January 23, 2006 6:16 PM
End of the Spear - How about End the Christian Witchhunt?
I got spammed this morning by Jason Janz with some heroic epic about his own personal crusade to save the Christian world from the terrible threat of The End of the Spear - a movie on the redemption of the native tribe who killed the five missionaries including Jim Elliott and Nate Saint.
The movie had gotten a lot of good Christian press and seemed poised to do well at the box office.
Now Janz is demanding a boycott by us and an apology from the film's producers because of the terrible sin they committed of hiring a homosexual actor to play the part of Nate Saint.
I was rushing out the door this morning but sent this hasty email to the heretofore-unknown-to-me Mr. Jantz:
Jason -
Please consider that the best place for a gay activist to spend time would be surrounded by Christians. Who knows what long-term impact that may have on him, what seeds were being planted, what God will do with it?
I am all for building bridges. It's hard to make a monster of a group of people when there is open communication.
And among those Christians were probably at least a couple adulterers, porn addicts, and so on.
Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. I think he would want us to not be afraid of associating with sinners. I think he would like it.
Just a few thoughts as I am dashing out to the Blogs4Life conference and the Right to Life March.
Barbara Curtis
www.mommylife.net
author of Reaching the Left from the Right (out 8/1/06 - my 7th book, but first one on politics)
When I got home there was no email from Mr. Janz waiting for me. I checked out his website and found that he has made quite a name for himself with his crusade. Then checked around the blogosphere to find tons of Christians who'd jumped on his bandwagon - with hundreds of words, words, and more words.
This is so sad. I disagree with most everything I read, except my friend Molly's analysis. And not wanting to add to the avalanche of words already, I'll just leave it at what I said to Mr. Janz, plus a few thoughts:
I can picture God saying to those who cast a homosexual in a Christian film: "Well done, my good and faithful servants." I think he would be very pleased. Honestly. I really, truly do.
I don't think he is pleased at the ranting and raving and gnashing of teeth of the sinners he has so graciously saved who find it so incredibly difficult to relate in a meaningful way with anyone not meeting up to their standards. I agree with those who've asked if we should boycott all products and stores owned by sinners. Should we quit our jobs if our bosses are sinners? We live in a fallen world. Get over it. Be kind and be grateful if you ever have an opportunity like the producers of End of the Spear had to live the Golden Rule and be a true witness to the God they are obviously serving - in the face of all this unwarranted condemnation by those who love to call themselves "Brothers and Sisters in Christ."
I'm sorry, but as someone who wasn't saved until the age of 38 - precisely because of the ridiculous mess Christians have made of Christianity, I do get a little riled up when I see this kind of stuff.
As to whether the content was overtly Christian "enough" for all the very talented and creative bloggers sitting back in judgment, I would beg to point out that the book of Esther never mentions God.
And finally, my memory verse this week:
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12-13.
Posted in Culture, Current Affairs, Movies, Religion | Permalink
Comments
Amen. Wanna go see it with me? (I know. Houston is a little far to drive for a movie.)
Posted by: Sherry | January 23, 2006 7:01 PM
Thank you so much! I am getting fed up with so many good"Christians" that sit in judgement of other people. Love your insight and humor on all subjects keep up the great work. tammi
Posted by: tammi | January 23, 2006 7:31 PM
I know. I was thinking along these lines last night as I was cleaning up after dinner. I had spent some time to make a nice "Sunday Dinner" and as soon as my boys sat down the complaining and whining began.
"I hate this stuff!"
"Why can't we have something else?"
"You ALWAYS make us eat stuff we don't like!"
I told my husband, (who, by the way, wasn't complaining, his gnashing of teeth was strictly limited to his meal.) "This must be what it is like to be God. We have been given every good thing. A beautiful planet, a wonderful country, our health, our families and, most importantly, the gift of His precious Son! I have the nerve to whine because the house isn't quite the way I want it, or because the kids have the flu, or because there are people who just don't "get it". I have learned a lot from my children!
