Brian Cox, renowned for his portrayal of Logan Roy in the TV series Succession, has controversially described the Bible as "one of the worst books ever," denouncing it as filled with "propaganda and lies."

During his appearance on The starting line podcast, the 77-year-old Scottish actor, who openly identifies as an atheist, shared his critical perspectives on religion.

Discussing the effects of organised religion on societal advancement, Cox stated: “Oh considerably, yes-I think religion does hold us back because its belief systems that are outside ourselves.”

He further criticised these belief systems for leading humanity into "all kinds of horror," referencing historical and contemporary conflicts such as the holocaust and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. "The same things are being repeated again and again in belief systems that do not serve," he remarked.

Cox also highlighted the "patriarchal underpinnings" of organised religion, specifically targeting the Biblical narrative: “I mean, the propaganda goes right way back-the Bible is one of the worst books ever, for me, from my point of view, because it starts with the idea that from Adam’s rib-you know that [from] Adam’s rib, this woman was created, and they’ll believe it ‘cause they’re stupid enough!”

Despite recognising a human need for spiritual guidance, Cox dismissed the Bible's stories as misleading, saying: “They need it, but they don’t need to be told lies; they need some kind of truth, and that is not the truth. It is not the truth; it’s mythology.”

On a more personal note, Cox found his solace in acting, which he described as his form of spiritual guidance: “Theatre is the one true church because it is the church of humanity.”