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Russell Brand says recent baptism left him feeling 'changed,' 'surrendered in Christ'
By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Comedian Russell Brand claimed in a social media post that his recent baptism has left him feeling "changed."

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 video 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 investigation 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 denied 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."

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 plunge" by getting baptized in the River Thames, marking his months-long public wrangling with Christianity.

In a video 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.

Mrchippychappy:
These conservatives make me laugh. This guy is a certified Sxx offender. Clown got exposed, immediately turned to a "Christian" and ran to the right wing hypocrites to claim conservative. We can see the fakes. This guy and the many rightwing conservatives are no Christiane, they are scammers and grifters

NwaNimo1:
With all your outstanding r.aape charges?

beryledibor:
Kanye said it before, hes back acting porn

beryledibor:
Na format. Kanye said it before, hes back acting porn

Mrchippychappy:
These conservatives make me laugh. This guy is a certified Sxx offender. Clown got exposed, immediately turned to a "Christian" and ran to the right wing hypocrites to claim conservative. We can see the fakes. This guy and the many rightwing conservatives are no Christiane, they are scammers and grifters

Jestin:
No matter how much some people will argue this feelings here, there is this great feelings that comes with baptism and I felt just the same thing

VintageGreen:
Okay

Mrchippychappy:
These conservatives make me laugh. This guy is a certified Sxx offender. Clown got exposed, immediately turned to a "Christian" and ran to the right wing hypocrites to claim conservative. We can see the fakes. This guy and the many rightwing conservatives are no Christiane, they are scammers and grifters

DaddyJapan:
You gerrit.

Faced with an avalanche of allegations about historical sex crimes, and with a dwindling fan base, Russell's decided to pivot to a new constituency. After all, with Baba God all things are possible. New beginnings = new narratives that can be monetised.

femi4:
That's why infant baptism should not be encouraged. Infant do not understand anything yet

beryledibor:
Na format. Kanye said it before, hes back acting porn

femi4:
There is a big difference between infant and child....you may want to read and comprehend before your next reply

paxonel:
You are saying this based on how you feel it should be, not based on what the scripture says

tctrills:
Let your child's baptism be meaningful to him or her.

Mrchippychappy:
These conservatives make me laugh. This guy is a certified Sxx offender. Clown got exposed, immediately turned to a "Christian" and ran to the right wing hypocrites to claim conservative. We can see the fakes. This guy and the many rightwing conservatives are no Christiane, they are scammers and grifters