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‘He’s manipulating its power’: why did Russell Brand convert to Christianity? (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 11 hours ago by to c/news@lemmy.world
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The women whom Russell Brand raped and sexually assaulted have for weeks endured the ordeal of a heavily publicised trial. Throughout, Brand held online prayer meetings with followers. Does he feel Christian sympathy for those women?

Only Brand, in the deepest recesses of his conscience, can know.

The answer would be the best indicator of whether the disgraced comic, actor and born-again Christian has worn his newfound faith as a cloak in an effort to deflect and distract from the seriousness of the allegations against him. Or whether his conversion is a profound and sincere one – a spiritual crutch he may need in the coming years.

Whatever the truth, Brand’s case demonstrates how Christianity has become a frontier in the culture wars along which battle lines are now drawn on all kinds of ethical, political and even legal issues.

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[–] 1 point 7 hours ago* (3 children)

Very unchristian of you to judge another person like that. You holy book is very explicit about what you just did.

(Note that this is not a defense of Brand, but a criticism of certain Christians and Christianity itself)

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  • [–] 8 points 7 hours ago (2 children)

    Where is the judgement?

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  • [–] 1 point 1 hour ago* (1 child)

    The whole second paragraph?

    But specifically, the very last sentence.

    Christians are pretty explicitly taught to never have judgement about whether or not another Christian's faith is genuine. That's a big no no

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  • [–] 1 point 1 minute ago

    This couldn't be more incorrect but what a lot of Christians that don't actually read the Bible think.

    The Bible says believers are specifically supposed to call out others that claim to be Christians if their actions suggest otherwise. Believers are NOT to be judgmental of unbelievers, but very much call out those in the church.

    Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV) If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

    1 Corinthians 5:11-12 (ESV) But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?

    Titus 1:13 (ESV) This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

    Titus 2:15 (ESV) Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

    2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

    There are many more.

    Note, in the Bible Jesus only lacked sympathy and showed anger for two kinds of sinners: self-righteous hypocrites and those who used the church to enrich themselves.

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