What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?

Could Russell Brand, who has just been baptised, become a significant Christian figure? I suppose he could become a sort of British televangelist, God help us. But significant in a good way? It’s not impossible: he’s sharp and charismatic, and taps in to a major English spiritual tradition. But it’s not likely either: our culture needs figures who model wise restraint rather than juvenile hedonism, and Brand can’t entirely undo his image.

Brand issued a video after being baptised in the Thames on Sunday, in which he said he had found his ‘path’ and was left feeling ‘incredibly blessed’ and ‘nourished’. The comedian has embraced Christianity at a time when he faces allegations – which he denies – of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse. In the video, Brand did not reference the accusations directly but mentioned ‘challenges’ he has been facing.