Wilderness survival expert Bear Grylls recently expressed how it is a “privilege” to support Russell Brand in his newfound walk with Christ despite the allegations of rape and sexual assault that have been brought against the actor and comedian. Such accusations stem from several women who claim Brand sexually and emotionally abused them.
However, a few months ago, Brand made the monumental decision to get baptized, marking his conversion to the Christian faith. Grylls was present for the ceremony, which he claimed was a “privilege” to be at. “Russell, you know, [it was] a privilege to stand beside him as he was getting baptized; that is a life journey for him,” Grylls recently stated. He added, “I really wish him well and his lovely family.”
Grylls, one of two friends who assisted in baptism by water immersion, is also an outspoken Christian. Footage from the event shows the three men in a loving, fraternal embrace after Brand made the life-changing decision to give his life to Christ. The actor’s conversion comes nearly a year after an investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches unearthed the allegations against him.
Brand has denied the accusations brought against him, conceding that he previously led a “very, very promiscuous” lifestyle, but maintained that all of his sexual experiences were “always consensual.” Grylls commented on the criminal allegations, extending his support to his friend. “Let’s hope all of that stuff works itself out in a good way,” he said. “And let’s hope those accusations aren’t true, for everybody’s sake, but I always try and live without judging anyone.”
Grylls reaffirmed that he will always stand in loyalty to people, striving to love and never judge. “I stand beside many people … that’s a privilege, trying never to judge, always to love, always be kind, support people wherever they are,” he said. “Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal,” Grylls previously said about Brand’s conversion and subsequent Baptism. “But it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above.”
The Christian Tribune previously reported on Russell Brand discussing his baptism, in which he expressed that he was “so grateful to be surrendered to Christ.” The actor noted that after the powerful ceremony commemorating his conversion, Christianity is ultimately his “path now.”
Brand discussed the lack of meaning in the modern world, asserting that Christianity fills the void.“I know a lot of people are sort of 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. And for me, it’s very exciting,” he said.
He continued, discussing his personal transformation. “I felt changed. Transitioned.” he said, “I feel as if some new resource within me has switched on.” He then said, “This is new for me, I’m learning … but this is my path now,” Brand said. “And I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held. It’s been an incredible experience.” Concluding, he said, “I’m so grateful to be surrendered in Christ.”
Featured image credit: By steve_w – https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_way/27844572372/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111145515