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Russell Brand’s baptism reveals the urgent need for tradition

3/5/2025

Catholic Living

Russell Brand’s baptism reveals the urgent need for tradition

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I would never have anticipated comedian Russell Brand would be supporting Christianity on Instagram, yet here we are.

The actor’s path to Christianity prompted him to announce to his millions of followers that he had decided to get baptized. And thus, he did. He “took the plunge” on April 28 and underwent baptism in the River Thames.

Seeking stability amid chaos

“An event transpired during the course of” baptism “that was amazing, astonishing,” Brand remarked, contemplating the experience. in a video posted to his Instagram accountThe performer conveyed emotions of feeling “fortunate, comforted, supported” and “embraced.”

It seems that Brand has not converted to Catholicism, but he has shared videos in which he expresses that he has started the routine of praying the Rosary.

And that’s the aspect I appreciate the most. Brand is evidently searching for something. He desires an anchor, a time-honored tradition. Something to stabilize him in the present.

In fact, in another video, he expresses it clearly. “I understand that many individuals may feel somewhat skeptical regarding the rising fascination with Christianity and a revival of faith, but to me, it’s quite apparent,” Brand stated, addressing detractors about his journey into Christianity. “As purpose wanes in contemporary society, as our belief systems and structures break down, we all begin to sense this unsettlingly recognizable awakening and inviting presence that we have encountered throughout our lives, both inside and outside ourselves. And personally, it’s incredibly thrilling.” It’s about discovering consistency in the turbulence.

C.S. Lewis and the value of tradition

It reminds me of that guidance from C.S. Lewis regarding the significance of the ancient books. In a preface, the Oxford scholar authored for a version of St. Athanasius’ “On the Incarnation,” he states, “It is a sound principle, after finishing a new book, to refrain from picking up another new one until you have read an older one in the meantime.” Indeed, Lewis even suggests that for many “amateurs,” when faced with the option of reading an older book versus a newer one, they ought to opt for the older book. Lewis believes that diving into new texts without grasping the older ones is akin to joining a dialogue partway through. The newcomer is deprived of the context or insight needed to comprehend the entire narrative.

Lewis’ remarks strongly echo in our current situation. They clarify the reasons many young Catholics are drawn to enduring truths and conventional practices. The inability of previous generations to successfully relay the baton has created a gap. A lot of individuals feel lost, similar to Brand, and are searching for something substantial.

Having been given little of significance from their predecessors, younger generations search for these gems on their own. Therefore, it’s not unexpected that they turn to antique books and, alongside similar-minded companions, strive to comprehend them.

Change within the Catholic Church

This is one aspect that Associated Press journalist, Tim Sullivan, noted in a recent piece, “A Step Back in TimeIn the piece, Sullivan notes, “Throughout the U.S., the Catholic Church is experiencing a significant transformation. Generations of Catholics who welcomed the modernizing wave initiated in the 1960s by Vatican II are gradually making space for religious conservatives who feel that the church has been distorted by change.” Sullivan’s article accurately captures this transformation. However, he does not address its underlying causes.

One reason is that today’s youth must engage in the discussion from the outset. We must understand Christianity from the foundational level. We require classic texts.

In this era of swift transformation and evolving frameworks, the urge to adopt tradition is not a regression into history but a reassertion of our identity and intention. It illuminates, leading us through obscurity.

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