The complicated case of Russell Brand’s (sort-of) conversion

How do we cheer on someone’s walk towards Christ without minimising the pain of their past actions? As Russell Brand speaks of needing a personal relationship with Jesus months after being accused of sexual offences, Emma Fowle explores

If living a perfect, sinless life were a prerequisite for salvation, not one of us would make the grade - not least the Apostle Paul, author of much of the New Testament and arguably the greatest evangelist (after Jesus) ever to walk the face of the earth.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst,” says Paul, writing to his spiritual son, Timothy (1:15), referring – with a beautifully understated elegance – to his past misdemeanours and God’s grace over them.