End Of The Spear - Cal Thomas

Tribune Media Services ^ | 1/18/06 | Cal Thomas

[I'm ALL Right!]

Good morning, everyone! BTTT! (Shamelessly bumping my own thread...this needs to stay up!)

[bulldozer]

100 Pastors Sign Letter Protesting Gay Activist as Nate Saint in Upcoming Movie 'The End of the Spear'

[I'm ALL Right!]

I think that is sad and short-sighted of them. I would bet they have not seen the movie. Also, Steve Saint himself has no problem with Chad playing his father, Nate, or himself. In fact Steve is pleased with Chad's performance, and Steve sees the greater picture. God uses imperfect people (all of us) to do His work. Mike Staires has written about this quite eloquently on his blog. (www.michaelstaires.typepad.com/weblog) - IAR

Fundamentals fundamentally wrong about End of the Spear?

By Mike Staires

I've recently become aware of the controversy that's brewing in Christian fundamental circles surrounding the opening of the movie End of the Spear.

The producers cast a confessed gay man in one of the leading of the roles and now certain ministry leaders are having (and expressing) their issues.

For a little background...

http://www.challies.com/archives/001586.php
http://www.sharperiron.com
http://www.randybrandt.net/contend/rants.php?id=rEndOfTheSpear
OK...here we go.

For ministry leaders to reject the movie outright based on the sexual orientation of one of the actors is short-sighted at best and pompous and pharisaical at worst. I think this is exactly the kind of narrow-minded perspective that has given the church the current reputation of being out of touch and irrelevant...and unable to really speak to the issues of our society or contribute to the arts of today's modern culture. Of course it would be much more understanding if the situation was reversed...a Christian straight guy was playing the role of a gay man in a movie based on the homosexual lifestyle. Then, at least they could say that the actor in question was lowering his standards in order to play a role. This, however, is not that situation; a gay man in a movie with a Christian message.

I wonder how far these ministry leaders would be willing to carry their logic? What about Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Julie Roberts, Meg Ryan, Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Steven Soderburg, Ron Howard? Are these people devout Christians? Should their collective body of work be dismissed because of their sinful lives? Have these ministry leaders come out encouraging their fellow believers to boycott their films as well because of their sinful lifestyles? What about books written by Hemingway, Eliot, Dickenson and other legendary non-Christian authors? When does the book-burning begin?

More on point...if God does not rank sin, in other words, if my sin is no worse or better than your sin or Chad Allen's sin, then how can my work or your work or anyone else's work be accepted by this strict standard?

I do not condone Mr. Allen's lifestyle. Personally, I have a real problem with the prevalence of the homosexual lifestyle being depicted throughout the media. However, I think Mr. Allen's performance should be judged by his abilities as an actor not by his sexual orientation. Likewise, the film (and the producer's casting decisions) should be evaluated on it's artistic merit and not dismissed out of hand just because one of the actors happens to be gay.

And, who knows what kind of long-term effect this role will have on Mr. Allen? Let's pray that the same beliefs and convictions that guided Nate Saint will ultimately bring Chad Allen around to the truth.

The movie opens this weekend (January 20). I encourage you to go see it (sooner rather than later) and make up your own mind about the movie; its story, its production quality, its on-location shoot, and the artistic ability of its actors. Again, go THIS WEEKEND. Remember, attendance opening weekend often dictates whether the movie hangs around a while or dies a quick and uneventful death. This movie's message is too important to allow to die.

But that's just what I think. What about you?

[bulldozer]

For ministry leaders to reject the movie outright based on the sexual orientation of one of the actors is short-sighted at best and pompous and pharisaical at worst.

You can’t compare Chad Allen to Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Julie Roberts, Meg Ryan, Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Steven Soderburg, Ron Howard, Hemingway, Eliot and Dickenson.

Chad Allen is a gay activist promoting homosexuality.

[No Fool]

I see... that makes him "more" of a sinner than other sinners, and somehow it's more aggregious to God than adultery and divorce (common in Hollywood culture, don't want to name names) and therefore the movie has no value?

