December 22, 2006 11:49 AM
The Nativity Story controversy
I was hoping to bypass the controversy, but the following comment on my strong recommendation of The Nativity Story (you really need to take your family to see it!) opened the door:
I have to ask...what do you think of the fact that they are using a 16 y/o girl who is pregnant and not married, as the Mary?I'm at a crossroads on this. I realize that Mary was an unwed virgin, but the fact that they have made this quite a public spectacle just makes it hard for me on a moral ground
I'd be interested in hearing other opinions. This is a wonderful movie from all I have heard...but is it a good platform for spreading God's word and the story of Jesus, when you have this unacceptable behavior?
Some of you who've been around for a long time can already guess my take on this, based on my reaction to The End of the Spear controversy - in which a Christian blogger launched an attack on the very godly people involved in the movie because the actor hired to play the part of Nate Saint turned out - after the signing of the contract - to be a homosexual. In that instance, my response was "what better place for him to be than in the company of compassionate Christians during those months of production?"
The circumstances here are different. Actors were hired to play the parts in The Nativity Story. I have no idea which ones are believers and which ones are not. I assume they landed their parts based on their talent, their looks (all the actors are refreshingly Semitic in appearance), and the producers' budget.
I know I choose doctors not based on religion but on their skill and bedside manner. With four kids with disabilities, we see a LOT of doctors. While we're blessed with a pediatrician who's a strong Christian, our dermatologist is a Muslim and there are many whose beliefs I do not know. What's important is that they are the people God led me to do the job that needs to be done with my children.
When it comes to movies, one of the jobs of the producers is to put together the best possible talent. The message is everything. I assume that is what happened with The Nativity Story.
Personally, I thought Keisha Castle-Hughes, the actress who played Mary, was a bit too angst-ridden in the beginning. I would have chosen someone who looked a little happier. But that has nothing at all to do with the issue of her pregnancy – which occurred after the filming of the movie.
And frankly, given the post-production timing of her pregnancy, I find it ridiculous that anyone would suggest boycotting the movie at all.
Just because she is in the movie does not mean she is or was raised as a Christian. If not, how could she be expected to follow the same moral guidelines God has given us? And even if she were and had fallen into sin, what would be the point of boycotting a strong Christian movie because of one 16-year-old girl’s moral weakness? Who would be hurt? The actors, directors and investors in the movie? The families and children who might have been strengthened in their faith?
Knowing that Christians might have a problem with the news, Phil Boatwright, editor and film reviewer for previewonline.org, asked the movie’s producers, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey, about the situation.“They made no judgment call but were proud that this young girl thought more of the baby within than her own career,” Boatwright told Baptist Press. “I thought of that too. There are a lot of 16-year-old girls who get pregnant. But this girl is not only young, she’s an up-and-coming actress, yet she felt this life was more important than herself.”
The Australian-born Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in “Whale Rider,” and she played the Queen of Naboo in last year’s “Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith.”
Boatwright said he hopes that although Christians don’t want to condone sex outside marriage they also don’t want to be too judgmental.
“This young woman played Mary, the mother of Jesus,” Boatwright said. “I’m praying that if she doesn’t already have a relationship with our Savior that she soon will. And I’m praying that little unborn child will someday proclaim Jesus as Messiah.”
(from Nativity Story actress should not be shunned, leaders say)
Our perspective is so limited. We have to do our best to see things through God’s eyes. This girl could have had a secret abortion, but chose not to. Her story is not finished - nor is the story of her unborn child, who will someday see his mother playing the mother of Jesus. Who knows what long-term plans God has in store?
The fact is that there are Christians appearing in movies, preaching from pulpits, and sitting next to us in church on Sunday who look good on the outside but whose sins are hidden from our eyes. A homosexual or a pregnant unwed mother cannot hide their sin. Then again, if they are not believers, they cannot be judged by the same standards either. And the worst thing we can do is to show them the ugliest side of our faith – hounding them with shame for their sin.