God forgive my ingratitude.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 23, 2006 7:49 PM
Barbara, I had been wanting to ask what you thought of this movie, which I saw on Friday evening. I didn't want to stir up this issue if you weren't going to bring it up, however. I absolutely loved the movie by the way, and I can't wait to see it again. My dad is a pastor in Franklin, TN, and he addressed the issue in service yesterday, just after he'd taken us all to see the movie. He, too, brought up God's allowing a homosexual to be cast in a movie where he was no doubt exposed to people of faith and a tremendous example of sacrificial love in the character he played. He commented that living in Corinth, as we do, we have to be willing to live with and love the Corinthians, of which we've all been a part. This issue fit in beautifully with my dad's message about how we as the Christ's church must reach out to the imperfect people in our community and not be afraid of the "messy problems" that come reaching hurting folks. I noticed that when he made his comments about the movie, one or two people started applauding, but eventually the numbers grew. No doubt, however, his inbox was full of interesting emails today. I appreciate you, as I appreciate him, taking a public stand when you know you may upset many Christians. Thanks for this post!
Posted by: Carrie | January 23, 2006 8:44 PM
Thank you, Barbara. I was incredibly disturbed to see the judgemental attitudes of so much of the blogosphere about this. I was so glad to see your post, and also Molly's this morning. You are exactly right that this kind of uproar really turns off non-Christians - we can see perfectly well that those sitting in judgement are not perfect either. Thank you for your post.
Posted by: Gen Schmidt | January 23, 2006 9:23 PM
Thank you, Barbara! Once again, I was sitting talking to the computer screen as I read your post. (it was in agreement, by the way!) I loved your commments regarding the store boycotts as well. I have felt that exact way and was especially fed up with all the self-righeous, Pharisee-like attitudes this Christmas. Now that that season is over, it seems they have found a new target. Thank you for speaking out and reminding us where we have come from and what our purpose is to be.
Posted by: Christa | January 23, 2006 9:47 PM
Thank you.
Posted by: charity grace | January 23, 2006 9:52 PM
Bravo Barbara. I'm with you on this one. Tired of all the Pharisees.
Blessings,
Posted by: Sal | January 24, 2006 11:36 AM
You hit the nail on the head. Now, can you get the other 80 more judgemental commentators about the movie to read your post?
Posted by: Edward | January 24, 2006 11:45 AM
Applause.
I totally agree with you, Barbara. There is a reason the actor was cast. Nothing is beyond God's reach or notice.
I think it is reprehensible to single out the actor because he is gay. Like you pointed out, the other actors, producers, production assistants, lighting specialist, etc...all have their own sins to contend with, I am positive (just as I do).
Why not do detailed background checks on *everyone* so we can drag their sin out into daylight to righteously expose? Oh, wait. Is that a plank in my eye?
Seeing a movie featuring a gay actor doesn't condone homosexuality anymore than hearing a Wayne Newton song on the radio condones filing for bankruptcy.
Sorry. I get fired up sometimes. Christians shouldn't dilute beliefs because someone might feel uncomfy, but we should keep LOVE #1 in our actions, thoughts, and words.
I highly doubt Jason Janz's motivation was love---because I don't see Christ acting the same way.
Posted by: mopsy | January 24, 2006 12:00 PM
I have been out of the loop and have not heard anything about this. I definitaly agree with you and feel that some anti-gay activism borders on the repulsive if not going all the way (remember hearing about the church that went to homosexuals funerals to protest?)
Some people will remain non-christian for no other reason than because they hate other christians for the way those christians MADE THEM FEEL.
I am wondering what you feel about companies that offer homosexual partners insurance. I don't necessarily see it as an endorsement for homosexuality but just a way to get healthcare to some of those who need it. I admit there may be an angle I am not seeing, and maybe I just don't 'get' what exactly much of this activism is suppose to do.
I don't really know what alternative methods would be either. I think a good start would be if we christian heterosexuals lived the chaste life we are advocating for otherse, by avoiding porn, premarrital intimacy, master....., birthcontrol. Because (I am really getting controversial now) if you don't believe that sex has any purpose outside of emotional bonding and physical pleasure, then how are you going to convince homosexuals that there desire to have sex with the same sex, is anymore sinful than our desire to have sex free of consequence?
