What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?

Controversial comedian and celebrity opinion former, Russell Brand has recently announced that he has been baptised in the River Thames.  The news has polarised responses with some being quick to jump on the news and share it as another exciting example of God moving to bring about a form of Christian revival.  Other examples include the interest shown in Jesus and Christianity by people such as Tom Holland and Jordan Peterson along with  arch neo-atheist Richard Dawkin’s recent claim to be a cultural Christian. 

Others have been quick to dismiss Brand’s “conversion” as likely fake. They’ve reacted strongly to his social media commentary on the event and been quick both to highlight questionable theology and the potential convenience of a religious experience at the very point when his private life is under scrutiny with several serious accusations being made against him.

So, what should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism and how should we respond?  Well, I think the answer to both questions is simple. 

“Nothing”

And …

“We shouldn’t”

We shouldn’t get in the business of seeking to respond to his baptism/conversion and we shouldn’t seek to make anything of it either way.  As tempting as it might be to get excited about a celebrity getting baptised, we should remember that we’ve been here many times before, sometimes with long term evidence and fruit of conversion, sometimes with the story falling apart quickly.  It is neither in the interest of the cause of the Gospel nor in Russell Brand’s interest either for us to be putting him on a pedestal as a celebrity trophy.  Whilst he is responsible himself for what he now does and says in the public eye, I hope that any local church he is connected to and any Christian friends he has will be seeking to protect him from the glare of publicity and encourage him to act wisely.  But we should not feed the frenzy.

The reality is that we are not in a position to make an assessment on a conversion.  This applies both ways.  Those who are sceptical should remember that conversion can be messy and a tidy theology may not be there immediately or ever. 

So, we do best not to comment, not to second guess.  Brand’s decision to get baptised and the question of whether this reflects genuine saving faith is a matter first between him and the Lord, then between him and a local church where he will hopefully be discipled and held accountable, finally between him and friends and family as he seeks to be a witness to them so that they can see a difference in his life.