(OPINION) Russell Brand has defended himself after sparking controversy for performing a baptism in his underwear, acknowledging that though he is a “bit of a show off,” what matters is whether or not he’s directing people to Jesus.
In a Sept. 27 social media post, the 48-year-old actor and comedian shared a photo of himself and a friend performing a baptism while wearing only their underwear: “It might seem a bit soon to be baptizing people, but the Apostles did it on day one, so here we are,” he captioned the photo.
Though most comments on the photo were supportive, some took issue with his attire: “Moved by your faith, but bro maybe more modest,” wrote one commenter.
In a Sept. 30 post, Brand weighed in on the controversy: “I suppose lookin’ at it now, it does look a bit immodest, me doin’ a baptism in underpants like that.
But the truth is, I took off my clothes and my underpants is all I’m wearing underneath my clothes,” said Brand in a video message. “That’s what I’m wearing right now. It wasn’t a planned photo shoot. Some of my mates took photos for their friend, actually. Evan was getting baptized.”
“Anyway, some people thought it was a little immodest and me showing off, judging from the comments,” Brand said. “You know, I read the comments below. But what I’d say is this — and I’m a little bit of a showoff — the Lord made me a little bit of a showoff, but it is for Him that I am showing off now, not for me.”
The “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” actor then read Philippians 1:15-18, which he had included and linked in his post, along with the caption, “Are these tighty-whities satanic?!?” The passage says:
Register now for “Unmasking Gender Ideology,” presented by The Christian Post. During this October 6 event in Burke, VA, hear from top leaders on the destructive effects of transgenderism and learn how to support families who have been devastated by this dangerous ideology. Secure your spot today.
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”
“And I think that is so beautiful because, you know, I’m a person that’s come out of the entertainment industry,” Brand continued. “I’m so grateful I’ve been saved, chosen, that He has found me.”
“But I’ve still got the attributes of a showoff,” he continued. “I suppose if I didn’t have, I wouldn’t even post a thing like that. But the reason I’m in them underpants, cause them’s my underpants, and the reason I’m doing that baptism — because I love Jesus. Praise Jesus Christ!”
