Russell Brand: a new brand of Christian?

Russell Brand, British stand-up comedian turned faithful Christian

Rough, recovered drug addict and self-confessed hedonist, with a career that has spanned nearly 30 years hitting the highs as a BBC celebrity and as Hollywood performer, to the lows of being banned from YouTube as a conspiracy anti-vaxer, being accused of sexual misconduct and rape at the BBC, he’s proven resiliency and innovation. But the real reason I’m featuring him in this post is because he’s become a faithful, exuberant, genuine follower of Jesus. 

Is Russell Brand a new brand of Christian? 

I think so.

He’s been mentored in part by Evangelist Canon J John.

He’s been baptised by Bear Grylls. 

He’s been interviewed by Charlie Kirk on his developing faith, by Jordan Peterson about his faith, by Tommy Robinson about political perspective and overcoming addiction. 

I’ve heard him say he finds it hard not to drift into speaking about Jesus even when he’s doing his secular podcasts.

Russell Brand is a new brand and yet the oldest brand of Christian of all.

Jesus said, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13)

Well, Russell Brand is a champion for Jesus and a reformed sinner, that’s for sure.

Establishment Doubters

Cynics and some in the Christian establishment have expressed doubt, even disbelief over Brand’s genuine conversion.

I had a chat with one vicar a year ago who doubted Russell’s sincerity — even though he’d not seen Russell’s testimony, nor listened to his podcasts professing his faith. To me, this is a Pharisee’s perspective. The adulteress should be stoned, the cripple should remain a cripple on the Sabbath, Rabbi Jesus should stop his followers from picking grain on the Sabbath, Brand should not be trusted (or forgiven). All are from the same piece of cloth.

Jesus Saves

I celebrate Russell Brand’s salvation and commitment to Jesus. His evangelist reach is huge. His enthusiasm is consistent. And I’ve heard his preach transformation and personal responsibility for sin — and he preaches love, forgiveness and personal responsibility as well as any preacher I’ve heard. 

Praise the LORD. Jesus saves. And He does not condemn. He came to give life to the sinner. And Russell Brand, through Him, has found new life.

I pray he continues to grow, continues to preach, continues to share in his unique style, the wisdom, the grace, and the forgiveness of Jesus.

Hallelujah. Jesus came to save the lost. And that doesn’t depend on the class, style, or history of the sinner. 

Evangelism of Russell Brand

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

Mr Russell Brand is the epitome of the repentant sinner — forgiven much and therefore full of love for His Saviour. Praise the LORD and may GOD bless Russell Brand and his budding ministry to the lost.