Hmmm.... I guess Focus on the Family, Promise Keepers, and other Christian groups that are supporting the movie are wrong?

You must feel like the rest of the parade is marching out of step. You must not see many movies either.

Lot's of actor advocates for lots of liberal and anti-biblical world views.

[I'm ALL Right!]

Click to read comments from pastors who have seen the film
(hit "enter" and then "endorsements.")

Rick Warren

[bulldozer]

No Fool quote: "I see... that makes him "more" of a sinner than other sinners, and somehow it's more egregious to God than adultery and divorce (common in Hollywood culture, don't want to name names) and therefore the movie has no value?"

I don't believe heterosexual fornication is anymore of an abomination to God than homosexual sex.

On a separate subject what if Chad Allen in is gay activism believes in Christian gay theology and would use his role in this movie as a platform to promote tolerance of practicing homosexuals within the Christian church? Does Chad believe he can be a Christian while at the same be gay? I don’t know. This is basically my biggest fear of having Chad placed in this movie.

[de Buillion]

"somehow it's more aggregious to God than adultery "

Excuse me, no fool, but what does "aggregious" mean? I can't find this word in any of my dictionaries.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Let’s do more than complain about the kind of agenda Hollywood is pushing. Let’s get out and support those films which reflect our own values!

I couldn't have said it better, "I'm ALL Right"!!!!

[STARWISE]

I know of the Green you describe, and he is a legend in the craft and hobby biz, and a truly godly man. Mart Green's bio refers to Mardel, and they have this link on their Hobby Lobby website frontpage, so I'm guessing he's the son of the great man, and it says "By Bearing Fruit Communications, an affiliate of Hobby Lobby"

Seems like this book and movie are quite extraordinary. I'm just trying to imagine being like that with the brutal al Queda beasts who are beheading and maiming people, and God help me, I'm sure having trouble envisioning being forgiving, which means I do need that help.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Tribune7]

bump

[amom]

Thanks much for the heads up on this movie. I look forward to see it!

[beaversmom]

Thanks for the ping. I've been hearing the advertisements for this and caught Steve Saint and others on Medved yesterday. Medved is heartily recommending it.

[cricket]

A liberal neighbor of mine has a sign in his yard that reads, War is not the answer." We can debate that, but we can't debate reconciliation as the answer.

I am imagining. . .that even primitive tribes have 'codes of honor'.

No doubt a good film. . .but cannot really imagine any parallels here to the enemy we are currently facing.

That said. . .saw a wondeful movie last night. . . 'Mrs. Andseren Presents' (Judi Dench/Bob Hoskins).

It makes one appreciate the 'old spirit' of a Country uniting against an enemy they are at war against. And it has the best non-message re Gays as well. (If only Hollywood could 'get it'. . .instead of the 'meat cleaver' they prefer to use on their audience).

Anyway, a 'theatrical experience' and one to be enjoyed. . .and appreciated.

[I'm ALL Right!]

Thanks for the ping, BG!

[blackie]

Here are the show times at Cinemark Gateway Mall, Springfield, OR: 12:40pm 3:20pm 7:20pm 10:05pm

The 12:40 showing costs $4.25, the 3:20 showing costs $5.25 and $5.00 for sr/child, the 7:20 and 10:05 showing costs $7.75 for adult and $5.00 for senior/children.

[cricket]

Just realized I screwed up my post. . .and for what it's worth will 'rerun' the following conclusion. . .with correct name of movie. . .

. . .That said. . .saw a wondeful movie last night. . . 'Mrs. Henderson presents. . .

It makes one appreciate the 'old spirit' of a Country uniting against an enemy they are at war against. And it has the best non-message re Gays as well. (If only Hollywood could 'get it'. . .instead of the 'meat cleaver' they prefer to use on their audience).

Anyway, a 'theatrical experience' and one to be enjoyed. . .and appreciated.

[ikka]

I saw it and it is a great film, simple, direct, powerful.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!