting that blessing always follows those who take care of children.

“I pray every day, Lord, give me a generous heart. You know, the more I give away, the more He gives me,” she said. “It’s always been about that. It’s crazy. It works. It’s scriptural. It’s a scriptural concept.”

Gifford continued, “You can never out-give God. And if you love children, and you care for children, blessings will follow you all the days of your life.”

Gifford was reportedly the one who arranged for her friend Kris Jenner and her family to appear on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” after initially getting an invitation to appear on her own reality TV show.

However, she refused the offer and chose to live a quiet and present life with her family.

“I’m not acting out this life of mine. I’m living it,” she previously told Fox News Digital. “That’s why I said no to a reality series every time it was offered to me.”

She added, “I said, ‘No, I’m in show business, and I chose that as a child. My children didn’t. I’m going to go home to my children and my husband every day and have a life that’s private as much as possible. Keep my children out of it.'”