Atticus Shaffer, best known for his role as the quirky Brick Heck on the hit ABC comedy "The Middle," said he believes it's important to be "strong and courageous" and stand firm in one's faith -- even though it can be difficult in Hollywood.
"In this world, I think it is important that we need to be strong and courageous and stand our ground for our faith," the 19-year-old actor told Matthew Faraci, host of "Frankly Faraci" on Dove Channel.
"Does it mean we need to Bible-thump and present the 'hellfire and brimstone' argument? No," he continued. "But, it can mean hey, we're not alone and we need to have our priorities straight. If this is my belief as a Christian, I'm going to say it. If I disagree with your opinion, I'm not going to attack you for it, but I'm going to say, you know, 'I believe this.'"
Shaffer, who is also known for voicing Edgar in the film Frankenweenie and Ono on the Disney Junior series "The Lion Guard," lives with Osteogenesis imperfecta, a congenital condition affecting about one in 15,000 people that causes fragile bones.
Previously, he told The Gospel Herald that his faith allows him to have a positive outlook on all aspects of life -- even living with the incurable condition.
"This is the exact way God intended me to be," he said. "Having this disease is a minimal part of me -- it doesn't define me. Absolutely nothing is impossible when you have God right there beside you. And He's beside you all the time. Honestly, I'm just a shorter, regular teenage boy. Yes, I do have a condition, and I need to be more careful in some situations, but besides that, I'm just Atticus."
Shaffer also revealed he loves Christian music -- his favorite Christian rock bands are Thousand Foot Krutch, Casting Crowns, and Third Day -- and attending his local church. Ultimately, the teen hopes to use his platform to bring others to Christ.
"I want to be able to share what the Lord does in a way that's not forcing it down someone's throat, but being able to say, 'Listen, it's not just by sheer luck or coincidence that I'm here. I am very blessed by God and praise Him for the fact that I am able to do something I enjoy doing,'" he said.
"Every chance I get, I try to witness. I have my cross necklace which I wear all the time, or my mom buys me interesting and cool Christian shirts. Even if it's just showing up to a set wearing that, and letting people know that I am a Christian--that alone is a little victory for me."
