Brand says many returning to Christianity as world crumbles.
Russell Brand announces baptism after months-long spiritual journey:
Actor and comedian Russell Brand announced Friday that he is going to be baptized this weekend, the culmination of his months-long public wrestling with the tenets of Christianity.
2024 APR 26 Russell Brand Pre-baptism reflections
"This Sunday, I'm taking the plunge," Brand, 48, said in a video he posted to X. "I'm getting baptized."
Brand said he had heard baptism explained to him as "an opportunity to die and be reborn; an opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ's name like it says in Galatians1 — that you can live as an enlightened and awakened person."
He also referenced what he suggested were non-Christian reflections on the same theme of embracing death for the sake of life, quoting Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the Buddha.
"All of these things seem so inviting and beautiful," he said.
Brand also suggested that increasing numbers are turning back to Christianity as the empty value system of modernity disintegrates and leaves them wanting more.
"I know a lot of people are sort of cynical about the increasing interest in Christianity and the return to God, but to me, it's obvious," he said. "As meaning deteriorates in the modern world, as our value systems and institutions crumble, all of us become increasingly aware that there is this eerily familiar awakening and beckoning figure that we've all known all of our lives, within us and around us. And for me, it's very exciting."
Brand added that he intends to get baptized in the heavily polluted River Thames, joking that he might be also getting baptized in toxoplasmosis and E. coli.
"I may be leaving behind the sins, but I might be picking up some pretty serious viruses," he said.
Brand's baptism comes after other videos he has been making in recent months about his spiritual journey to the Christian faith.
In December2 , he told followers he was reading the Bible and The Problem of Pain, a 1940 book by C.S. Lewis that explores the role of suffering in the Christian life.
In January, he noted3 that he was reading Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life, and that he desired a "personal relationship with God" as he found Jesus Christ increasingly important as he grows older, despite once seeing many churches as either too "old-fashioned" or too modernized.
"The reason I wear a cross is because Christianity and, in particular, the figure of Christ, are, it seems to me, inevitably becoming more important as I become more familiar with suffering, purpose, self, and not-self," he said at the time.
In March, he posted4 a video explaining that he had been visiting churches of various denominations with the intention of possibly getting baptized, and asked his followers their opinions on the sacrament.
During an interview5 with Tucker Carlson last year, Brand said, "Like many desperate people, I need spirituality. I need God, or I cannot cope in this world. I need to believe in the best in people."
Acknowledging he "didn't have enough self-discipline to resist the allure of stardom," he said he "fell face-first into the glitter, and I'm only just pulling myself out now."
Brand faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct going back years, including one report6 that claims he assaulted a 16-year-old girl after pulling her into an "emotionally and sexually abusive" relationship.
Brand has denied7 the "very serious criminal allegations" and maintained that while he was "very, very promiscuous" in the past, all of his sexual relationships were "always consensual."
Russell Brand 'Changed,' 'Surrendered in Christ’.
Actor and comedian Russell Brand offered further reflections on his recent baptism, which he described as an "incredible and profound experience" that has left him feeling "changed" and "surrendered in Christ."
"Many of you will have had your own experiences of baptism and will therefore know what I'm talking about," Brand, 48, said in a post-baptismal video8 {SEE BELOW} posted to social media Monday. "Many aspects of it were very intimate and personal."
The video comes days after he announced he was "taking the plunge" by getting baptized seven months after a joint investigation9 by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches brought allegations from four women who leveled accusations against him, including rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.
Brand has denied10 the "very serious criminal allegations" and maintained that while he was "very, very promiscuous" in the past, all of his sexual relationships were "always consensual."
2024 APR 29 Russell Brand Post baptism reflections
I got baptised!!!! And…
Acknowledging that he once abused drugs, he continued the Monday video:
"The truth is this: as a person that has in the past taken many, many substances and always been disappointed with their inability to deliver the kind of tranquility and peace and even transcendence I always felt I've been looking for, something occurred in the process of baptism that was incredible, overwhelming."
"Literally overwhelming because I was obviously underwater, and it was the River Thames — at some points," he added. "So I felt changed, transitioned."
Brand conceded that while the difficulties of life remain, he feels a power he didn't before.
"Now, of course, even though it's been less than 24 hours in the interim period, I've already felt irritation," he said. "I got three children, I got a job, I've got challenges. I still live in the world, but I feel a new resource in me has switched on."
Brand expressed appreciation for the many messages of support he has received from fans about the latest step in his faith journey while also acknowledging that he understands the cynicism of those who questioned his conversion a year after the sexual misconduct allegations against him.
