Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Controversy swirls over 'gay'playing missionary in movie (End of the Spear)
www.worldnetdaily.com ^ | January 20, 2006

Posted on 01/20/2006 6:34:17 PM PST by Esther Ruth

Controversy swirls over 'gay' playing missionary in movie

Producers of 'End of the Spear' respond to chattering over homosexual activist

Posted: January 20, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

Chad Allen on the set of 'End of the Spear' A weblog has stirred chatter across the Internet and talk radio over a homosexual actor's role as a famous missionary in the newly released film "End of the Spear," which opens tonight in 1,200 theaters nationwide.

Chad Allen – whose activism has been celebrated by 'gay' media – plays Nate Saint, one of five missionaries killed in 1956 by a notoriously murderous tribe they were trying to reach with the Gospel. The compelling story doesn't end there, the film shows, as relatives of the slain men continued the seemingly impossible venture, leading to the tribe's remarkable transformation.

The film is winning raves from reviewers, and thousands of churches and evangelical organizations are promoting it, but Jason Janz, through his weblog Sharper Iron, has sparked debate among some potential viewers about whether it was appropriate for producer Every Tribe Entertainment, or ETE, to portray a missionary martyr using an activist who blatantly promotes anti-Christian values and could use the film to further his agenda.

ETE President Bill Ewing told WorldNetDaily he was not even aware of Allen's homosexuality, let alone his activism, when the actor was chosen for the part.

However, he said, the bottom line is that "Chad gave, by far, the best audition."

"We know character and actor are not the same," he said. "The story is the star."

Ewing said Allen was impacted favorably by his experience with the film.

"We have all grown by being part of this story," the filmmaker said, adding, "We're glad our lives are not being compared to these [missionaries], because we wouldn't stack up."

Ewing said he became acutely aware the entire process of making the film was led by God and that he was just being carried along.

But ETE's office in Studio City, Calif., has been receiving calls about Allen, he said, and the reaction has been mixed.

In a statement provided to WND, director and writer Jim Hanlon explained that, "If as a film company we could only work with people who were completely sanctified then the film would never have been made."

Allen on cover of homosexual magazine.

"We do not agree with Chad over homosexuality," he said. "'End of the Spear' is not about Chad Allen, but rather it's about remarkable people who lived their faith against all odds, and dared to reach out at the cost of their lives."

Nate Saint's son Steve Saint, who served as a producer, a stunt pilot and had a bit part in the film, believes it was God's plan to have Allen in "End of the Spear," according to Agape Press.

Saint admitted, however, he was shocked when he learned Allen was homosexual.

"I could feel physical pain," he recalled, "thinking [that] somebody that lives a lifestyle like that is going to depict my dad."

But after further reflection, he began to see Allen's involvement might be God-ordained.

Some Christians might be offended by Allen's role, Saint realized, but "I thought, 'What happens if I stand before God someday and He says to me, "Steve, I went out of my way to orchestrate an opportunity for Chad Allen to see what it would be like to live as your father did."' And then I could picture Him looking at me and saying, 'Steve, why did you mess with my plan?'"

The blogger Janz, whose site is a forum for theological discussion, said he recognizes homosexuals have figured prominently in other films embraced by evangelicals – including "Chariots of Fire," which starred Ian Charleson, who died of AIDS – but says this one is different because Allen is such an outspoken activist and can't help but use the film to further homosexual activism.

Janz insists Every Tribe Entertainment was aware of Allen's activism when he was picked for the part, citing an excerpt from the Advocate newsletter that appears on the actor's website.

Ewing denies that, and insists Steve Saint also was not aware. Furthermore, he said, Allen made a gentleman's agreement with Every Tribe Entertainment to not use his association with the film as a platform for promoting homosexual rights.

Some bloggers have expressed concern about Allen's appearance this week on CNN's "Larry King Live" in which the subject of same-sex marriage came up in a discussion with Southern Bapist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler.

The Advocate excerpt cited by Janz says:

When Chad Allen was first told by his agent that he was being offered a pivotal role in an independent film called End of the Spear, Allen asked point-blank, "Do they know who I am?" Allen went into his first meeting with the film's producers and director with real trepidation that they and the Saint family-for whom, he stresses, he had great respect would not want a gay man representing their legacy. After he aired his concern, however, the filmmakers produced, of all things, the November 25, 2003, issue of The Advocate with Allen on the cover, in which the actor spoke of his faith and the importance of doing good works for the holidays. They had showed that issue to Steve Saint, the filmmakers told Allen. "And this man Steve Saint said that the same things that I talked about in The Advocate are the same things he fought his whole life for," Allen beams, "and it would wrong for them not to ask me to do it. That's an amazing story, right?"

