“Isn’t the point of religion for us to access an aspect of ourself that is connected to a force that allows us to discern moral truths that enable us to live well, materially? To have relationships with one another that are guided by principles other than spite, vengeance and vendetta. And ultimately, the most powerful voices and the most powerful forces on our planet begin to be deployed to assuage and de-amplify violence rather than facilitate further violence.”

Russell Brand

Russell Brand announced on his Instagram that he was baptized this Sunday. He described the spiritual experience as “incredible and profound,” and he described the level of peace that he felt. It was so fascinating to hear him discuss the tranquility and transcendence he felt. He described it as “overwhelming.”

“Many aspects of it were very intimate and personal. The truth is this. As a person that has in the past taken many many substances and always been disappointed with the inability to deliver the kind of tranquility and peace and even transcendence that I’ve always felt I’ve been looking for, something occurred in the process of baptism that was incredible, overwhelming.”

I’ve been following Brand’s journey for years, and more recently his journey into Christianity. It has moved me. I was a fan even when he was in his post-junkie, celebrity phase. That movie he did with Jennifer Garner, Arthur, is iconic. (The only person who shares my beliefs about horses).

The thing that has drawn me to Brand, always, even when I disagreed with him, was always his sincerity in his seeking for truth (and his sense of humor). I have loved his journalist phase. His show brings out often-suppressed facts with his wit and sense of humor. He isn’t afraid to bluntly call out the hypocrisy of our leaders and governments and to ask questions. He exemplifies curiosity and rebellion toward the imposed status quo. I hope he never loses that.

Unlike what many think, I don’t think true religion domesticates us. Rather, I believe it makes us wild and truly free. It makes us courageous. It makes us bold and mission-driven.

I hope he stays on the edge, questioning ideas, norms and traditions, while being set free and transformed by a deeply personal God, who is Jesus.

It will be exciting to see how his voice continues to shape itself with each passing discovery. A transformation all we who choose this journey undergo with humility. No day is the same in a spiritual journey. The fact that he seeks truth so passionately has led him here. I am sure it will take him to places beyond his wildest thoughts, as it does for all of us.

I’m glad you have found His peace, Russell.

As he mentioned earlier– it is no longer him but a “force,” as he calls God, working through him.

I am reminded that truth is ready to reveal itself to anyone looking. May we all stay on the path seeking truth. There is nothing more important that this. It is a matter of life and death. There are exciting times ahead. So much crumbles, but there is still so much to be seen in the power of God. While some things submerge into chaos, other things will rise in the storm.

I love an iconoclast who submits only to a power and audience of one. Brand, welcome to the roller coaster. As Erwin McManus says– the idea that we are safe in the will of God is contrary to Scripture. No one is “safe”. God doesn’t operate on “safety.” Hold on tight, because we are all in for a wild ride. What a privilege to be alive in these times.

Let’s do this.

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…

“Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” 

C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe