Russell Brand Exposes New Age Deception and Shares Christ with Jordan Peterson

In a riveting discussion with Jordan Peterson, Russell Brand delved deep into his evolving faith, addressing the deceptive nature of New Age spirituality and his journey toward Christ. The conversation, marked by Brand’s signature eloquence and intensity, provided insight into the fundamental difference between self-exaltation and true Christian surrender. As Brand openly shared his struggles and revelations, he challenged the prevailing cultural notion that spirituality is merely an eclectic mix of ideologies, rather than a commitment to the absolute truth of Jesus Christ.

A Newfound Faith or Just Another Exploration?

Jordan Peterson began the conversation by probing into the stability of Brand’s newfound faith, questioning whether it was just another phase in his ever-evolving spiritual journey. Given Brand’s history of exploring various spiritual traditions, many skeptics have wondered whether his commitment to Christianity is fleeting.

Brand’s response, however, was resolute. He articulated that his encounter with Christ was not just another ideological flirtation but a radical transformation. “Something absolute has been encountered,” he said, emphasizing that this was not merely an intellectual or aesthetic choice but a profound realization that neutralized the spiritual chaos he had experienced in the past.

The Deception of New Age Spirituality

One of the most striking moments in the conversation was Brand’s candid critique of New Age spirituality. He described his past engagement with an eclectic mix of Buddhism, Sufism, and postmodern philosophy, likening it to the construction of a personal pantheon. However, he recognized that such an approach leads to a dangerous relativism where, as he put it, “If God is everything, then God is anything.”

This realization struck him most powerfully when he attended a New Age festival after embracing Christianity. He described an unsettling feeling that he finally identified as “false idolatry.” Unlike the self-centered spirituality of the New Age movement, which promotes personal divinity, Christianity calls for the surrender of the self to Christ. “If there is a Jesus,” Brand asserted, “you are not Jesus.”

Self as the Greatest Idol

One of the core deceptions that Brand exposed was the tendency of New Age spirituality to elevate the self to the status of a deity. He admitted that before finding Christ, he had unknowingly embraced this worldview—wanting to be his own savior, seeking direct communion with God on his own terms, and desiring the adoration and power that came with fame.

This is a profound insight, as it aligns with the biblical narrative of sin. The original temptation in the Garden of Eden was not simply to do evil but to replace God with self. As Brand pointed out, the deception of Luciferianism is not necessarily the worship of an external deity but the enthronement of self-will above God’s authority. “Satan disguises submission to himself under the ruse of personal autonomy,” he remarked. Instead of demanding allegiance outright, Satan lures people into believing that they can achieve ultimate fulfillment apart from God.

The Moment of Transformation

Brand spoke passionately about his moment of transformation, describing how his personal desolation led him to the cross. This was not the youthful despair of an angsty rebel but the existential despair of a man who had tasted all that the world had to offer—fame, wealth, pleasure—and found it wanting.

It was in this place of brokenness that Brand encountered the figure of Christ. “Not just the cross,” he emphasized, “but the solitary figure, fully man, fully God, to whom we must bow down.” This revelation shattered his previous self-worship, leading him to the ultimate act of surrender: recognizing Jesus as Lord and submitting to His authority.

Christianity in a Secular Culture

Brand also critiqued the way Christianity is often presented in both the UK and the United States. In the UK, he observed, Christianity is depicted as mundane and uninspiring, stripped of its radical power. In the U.S., it is sometimes turned into a spectacle, glitzy and theatrical, which can obscure its deeper spiritual truths.

Despite these cultural distortions, Brand insisted that Christ’s presence is undeniable. “He is there,” he declared. “He died that we may know eternal life and be redeemed of our sins.” This conviction, he suggested, is what separates Christianity from all other belief systems—it is not a philosophy or a moral guideline but an encounter with a living Savior.

Judging by the Fruits

As the conversation continued, Brand acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his conversion, particularly from those who point to his past affiliations, tattoos, and history. However, he invoked the biblical principle of judging a tree by its fruit. While he admitted that he cannot prove his sincerity to others, he pointed out that his words and actions now align with the teachings of Christ.

This is an essential takeaway for all believers. Instead of focusing on outward appearances or past mistakes, we must examine the transformation of a person’s heart. Brand’s newfound clarity in exposing the deceptions of the New Age movement and his willingness to publicly proclaim Christ are significant indicators of a genuine change.

A Call to True Surrender

Russell Brand’s conversation with Jordan Peterson serves as a powerful reminder that the essence of Christianity is surrender. The core deception of the world is the exaltation of self, whether through materialism, self-help philosophies, or New Age spirituality. But the gospel calls for a different path—one where we die to ourselves and live for Christ.

Brand’s journey is still unfolding, but his testimony resonates with anyone who has sought fulfillment in the world and found it empty. His willingness to challenge New Age deception and publicly declare Christ as Lord is a bold step, and one that invites others to consider the ultimate question: Will we serve ourselves, or will we bow before the King?