Porn Star's Baptism Prompts Debate About Sincerity

Does a baptism count if it’s a cynical attempt to win back public favor? How can you determine the authenticity of someone's motives? 

Those are the questions roiling the faith community after a series of high profile baptisms by controversial figures, including prominent sex workers and celebrities accused of wrongdoing.

Critics argue baptism is becoming part of a PR strategy; after receiving negative publicity, people are finding a minister, a camera crew, and a pool in an attempt to remake their image. 

But others insist it's not up to the public to pass that kind of judgment. 

So, are these controversial public baptisms sincere? And does it actually matter?

Taking the Plunge

Porn star and OnlyFans model Lily Phillips is the most recent public figure to take the plunge after a series of negative headlines. Phillips, who is perhaps most famous for sleeping with over 1,000 men in 12 hours, shared footage of her baptism on Instagram to her thousands of followers, calling it “a day to remember forever.”

“I think for a while I’d kind of deviated from religion, and I think I was kind of in denial for a lot of it,” Phillips explained of her newfound faith.

“Quite a big thing happened more in my personal life, where I kind of felt the need to start speaking to God again. I hadn’t really practiced faith for a while. I just wanted to get rebaptized to kind of reinstate my relationship with God.”

Reactions were mixed amongst Christians. Some urged embracing Phillips, insisting that any move to give one's life to God should be celebrated. No matter the person's backstory, baptism is cause for celebration, they feel. 

“Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone, otherwise, we should be GLAD she’s coming closer to God, one step at a time,” said one Instagram user.

Another supporter wrote on X: "Are some sins TOO sordid to be forgiven? 'X' says 'yes'. The Bible says otherwise. Thank God."

However, others doubted the sincerity of a baptism for a woman who they say has such a questionable moral character. 

“Thats not how this works, “ wrote another commenter, reacting to Phillips' newfound faith.

Another person wrote:

"I find this contradictory. One cannot be a "friend of the world" or continue in a "practice of sin" (like the adult industry) while claiming to be a servant of God. True repentance would require a complete "turning around" from such a profession."

Russell Brand Remakes His Image

Phillips' story is drawing strong reactions, but she's not the only public figure to announce a controversial baptism. 

In 2024, comedian Russell Brand posted images of himself getting baptized following public announcements he was converting to Christianity.

The issue? Brand’s baptism was hot on the heels of sexual assault allegations that threatened to derail his career.

Following his public conversion, Brand has found new life as a political influencer, often framing his faith as central to his personal and ideological transformation.

His story is far from over, however. Last month, the Crown Prosecution Service announced two new charges against Brand, including one count of rape. He is due to face trial later this year. 

Sacrament or Strategy?

Baptism, in Christian theology, is meant to be a deeply personal act, an outward sign of inward repentance. But when that act is performed publicly, amplified through social media, and timed alongside reputational crises, it naturally raises some questions.

Many were eager to welcome Phillips and Brand into the Christian fold, arguing that faith is deeply personal and that Christians shouldn’t judge the sincerity of others' intentions. 

But others say that finding Jesus conveniently opens doors for public figures in search of a new audience – or to "remake" their reputation in the eyes of the public. As Christian influencer Jon Root put it, “Christianity has become a grift for many to elevate their brand a lot lately."

The truth may be impossible to measure from the outside. In an era of celebrities, influencers, and public figures all seeking the spotlight, believers are left to ask not only what baptism means, but who gets to decide when it’s sincere.

What are your thoughts?