Maybe the reason homosexual outreach falls on deaf ears is because so many christians don't understand why it is bad! What is the meaning of the body? What is the meaning of sexuality? What is the meaning and purpose of marriage?
Nobody is going to hear the message that what there feelings say is a LIE, "cuz the Bible says". If you are going to tell people not to trust what they feel, then offer an explenation that is MORE VALIDATING than what they hear from the homosexual community.
I believe with all my heart and soul that christians will have little to no impact on the outside world unless and until it embraces a fully prolife stance. "turn or burn" speeches just don't cut it and often do more harm than good.
You don't have to post this if you disagree with me. I am not trying to bring a riot to your blog. ;)
Posted by: paigeu | January 24, 2006 5:23 PM
What fresh air it is to read the comments of fellow Christians who, like the tribe of the movie, have decided to "Walk His Trail." "His Trail" included - and still includes - sinners (even ones as bad as me). We are not required to condone the sin in order to love the sinner.
Who knows what influence being in such a movie might have on ANY of the sinners in the movie?!!
Personally, I wouldn't want to explain to God why I tried so hard to keep people from seeing a movie that so clearly emphasizes His love shown to the world. Maybe those who are so negative are the ones who most need to "get" what the movie is all about.
Analogy of the situation: It takes a great deal of love, time, talent, money and sacrifice to build a beautiful church. But it would take only one, untalented, selfish loser on a bulldozer to eventually bring it down.
GO SEE THE MOVIE!! IT'S REMARKABLE AND SOME MOMENTS ARE POSITIVELY EXQUISITE!! When it ended, the audience sat completely still and quiet, until half way through the ending credits, when we broke out into full applause!
Blessings! --- Carol
Posted by: Carol | January 25, 2006 12:09 AM
Preach it sister! I loved the movie so much saw it twice, couldn't tell he was gay; highly likely that he was made a new creation. Could be he saw the light, the real light.
Posted by: anita | January 25, 2006 10:19 AM
So glad to hear you say this, Barbra. Amen.
Posted by: Annie | January 25, 2006 5:36 PM
Good reply. You can read my reply to same email here
Posted by: jchfleetguy | January 30, 2006 6:09 PM
I suspect that a number of Christian movies have featured some non-Christian actors. For example, I seriously doubt that all of the actors in "The Chronicles of Narnia" were believers.
Yes, it would be ideal, in some respects, if all of the actors in Christian movies (and all of the other crew members, right down to the gaffers) were believing, obedient Christians. Then again, it would be ideal if everyone in the world was a Christian. We don't live in an ideal world.
It's hard enough to get good Christian movies made as it is. Do we really want to create some kind of "moral purity" test as an absolute job requirement for anyone involved in the production of movies which lift up the name of Christ?
If the church was more supportive of the arts in general, including those pertaining to the creation of motion pictures, perhaps there would be a larger field of Christian actors from which to choose when making movies such as "End of the Spear".
(For some of my thoughts about an art-related ministry which would help to nourish and support Christians in the arts, click on my name to visit a related blog post of mine.)
I strongly oppose homosexuality, but that doesn't mean that I hate gay people. I think that there is a way to take a stand against sin, without violating Jesus' commands pertaining to our fundamental obligation to love our neighbors.
Posted by: Mark Pettigrew | February 10, 2006 8:19 AM
Great post! I am so disappointed that this film has only grossed 9 million dollars in the first three weeks of release. It truly is a wonderful film. Christians could easily use its inspiring portrayal to build bridges with sympathetic unbelievers. We need more films like "End of the Spear!"
Posted by: Pastor Burt | February 10, 2006 11:52 AM
The movie was a hit as far as I am concerned. As posted in many of the comments sexuality was not an issue of actors performance. If purity was the issue for an actors qualifications there wouldn't be any actors. To act like someone else disregarding yourself is the highest degree of flatter.
Posted by: Dan | March 4, 2006 12:17 AM