No kidding. Allen's casting as Saints father, Nate-and, later in the film, as Steve himself-did not pass without further controversy, especially after a contentious Larry King Live appearance with minister John MacArthur the day President Bush announced his support for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. But by the end of production Allen was invited along with Saint and a select group of actors and producers from the film to live with the Waodani for several weeks, three days' journey from any working telephone. "When it was over," Allen says quietly, "both [Steve Saint] and I were in tears, hugging each other saying goodbye, because so much love had developed between us. It was an amazing experience:"

Janz has posted a letter of protest to producer Mart Green and Every Tribe Entertainment, expressing "deep disappointment in your selection of a gay activist to play the role of Nate Saint in the movie."

"We believe it is our biblical responsibility to confront a fellow believer when he is overtaken in a fault," writes Janz, who says more than 100 pastors have signed the letter.

Janz points out that according to a story in the January edition of the homosexual-themed magazine Out, Allen toured the country with "gay outreach" programs. In an interview last year, Allen was asked if he had been to many "gay pride" celebrations around the country.

"I love it," he replied. "Everyone gets so uptight about people marching down the street. … I mean who cares, these people have been doing this before we could even talk about being openly gay and stuff. These people have pushed the community so (expletive) far forward, excuse my language that who cares about the shock."

A story in the November 2003 issue of Advocate magazine says Allen "began pouring his energy and time into myriad causes, including the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which helps elect openly gay candidates nationwide, and the Trevor Project, which sponsors a toll-free, round-the-clock suicide hotline for GLBT teens."

In 2001, Janz notes, Allen starred in the controversial play "Corpus Christi," which features a hard-drinking homosexual named Joshua, who is considered a Christ figure.

Ingrid Schlueter, co-host and producer for the Christian radio show "Crosstalk," heard on 85 stations nationwide, says listeners are upset about Allen's role.

She said it wouldn't have been as much of a controversy if Allen had been a "quiet actor" like Charleson of "Chariots of Fire," but "he was an activist years before this movie came out."

If you would like to sound off on this issue, participate in today's WND Poll.


TOPICS: TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: controversy; endofthespear; gay; homosexualagenda; homosexuals; interesting; jesusforgivesheals; missionary; movie; moviereview
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-55 next last

1 posted on 01/20/2006 6:34:20 PM PST by Esther Ruth
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

bump


2 posted on 01/20/2006 6:37:32 PM PST by VOA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth
"End of the Spear" ...played by a gay....gee ....nah...just a coincidence....
3 posted on 01/20/2006 6:38:11 PM PST by injin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: injin

4 posted on 01/20/2006 6:43:57 PM PST by Esther Ruth (I have loved thee with an EVERLASTING LOVE, Jeremiah 31:3 Genesis 12:1-3 ***ZECH 12:3)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

this topic is getting a bit of attention over at this thread (posts in the 20s):
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1561483/posts


5 posted on 01/20/2006 6:47:43 PM PST by VOA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

Does anyone remember the movie "Chariots of Fire"? Missionary Eric Liddell was played by British actor Ian Charleson, who later died of AIDS.


6 posted on 01/20/2006 6:51:35 PM PST by rightwingintelligentsia
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

Heard an interview with the son on radio yesterday. He wasn't happy with it. Director threatened to walk if he didn't keep the role.

I believe that the interview was on Michael Medved.


7 posted on 01/20/2006 6:53:13 PM PST by weegee
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

In 2001, Janz notes, Allen starred in the controversial play "Corpus Christi," which features a hard-drinking homosexual named Joshua, who is considered a Christ figure.

But don't let it keep you from seeing the film if you are inclined. It is still outside of the Hollywood system and has a positive message.

What would be interesting is to see if the experience made him think about Christianity.

8 posted on 01/20/2006 6:57:52 PM PST by weegee
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: weegee

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006062213X/002-5134336-6796052?v=glance&n=283155

Read this book over 20 years ago, Shadow of the Almighty!
Excellent, then some.

Was really looking forward to the movie, but no way now.
How could they have let this happen!
This is a disgrace and sickening.
No way can I feel right taking my sons to this now!
I am SO sorry that I can't support this movie.


