Comedian and actor Russell Brand recently revealed he is getting baptized as a Christian. He shared this announcement in a video posted on social media on April 26. Brand commented on the increasing turn towards Christianity as the modern world loses its meaning.
"This Sunday, I’m taking the plunge. I’m getting baptized," he said in the video, filmed outside. He expressed his intrigue with the Christian sacrament, describing it as a chance to be reborn.
"What’s been explained to me is, it’s an opportunity to die and be reborn. An opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ’s name," Brand explained. He cited a verse from Galatians about living as an enlightened and awakened person.
Brand, known for his YouTube content on news, politics, culture, and spirituality, finds the concept of baptism beautiful and inviting. He noted its similarity to rebirth rituals in other major religions.
He also remarked on the trend of people rediscovering Christianity in confusing times. "People are so cynical about the increasing interest in Christianity and the return to God, but to me, it’s obvious. 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," Brand stated.
"And for me it’s very exciting," he declared.
Months after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, Brand shared that he started exploring Christianity. He began reading the Bible and the works of Christian philosopher C.S. Lewis.
In January, he posted a video explaining his new symbol of faith. "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.
He admitted that he previously shunned faith for seeming outdated or overly modernized. On April 18, Brand shared a podcast clip where he teaches followers how to say the Rosary, a key Catholic prayer.