The February 6 edition of Newsweek notes the controversy surrounding the new film End of the Spear, the true story of Nate Saint, a Christian missionary killed by Waodani warriors in Ecuador, and his son Steve, who returns to the Waodani as an adult to learn about his father’s death. The movie’s producers hoped for a “Passion of the Christ”-type turnout. Instead, many Christians have protested the film. At the behest of Jason Janz, an assitant pastor in Colorado and creator of the fundamentalist blog SharperIron.org, more than 100 pastors signed a letter addressed to the movie’s producers noting their refusal to support the film. The reason: Chad Allen, the actor cast as both Nate and Steve Saint, is a homosexual. Janz (from his blog) is quoted in the Newsweek article as saying, “This would be like Madonna playing the Virgin Mary.” The article goes on to cite other noteworthy Christian leaders — including Jerry Falwell!! — who are encouraging their churches to see the film despite the controversy.
Homosexuality is a certainly hot-button issue in Christian circles today. Indeed, the discussion is something of a litmus test of sorts, revealing a person’s theological & political leanings perhaps like no other topic. Recently, I’ve been a part of several conversations with fellow ministers about this issue, specifically how we reconcile a desire to be tolerant with our theological convictions about the homosexual lifestyle. In a recent Christianity today article, Brian McLaren argues for a 5 year moratorium for Christian leaders regarding the issue. Here’s an excerpt from McLaren’s article:
Perhaps we need a five-year moratorium on making pronouncements. In the meantime, we’ll practice prayerful Christian dialogue, listening respectfully, disagreeing agreeably. When decisions need to be made, they’ll be admittedly provisional. We’ll keep our ears attuned to scholars in biblical studies, theology, ethics, psychology, genetics, sociology, and related fields. Then in five years, if we have clarity, we’ll speak; if not, we’ll set another five years for ongoing reflection. After all, many important issues in church history took centuries to figure out. Maybe this moratorium would help us resist the “winds of doctrine” blowing furiously from the left and right, so we can patiently wait for the wind of the Spirit to set our course.
I understand and respect what McLaren is trying to do. But would such a moratorium accomplish anything? Is silence on the issue the best response? The Christ-like response? I certainly bristle at the positions of many from the religious right whose responses to homosexuality are devoid of compassion and understanding. I find little in their rhetoric that echoes the grace of Christ. And surely silence is the best option comparatively speaking. But aren’t we called to interact with the world around us, to be conversant regarding such issues, that we might speak a word of mercy and truth? Neither the picket sign nor silence is enough for some of us.
I understand how people’s religious convictions would cause them to speak out about Chad Allen or Brokeback Mountain or gay rights or whatever. But I don’t see flocks of homosexuals coming to our churches because they’ve been convicted at our protests. I don’t see anyone coming to the side of “the truth” on the issue because they believed the picket sign: “Adam & Eve, not Adam & Steve.” Your decision to see or not see End of the Spear is your own business. But if you decide not to see it because of Chad Allen, I hope you’ll at least be consistent. Don’t forget to protest Walk the Line, starring Joaquin Phoenix, a former alcohol abuser. Bring your posters and picket signs to Big Momma’s House 2, starring Martin Lawrence, who admits to having smoked marijuana. And whatever you do, don’t go see Glory Road, starring Josh Lucas, who was in Hulk, directed by Ang Lee who also helmed Brokeback Mountain. (Josh Lucas was also in Secondhand Lions with Kyra Sedgwick who was in Loverboy with Kevin Bacon!)
But as for me, I think I’ll adopt a different position.
Call me crazy, but if we laid down our picket signs, others might be willing to take up their crosses and follow.
already & not yet 