So, in short, I think this is a non-issue. See the movie and enjoy it and thank God for the combined faith and creativity of those brave souls who made it and have to put up with the inevitable Christian backlash. Pray that God will comfort them and renew their spirits so they can make more movies which are artistically worthy and God-honoring at the same time. We need them.
Posted in Christmas, Church Issues, Movies, Religion | Permalink
Comments
Great analysis. The movie is so very moving,
I hate to think of anyone missing it. My husband
and I wept through most of it.
Fantastic acting, in the greatest story ever told!
Posted by: Leslie Hanks | December 22, 2006 12:50 PM
So well said!!! Thank you for putting it so well and so graciously. I can't help but think that her time playing an un-wed mother on screen whose baby was so important influenced her for the good in keeping her baby.
Posted by: Tiffany | December 22, 2006 1:48 PM
Thank-you Barbara for your insight, you are right on. I was hoping Christians would not boycott the movie just because one of the lead actors made a bad decision. I really feel like she could have chosen the easy way out and killed her baby. She could actually be an inspiration to other young pregnant teens who find themselves in the same type of situation. Maybe a few more unwed teens will choose to keep their babies because of her example. We never know what God's grand plan really is.
Posted by: Carolyn | December 22, 2006 2:01 PM
She could have made a worse decision.
Posted by: Marie | December 22, 2006 2:17 PM
Not to be coy or anything, but I'm wondering why no one complained when a sinner played Jesus. I mean, if a homosexual (aka a sinner) can't play Nate Saint (aka a sinner) and an unwed pregnant mother (aka a sinner) can't play Mary (aka a sinner) then how can we NOT complain about an actor (aka a sinner) playing Jesus (aka GOD INCARNATE)?
The double standard just astounds me.
The greater question should be whether or not we should be making any representations of Jesus at all, whether grown man or wee babe.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 22, 2006 2:20 PM
Amen, Sister! I'm with you 100% I couldn't have said it better myself. My husband and I took our two daughters to see it yesterday and I'm glad we did. If we boycot everyone and everything that is tainted by ungodliness we'd sit at home and twiddle our thumbs. Wait...we can't do that either because we ourselves are tainted! Thanks for putting my thoughts into words. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat | December 22, 2006 3:10 PM
I am so incredibly impressed that this girl is not aborting. I really think that is a miracle. She is a rising actress.... I bet tons of people encouraged her to abort. I am so thrilled by her courage.
God bless her!
It is really crazy to me that people expect people who are not raised with a strong religious and moral foundation to just figure it out on their own. Even kids who are raised that way often have a hard time saying no to temptation. I had sex at 16 as well as all my friends at the time. It was just what you did. Not having sex seemed pretty ridiculous to us. It wasn't til I converted at age 18 that I even started to consider chastity as an option for my life.
Posted by: paigeu | December 22, 2006 3:23 PM
So well said, Barbara, as always.
Posted by: rocks in my dryer | December 22, 2006 5:47 PM
Barbara, thank you for posting this! I had not heard of the controversy yet, I DO plan to see the movie, and I still will.
I totally agree that Keisha could have very easily had an abortion and taken the "easy" road, as far as not being made a public spectacle. I had an abortion at the same age as her, 16, I was not a Christian then, although now, looking back, I can see all the ways in which God was calling me to him and taking care of me during those years. It haunted me for many, many years, I mourned my child deeply, and when I first heard that Jesus loved me anyhow, despite the fact that I had killed my baby, I wept, and wept and wept, I will never forget it. Any compassion showed to me in spite of my decision, by Christians, was a tremendous blessing to me, to my spirit.
If during those years I was lost in the darkness, Christians had critcized me and kicked me while I was already down, well...I don't know what they would have done to me. It would have been deeply devastating though.