9 posted on 01/20/2006 7:01:33 PM PST by Esther Ruth (I have loved thee with an EVERLASTING LOVE, Jeremiah 31:3 Genesis 12:1-3 ***ZECH 12:3)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

bump


10 posted on 01/20/2006 7:06:49 PM PST by VOA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth
Nate Saint's son Steve Saint, who served as a producer, a stunt pilot and had a bit part in the film, believes it was God's plan to have Allen in "End of the Spear," according to Agape Press.

Hmmmmmmmm, I would like to hear how he believes this was the Lord's plan

11 posted on 01/20/2006 7:09:14 PM PST by apackof2 (You can stand me up at the gates of hell, I'll stand my ground and I won’t back down)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: DBeers; EdReform; DirtyHarryY2K
I'm not sure who may be doing pings tonight and if this should be pinged but ...... ended up in chat instead of news.
12 posted on 01/20/2006 7:57:12 PM PST by Esther Ruth (I have loved thee with an EVERLASTING LOVE, Jeremiah 31:3 Genesis 12:1-3 ***ZECH 12:3)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: EdReform; backhoe; Yehuda; Clint N. Suhks; saradippity; stage left; Yakboy; I_Love_My_Husband; ...
Homosexual Agenda Ping.

FReepmail me and little jeremiah if you want on/off the ping list.

Free Republic homosexual agenda keyword search

13 posted on 01/20/2006 8:21:48 PM PST by DirtyHarryY2K (http://soapboxharry.blogspot.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: weegee
the story is the star

Actually, this film would be a good study of how the real life of the actor can affect the viewer's ability to suspend disbelief.

I simply cannot watch Susan Sarandon, Ed Asner, Mike Farrell, and a number of other politicized actors. I keep thinking about their affiliations, and it prevents me from getting into the fantasy that the movie is trying to create.

14 posted on 01/20/2006 8:30:08 PM PST by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and Proud of It!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: xzins

If the political views of two major Narnia performers were well-known, it might keep some viewers from seeing the film. That's why I'd prefer not to know the performer's views and philosophies. (Liam Neeson (voice of Aslan) and Tilda Swinton (The White Witch) are vocal, anti-Bush, anti-Iraq war lefties.)


15 posted on 01/20/2006 8:49:53 PM PST by Ciexyz (Let us always remember, the Lord is in control.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: weegee
I agree. A family who lived down there shortly after what happened in the movie, lives in MA, and the son of this family who is a man now, (of course)is a Selectman here now. Very Christian family, needless to say a good Republican! They have a spear given to them by the tribe. They knew the Saint family. And gave the tribe one of their puppies (dogs are very valuable in the jungle)It's hoped that they do a good job with the movie, make it factual.

Very cool to know someone who knew these missionaries!

I thought the same thing, maybe the story and this guy playing the role, will bring him to Christ.
16 posted on 01/20/2006 8:56:02 PM PST by gidget7 (Get GLSEN out of our schools!!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: apackof2

He believes it because he feels the Lord did such miracles with this Tribe, that being in this movie, acting the part, may indeed bring about another miracle in the heart of this actor.


17 posted on 01/20/2006 8:58:10 PM PST by gidget7 (Get GLSEN out of our schools!!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: gidget7

That could very well be


18 posted on 01/20/2006 8:59:11 PM PST by apackof2 (You can stand me up at the gates of hell, I'll stand my ground and I won’t back down)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: apackof2

Well it sure can't hurt him.............the exposure! Rest assured, NO ONE involved in this movie will affirm or approve of this man's lifestyle. It does give him the chance of a lifetime.


19 posted on 01/20/2006 9:01:48 PM PST by gidget7 (Get GLSEN out of our schools!!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Esther Ruth

I am not surprised. It's not like the old days when John Wayne and Steve McQueen got the leading roles.

You can't ask whether a person is gay when you hire them for a movie role. You can figure that at least 10% of the roles played will be played by queers, because the number of gay people in acting is incredibly high.

I hear the movie is great.

On a related note, I saw Narnia Thursday night. Beyond excellent. I would enjoy seeing it again. But, did you know, the Mr. Beaver was played by a gay woodchuck?


20 posted on 01/21/2006 5:05:15 AM PST by Sensei Ern (Now, IB4Z! http://www.myspace.com/reconcomedy/ "Cowards cut and run. Heroes never do!")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-55 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson