Joshua Bassett Baptized at Controversial Bethel Church, Leaves Fans Divided
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High School Musical star Joshua Bassett recently made headlines when he shared posts about religion and faith. During a church service at the infamous Bethel Church in Redding, California, on Monday, February 13, 2023, he proclaimed Jesus as his lord and saviour. Joshua posted an excerpt of the clip on his Twitter account, @joshuabassett, just before his baptism. He talked about how he searched for “truth” and that it led him astray. Basically, I grew up Christian and then ran the other way, as far as I could go, in search of the truth. As a result, I developed addictions, depression, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders.
— Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett) February 13, 2023
There was no other teacher who could have given me the peace that Jesus Christ did. Internet users expressed their concerns about Joshua Bassett’s tweets after the post went viral. Netizens expressed their doubts about Joshua Bassett’s association with the controversial church after news of his baptism spread. As much as they were pleased that the actor had found peace in religion, they were also concerned that he had joined a cult. According to Twitterati, the church was promoting Joshua’s ministry and publicizing its connection with him.
i visited this church and happened to get baptized here- i was unaware of some of their policies and beliefs, and do not endorse all of them.
— Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett) February 13, 2023
my heart is for Christ and Christ alone!
Fans Are Left Weary After Joshua Bassett Reveals He Was Baptized At The Controversial Bethel Church
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Joshua Bassett’s fans were concerned when they learned that Joshua Bassett had baptized himself at the Bethel Church after recently accepting Christianity. Upon hearing of Joshua Bassett’s baptism, netizens expressed their concerns about his association with the controversial church. As happy as they were to hear that the actor had found peace through religion, they were also concerned he had joined a cult. Twitterati noted that the church was promoting Joshua’s ministry and publicizing its connection with him. It seems that Bethel leaders and fans are specifically calling Joshua Bassett’s baptism a Bethel baptism in their posts about his baptism at Bethel! They are using his name and face to promote their ministry, even though he says he does not support them. Other people were concerned about the circumstances under which the High School Musical actor had turned to religion. They claimed that the actor was exploited because of his vulnerability. Bethel is being referred to as a megachurch that glamorizes conversion therapy by one user.
A Twitter user said Joshua was a cult victim who needed support, not backlash from the public. The American actor, singer, and songwriter Joshua Bassett was born in Oceanside, California in 2000. Known for playing Ricky Bowen in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, he plays Ricky Bowen. Before joining television, the 22-year-old acted in 30 musical productions in the theatre. Bassett revealed to GQ in 2021 that he is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In response to his association with Bethel Church, which is notorious for its “conversion therapies,” netizens attacked him on social media. A non-denominational megachurch founded in 1952, Bethel is an American church based in Redding, California. As a result of public concerns and tweets about the church, Bassett quickly distanced himself and posted a response on Twitter: I visited the church and got baptized there – I wasn’t aware of all of its policies and beliefs, so I don’t endorse them all. There is only one thing in my heart: Christ! Immediately after Bassett’s confession, fans questioned whether he did enough research before being baptized.
The fact Joshua is now with Bethel Church???? He's really been lost. They are one of the biggest cults out there and strong advocates for conversion therapy and anti lgbt agendas. The same church that was making people lie on the graves of ancestors to absorb gods power?????
— Savi🍒 (@ItsSavlena) February 13, 2023
the issue with joshua bassett getting baptized at bethel is the fact that bethel leaders & fans are posting about it & are specifically saying “he got baptized WITH BETHEL!” so even though he says he doesn’t support them, they’re using his name and face to promote their ministry
— caitlin (@slaytlinbb2) February 14, 2023
The whole thing is utterly transparent to me as someone who got out, and I hope people will realize that dunking on Joshua is just going to further isolate a young queer person who needs help. Please, please focus your attention to Bethel leadership, not the cult victim.
— Leigh ✨ (@nervousleigh) February 14, 2023
Joshua basset got baptised at bethel?!?? Oh no they actively advocate and endorse conversion therapy and Joshua has previously come out. I’m scared for him.
— pynkEyeBrowhottie2467 (@tatsilienau) February 13, 2023
