Renowned survivalist, television personality, and author Bear Grylls realized a long-cherished dream last week as he underwent a baptism in the Jordan River, a moment he enthusiastically shared with his followers on his X account. Grylls expressed his profound joy at fulfilling a dream that had been deeply rooted in his admiration for the biblical narrative.
Taking to social media on October 2, Grylls revealed, “It had always been a dream of mine to get in the water that Jesus was baptized in by my hero John the Baptist.” He highlighted the significance of the story, noting the transformative nature associated with locations touched by Jesus. Grylls shared a personal reflection, stating, “Wherever Jesus went, that new birth, new life, a new vision followed.”
Accompanying his post was a photo capturing the sacred moment of his baptism, providing followers with a visual insight into the fulfillment of Grylls’ spiritual aspiration. The survivalist, who has often been vocal about his faith, acknowledged the impact of his Christian beliefs on his life during an interview in 2022. Grylls emphasized the importance of faith, describing it as a belief in “something bigger than us” and the assurance that individuals are not alone.
However, Grylls expressed concerns about the contemporary perception of Christianity, lamenting that the essence of the faith has been “tarnished” in modern society. He described his childhood faith as “natural” but acknowledged the challenges he faced in reconciling it with institutionalized religion. Grylls urged a return to the core values of faith, advocating for a focus on love, community, honesty, and eschewing what he saw as superficial aspects of religious practice.
In a separate interview, Grylls opined that Jesus would find difficulty in relating to many modern churches, suggesting a departure from what he considered unnecessary rituals and performances. Despite his reservations, Grylls remains an active member of the UK’s Anglican Church, advocating for a faith that transcends superficialities and aligns with the core teachings of love and community.
It had always been a dream of mine to get in the water that Jesus was baptised in by my hero John the Baptist. The story is so amazing, & it seems wherever Jesus went, that new birth, new life, a new vision followed. Luke (in the bible) was probably a Syrian doctor before he met… pic.twitter.com/YwcEwL1ewh
— Bear Grylls OBE (@BearGrylls) October 2, 2023
