Justin Bieber and Hailey Grapple with Religion as Strains in Marriage Grow
Justin Bieber’s recent cryptic messages about feeling “drowned” and “unworthy” have reignited concerns about the pop star’s well-being and the state of his marriage to Hailey Bieber. The 31-year-old singer, who skyrocketed to fame as a teenager, has long spoken openly about his struggles with mental health, but his latest comments have left fans particularly worried.
Bieber’s distressing reflections come amid speculation that he and Hailey, 28, may be facing marital difficulties, exacerbated by a growing divide over religion. Insiders close to the couple suggest that the birth of their seven-month-old son, Jack Blues, has prompted Hailey to reevaluate her spiritual beliefs, placing her at odds with her husband’s steadfast devotion to their megachurch, Churchome.
According to sources, the couple is currently debating their future within the church, which they turned to after severing ties with Hillsong, the controversial megachurch that had once been integral to Bieber’s faith journey.
“They’re in the process of making a big decision about their church,” a source told DailyMail.com. “Their son has been the catalyst—Hailey is taking a hard look at life, faith, and what she wants for their family.”
Hailey, a model and the founder of Rhode Beauty, has reportedly been questioning her religious values for some time. Her skepticism surfaced publicly last weekend when she posted a social media meme of Elmo surrounded by flames, accompanied by a pointed remark about pastors' rhetorical tactics: “Pastors and preachers really love to just put words together with the same letter and act like it’s HITTING so crazy…” The statement was widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Churchome’s leadership, particularly Judah Smith, the church’s high-profile pastor.
Smith, known for his influencer-style preaching, has faced criticism for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including a sermon in which he equated homosexuality with “rape and murder.” Additionally, Churchome has been embroiled in legal controversy following a lawsuit from a former employee who claimed staffers were required to donate 10 percent of their salaries or risk termination.
For Bieber, faith has long been an anchor. His Instagram bio still features a link to Churchome, and he regularly shares religious messages with his 294 million followers. In February, he posted “An Artist’s Prayer” with worship leader Amanda Cook, underscoring his commitment to his faith.
The couple’s bond has historically been intertwined with religion. Hailey once admitted that without their shared Christian beliefs, they “wouldn’t even be together.” Their spiritual journey together dates back to 2014, when they reconnected at a Hillsong conference. Bieber, deeply influenced by the church’s former leader Carl Lentz, was famously baptized by Lentz in 2014. However, Bieber later distanced himself from Hillsong following Lentz’s 2021 dismissal over an extramarital affair.
While Bieber found solace in Churchome, Hailey’s relationship with organized religion appears to be shifting. A source close to the couple said she is “unsure how to proceed” and that they have been going “back and forth” over their religious future.
The tension comes at a fragile time. Bieber’s erratic public behavior—disheveled appearances, social media posts showing him smoking a bong, and his confessions about self-doubt—have all fueled speculation about his mental state. As his personal and spiritual lives collide, questions remain: Can Bieber and Hailey find common ground, or will this divide further strain their marriage? For now, the couple continues to search for answers, one prayer at a time.