Playing his character on HBO's The Leftovers may have led to Christopher Eccleston's newfound feelings on faith.

Eccleston plays Rev. Matt Jamison on The Leftovers, a man of devout faith and willful determination. The actor is very different from the role, however, having described himself as an atheist.

But being part of the series helped contribute to Eccleston now designating himself an agnostic.

Eccleston spoke about turning from atheism to agnosticism in a new NPR interview, noting that his children also added to his becoming an agnostic.

"Oh, children. I had children. Two - I have two very beautiful and center-of-my-life children, Albert and Esme. I lost my father. I watched him suffer through his dementia. I had my own crisis earlier in the year. I don't - life has happened to me, I would say, life," he said.

"And maybe some of the issues in 'The Leftovers,' my relationship with Damon Lindelof, the showrunner - remember we had a - quite a discussion on faith. He claims that I said that because Matt Jamison, in the novel on which the series is originally based, only appears for two pages," Eccleston explained. "So Damon was very surprised that I was pursuing that role. But I pointed out to him that, you know, it's a great, dramatic character, an Episcopalian reverend who possibly was not taken in the biblical rapture. It's just there. It's for the taking."

He continued, "[Lindelof] claims that I said that man's reaction to that would be to become more religious. I don't remember saying that. But that's what Damon claims. But we had a discussion about faith. And Damon said look, I - that's a very difficult question (laughter) to answer because I said - are you a believer? - you know. And I find myself there now really."

The Leftovers has frequently dealt with religion since it premiered in 2014, particularly faith in a cause, like the Guilty Remnant. Matt Jamison's faith has shown to be tested a few times, but his steadfast devotion has made him one of the most stubbornly consistent characters on a show filled with characters who are constantly questioning themselves and others.

Eccleston is expected to return for the upcoming third and final season of The Leftovers.

The Leftovers season 3 does not have a specific premiere date, though it is expected to air in 2017.

Tags: The Leftovers television hbo