Posted on 01/24/2006 7:51:17 AM PST by No Fool
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. Jantz 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. Jantz, 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.
Then on the other hand, I've read the reviews by the critics, and many of them are saying it's more like a sugary Sunday school lesson.... and of course they gave it bad reviews.
It's interesting that both sides are criticizing it...I'll have to see it for myself.
Checked my local listings. Bonhoeffer will air at 10 pm eastern tonight. I'll be watching. Thanks for the heads up.
The Movie was the best I've seen in a very long time. It brought much discussion with family and friends. The missionaries gave their lives for sinners. We sit back and are far from relating such a cost. This particular log of postings over all is far from the spirit of what the Movie represents. It's stunning that the truth is not more revealed with the posters. Because the (actor)Saint is a sinner therefore for Some reason the Movie has no Value or Merit. That is very wrong. The theater didn't empty as it ended. People stayed till the last credit. They stayed for the story and we're moved. Bib Chr and Dan. Slow down your young zeal for God does harm here. Choose your battles and fear not. God is still in control. This Movie may be the start of many lives wanting to know more of what God can do. This is a powerful message. Thank you Barbara Curtis
Of course if this film had nothing to do with missionary work, the secular critics would have likely praised the movie.
So people, like yourself, would as this very question, and people like me could answer it. Jesus didn't judge ANYONE and loved EVERYONE. Even if he didn't agree with them. He loved those that society hated. He showed his love to everyone by loving those who had no one to love them. You say they are scum, but you judge blindly. When Jesus saved Mary Magdaline's life from the pharasees he made one statement that caught them all off guard and made them realize that no one is perfect, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." so I ask you, have you ever sinned???
-Kaiti ; )
Reread my post, it was obviously "tongue-in-cheek."
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