Joshua Bassett is on a spiritual journey and documenting it on social media.
Earlier today, Joshua revealed that he was recently baptised. The 22-year-old singer shared a video from the event, introducing himself to the audience and explaining his relationship with faith.
“Long story short, I grew up Christian, and I ran the other way, as far as I could go… and that only ended in addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, et cetera”, he began. “No other teacher gave me anywhere near the peace that Jesus Christ did, and I am here to publicly declare him as my lord and saviour.”
— Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett) February 13, 2023
Joshua went on to reaffirm his newfound commitment to Christianity in a Tweet.
“the gospel is GOOD NEWS for all willing to love and obey Him who keeps your heart beating,” he wrote.
the gospel is GOOD NEWS
— Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett) February 13, 2023
for all willing to love and obey
Him who keeps your heart beating
The initial video, watermarked with the “Bethel.tv” logo, helped internet sleuths connect the singer to the Bethel Church in Redding, California. With Joshua coming out as queer in 2021, fans are worried for his well-being since the church has a history of promoting anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and conversion therapy.
While many Twitter users appear to support Joshua’s spiritual journey, they remain anxious about him attending Bethel Church.
what concerns me abt the whole joshua bassett baptism situation isn’t that he’s become a christian – people have every right to follow any faith. it’s that he got baptized at a megachurch that openly condemns same sex relations and supports conversion therapy.
— bec 💭 its always gabby day (@becsclub) February 13, 2023
i’m glad joshua bassett found peace, my issue here isn’t christianity but the place he got baptized in. bethel church is scary. they’re belief systems are faulty. i just hope he finds a better church cause bethel isn’t it.
— mishy 🍂 (@turbulentjett) February 13, 2023
Joshua Bassett becoming a Christian is one thing but becoming a bethel member is an entirely different one. if all churches are cults that one is… something more sinister
— quoth the ijbol (@sicksadke) February 13, 2023
Meanwhile, other users like @ryankelleyyy and @scorpiolover444 took to the platform to share screenshots explaining the church’s values and teachings, flagging the danger of Joshua’s situation.
There is absolutely no issue with Joshua Bassett becoming a christian. The issue is that he chose to get baptized and attend a commercialized church that promotes and teaches anti-lgbtq+ rhetoric like this on their website. pic.twitter.com/DOc9OtrpHr
— Ryan (@ryankelleyyy) February 13, 2023
So yea im worried about joshua bassett https://t.co/Hl2HnMSpx0 pic.twitter.com/f5mzZAOucI
— walmart spencer hastings (@scorpiolover444) February 13, 2023
Seeking to alleviate some concern, Joshua explained that he was “unaware” of the policies and beliefs promoted at Bethel Church and “[does] not endorse all of them.”
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!
Though Joshua has been carving out his own lane in the industry and releasing music separate from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, it remains unclear how his association with Bethel Church will affect his career moving forward.