As Christians, we need to show love and compassion towards others and be forgiving, because whether we like it or not, we in our still sinful ways, represent Christ to non-Christians. I shudder to think of it sometimes. Does my behaviour show Christ to those who don't know him? What a responsibility. Like you said Barbara, those who are not in Christ cannot be expected to live up to the same standards, they live in darkness. I hope that we can be a light to them though!
Posted by: Yvonne | December 22, 2006 6:06 PM
Thank you Barbara. That was very well put.
As one of your readers has already said, my guess would be that she came under alot of pressure to abort. It reminds me of a very beautiful song called 'To Zion' by Lauryn Hill ( of The Fugees). In the song she tells of the pressure she came under to end her pregnancy,
"Woe this crazy circumstance
I knew his life deserved a chance
But everybody told me to be smart
Look at your career they said,
"Lauryn, baby use your head"
But instead I chose to use my heart"
She had a boy and called him Zion.In the chorus she repeats with a depth of feeling that no one could manufacture
"Now the joy of my world is in Zion"
That song brings a lump to my throat.
Posted by: Clare | December 22, 2006 8:13 PM
Your comments in this post are truly Christian. Thank you for being such a good example to us all.
Emma
Posted by: Emma | December 22, 2006 9:00 PM
Great post.
Posted by: Purple_Kangaroo | December 23, 2006 2:03 AM
Perfectly said. Thanks!
Posted by: Mel | December 23, 2006 2:33 AM
I couldn't agree more. WE need to represent Christ more as Christians and not some holier than thou agenda.
Posted by: Marsha | December 23, 2006 9:32 AM
As the person who initially asked the question, I was not hoping or trying to start controversy, and I truly hope I did not. Nor was I suggesting that she abort the child, which somehow has become the thought.
I was just curious as to what others may have thought. I realize that they are just actors, and they, as we, are all sinners. I also realize that she got pregnant after the movie was filmed. I just can't seem to get get past the fact that she played such an important part in this movie, and she is PROUD to be 16 and pregnant, not wed.
I mean no disrespect to this movie, and I'm sure I'll eventually see it, when it comes out on DVD, as we rarely find time to go to the theaters for any movies.
I do like the idea that perhaps, as you state:
Her story is not finished - nor is the story of her unborn child, who will someday see his mother playing the mother of Jesus. Who knows what long-term plans God has in store?
I hope I didn't stir a hornet's nest here. I don't like controversy.
Posted by: Linda | December 23, 2006 7:53 PM
Linda - it was a very good question. I didn't mean to make you feel on the spot - I think it gave us all an opportunity to remember how important it is to think things through carefully before making decisions based on what other people say.
Love,
Barbara
Posted by: barbara | December 23, 2006 8:24 PM
I read in her bio that her own parents never married and separated sometime after her birth. Besides being a sinner (like the rest of us) she didn't have the example of married parents to influence her either. Barbara, I agree with you, and I appreciate your grace.
Posted by: Charity Grace | December 23, 2006 9:14 PM
How incredibly refreshing to hear such a balanced view! Thank you!
Posted by: Amy Lu | December 24, 2006 1:23 AM
Barbara, you are right on with your review. We saw it Friday night and I was taken away with the tenderness and gentleness of the movie. I like that it showed a relationship between Joseph and Mary---they expressed them as people and not some storybook figure we've all come to think of. They are portrayed as real. Joseph is endearing. The wise men add a wonderful touch of lightheartedness.
I enjoyed the whole thing...and the best part is that it isn't fiction. Jesus WAS born! Amen for that.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Barbara...
Posted by: Lindsey @ enjoythejourney | December 24, 2006 3:40 PM
Thank you for this, and I wholeheartedly agree. I mean, I really don't see the need for any controversy whatsoever. It's a non-issue, as you say.
I saw the movie twice, we plan on buying it when it's available, and we hope to make this an annual family-viewing tradition to kick off our Christmas season. You are missing out if you don't see this movie, in my opinion.
Posted by: Toblerone | December 24, 2006 3:54 PM
