Russell Brand mocked after critics savage new Christian self help book as ‘offence against God’

Reviewers accused the comedian of pushing conspiracies and turning religion into a personal publicity campaign

Russell Brand is facing another wave of controversy after critics delivered devastating reviews of his new self help memoir, How to Become a Christian in Seven Days.

The book, released amid Brand’s ongoing legal troubles, has been heavily criticised by several British publications, with reviewers attacking both its writing style and political undertones. Critics from The Telegraph, The i Paper and The Times reportedly described the work as filled with “crackpot conspiracy theories” and accused Brand of using Christianity for personal rehabilitation rather than genuine spiritual reflection.

The backlash quickly intensified online after clips resurfaced from Brand’s recent appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. During the interview, Brand struggled to locate a Bible passage he claimed to have been reading regularly in court, prompting widespread mockery across social media platforms.

Brand’s shift toward Christianity became one of the most talked about celebrity transformations of recent years. In April 2024, the comedian publicly revealed he had been baptised in the River Thames. Since then, much of his online content has focused on religion, spirituality and anti establishment commentary.

However, critics have argued that the new book combines Christian themes with conspiratorial rhetoric and political grievance. Several reviewers accused Brand of promoting ideas associated with online alt right communities while presenting himself as a persecuted public figure.

The release arrives while Brand continues to face serious criminal allegations in the United Kingdom. In 2023, multiple women accused him of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse following a joint investigation published by The Sunday Times and Dispatches. Brand has consistently denied all allegations and said his past relationships were consensual.

He is expected to stand trial later this year. The legal case has significantly altered public perception of the former comedian, who was once known primarily for his chaotic stand up routines, Hollywood roles and marriage to pop star Katy Perry.

Online reactions to the new memoir have been particularly intense because many readers viewed the timing of the release as controversial. Social media users accused Brand of attempting to reshape his public image through religion while avoiding accountability for the allegations against him. Others defended his right to discuss faith and personal change despite the criticism.

Brand first rose to fame in the 2000s through television presenting and stand up comedy before transitioning into acting with films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. In recent years, he increasingly focused on online political commentary and alternative media content.

The harsh reception to How to Become a Christian in Seven Days now threatens to deepen the public divide surrounding Brand’s reinvention, with critics arguing the memoir raises more questions about his motives than his faith.