"Even some of the cynicism, I understand because some people will just see me as a celebrity," Brand said. "But I don't see me as a celebrity because I was me when I was a little boy. I was me when I was a junkie. I was me when I was poor. I've been me in all of the different phases."
Brand said he is "grateful" to all who have embraced him.
"I can't tell you how happy I feel and how relieved I feel, but as you know, if you know, my resources are coming from somewhere else and someone else now," he explained. "Thank you so much for your support. Let's keep doing this together — or certainly I'm just going to do what I'm doing. I love you so much. I'm so grateful to be surrendered in Christ. See you all soon."
Brand made headlines last week for his announcement that he would finally be "taking the plunge11" by getting baptized in the River Thames, marking his months-long public wrangling with Christianity.
In a video12 posted to social media last Friday, Brand said he had heard baptism explained to him as "an opportunity to die and be reborn; an opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ's name like it says in Galatians — that you can live as an enlightened and awakened person."
He also observed that more people thinking of turning back to Christianity as modern institutions and values increasingly crumble, leaving them wanting more.
Acknowledgements Original Sources
Editorial: Russell Brand announces baptism after months-long spiritual journey: 'Taking the plunge.' | Publisher: Christian Post | Published: 2024 APR 26 | Reporter: Jon Brown READ HERE
Editorial: Russell Brand says recent baptism left him feeling 'changed,' 'surrendered in Christ’. | Publisher: Christian Post | Published: 2024 APR 30 | Reporter: Jon Brown READ HERE
Video: Russell Brand WHATS CHANGE: I’m no longer the centre of the universe? WATCH HERE
X-post: 2024 APR 26 @rustyrockets: Pre: baptism READ/VIEW HERE
X-post: 2024 APR 29 @rustyrockets: Post: baptism READ/VIEW HERE
{Text: vs.20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. | The Holy Bible NT Book of Galatians chapter 2 vs. 20 | Publisher: esv.org | by GOD | SEE URL: https://www.esv.org/verses/Galatians%202%3A20/ }
{Editorial: Russell Brand reading Bible, CS Lewis amid sexual assault allegations inquiry | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 26/DEC/2023 | by Katelyn Webb | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-reading-bible-cs-lewis-amid-assault-accusations.html }
{Editorial: Russell Brand says Christ is becoming 'more important,' desires a 'personal relationship' with God | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 22/JAN/2024 | by Jon Brown | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-says-christ-is-becoming-more-important-to-him.html }
{Editorial: Russell Brand moving toward baptism, attending churches amid sexual abuse allegations | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 22/MAR/2024 | by Nicole VanDyke, | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-considering-baptism-attending-churches.html }
{Video Interview: Russell Brand and Tucker Carlson talk spirituality and fame | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 23/MAR/2023 | by Russell Brand and Tucker Carlson | SEE URL: YouTube Tucker Carlson & Russell Brand }
{Editorial: Russell Brand accused of rape, sexual assaults and abuse | Publisher: The Times UK | Published Date: 16/SEP/2023 | by Kevin Rawlinson and Nadeem Badshah | SEE URL: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault-abuse-allegations-investigation-v5hxdlmb6 }
{Editorial: Russell Brand denies sexual assault allegations, warns of 'serious, concerted agenda' after YouTube ban | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 20/SEP/2023 | by Ian M. Giatti, | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-banned-from-youtube-denies-rape-allegations.html }
{Editorial: I got baptised!!!! And… | Publisher: X-post | Published Date: 29/APR/2024 | by @rustyrockets | SEE URL: rustyrockets/status/1784935940680532384 }
{Editorial: Russell Brand accused of rape, sexual assaults and abuse | Publisher: The Times UK | Published Date: 16/SEP/2023 | by Kevin Rawlinson and Nadeem Badshah | SEE URL: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault-abuse-allegations-investigation-v5hxdlmb6 }
{Editorial: Russell Brand denies sexual assault allegations, warns of 'serious, concerted agenda' after YouTube ban | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 20/SEP/2023 | by Ian M. Giatti | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-banned-from-youtube-denies-rape-allegations.html }
{Editorial: Russell Brand announces baptism after months-long spiritual journey: 'Taking the plunge' | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 26/APR/2024 | by Jon Brown | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-announces-he-is-getting-baptized-as-christian.html }
{Editorial: Russell Brand announces baptism after months-long spiritual journey: 'Taking the plunge' | Publisher: Christian Post | Published Date: 26/APR/2024 | by Jon Brown | SEE URL: https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-brand-announces-he-is-getting-baptized-as-christian.html }
2024 MAY 01 Russell Brand I got baptised at the weekend, as we're seeing a surge in faith among young people.