Russell Brand - man of God or charlatan?
Do you believe him?
Comedian and actor Russell Brand says that he's a changed man after getting baptised in the Thames River in London last month at the age of 48.
But then again, that might be seen as an expedient thing to do at this time.
The comedian who is currently facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct which he vehemently denies, opened up about his spiritual journey to his followers on social media after being baptised.
Although the actor is almost 50-years-old, he was baptised in the River Thames following several months of exploring Christianity last month. TV presenter and adventurer Bear Grylls assisted him during his baptism.
It has also emerged that Brand went on “an enforced holiday” with the now notorious and behind bars P.Diddy back in 2010. We can but imagine what went on. Few people would deny Brand’s hedonist past and that includes Brand himself.
But he says he has now changed.
In a TikTok video, Brand shared that he was still learning a lot and had much more to learn, but so far, the journey had been "beautiful". He said in the now viral video: "I've been a Christian a month now, and it's been a big change."
Brand clarified that while he hadn't completely transformed as a person, he had embraced many new concepts which had brought about changes in him. He added that redemption wasn't about doing good deeds as if in a game show.
I listened to Brand on the Tucker Carlson show and there is something about him that I simply don’t buy. Yes, we can all seek forgiveness and come to Christ and that includes him but the whole timing of this “conversion” reeks of possible opportunism. It is possible that he is genuine and that he has found a new life but there is a nagging doubt in my mind that we are being played.
Another way to look at it is that these peacocks always need to dramatically reinvent themselves at 50. Clooney suddenly settles down and marries and makes himself a power couple. Madonna gets a face job and goes off the rails. Brand finds God. ‘‘Twas ever thus!
I think he’s genuinely into it all. Converts are often the most zealous and pious. In many ways like Saint Paul. But it’s definitely a useful way for him to indulge his own narcissism. He must know and has admitted as such to a life of debauchery which often went too far and he undoubtedly took massive advantage of starry eyed girls. He was a self confessed sex addict. I’ve never heard him admit to being ashamed of any of it. He just continually admits it was a wrong life. It’s weird because his whole Jesus like appearance and endless need to be on screen is making me wonder about St Paul’s conversion and has had a dampening effect on my own faith. I simply don’t like St Paul and have started viewing him as I view Brand! My mum used to say it was what made her doubtful and stay doubtful…how often men would “find God” when in difficult situations. I happen to KNOW he was a completely awful person and got away with all sorts so it’s frustrating to see him rack up millions of new fans. Where is the humble pie? The humility and penance? He’s a public man and needs to be public with his humility first perhaps?Shia LaBoeuf has been far more impressive in this respect.