Philip Anschutz: Bringing the Message of Christ Into Everyday Life (Gospel Light Minute #106)

He is the owner of Walden Media, a children's movie production and publishing company. He is also an entrepreneur, having bought out his father's drilling company in 1961 and working it to earn large returns. He has invested in stocks, real estate and railroads, as well as entertainment companies, multiple sports organizations including the the Los Angeles Lakers, and major venues including the Staples Center. Forbes ranks him as the 38th richest person in the U.S. with an estimated net worth of $10 billion as of 2013. As the owner of Walden Media, he invests in family-friendly, faith-based films such as The Chronicles of Narnia series, Amazing Grace, and Charlotte's Web among many others. He says that he expects all movies produced by Walden Media to be "entertaining, but also to be life affirming and to carry a moral message."

Although he prefers to largely stay out of the limelight, he is a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He has championed numerous social and political causes including standing up for traditional marriage and creationism. He and his wife were named the winners of the 2009 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership. Part of the reason why he started Walden Media is because he was troubled by Hollywood's infatuation with sex, vulgar language, and violence. He said, "My wife and I now have a number of grandchildren who are growing up surrounded by products of this culture. So four or five years ago I decided to stop cursing the darkness."

Douglas Gresham, a minister who lives in Ireland and the stepson of C.S. Lewis said of him, "I admire him for bringing Christianity into the mainstream of everyday life as something that's quite acceptable and normal. Movies are a good vehicle for that." His name is Philip Anschutz.