First of all, there are some less than honest people associated with the film project itself.
Today at Sharper Iron, one of the forum participants posted an excerpt of the email he received from Jim Hanon, writer and director of End of the Spear. Hanon states in his email:
"End of the Spear is not about Chad Allen"
And yet, the pro-gay magazine The Advocate says something completely different:
"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" (source)
Unfortunately, when this man was cast for this role, this movie DID become about Chad Allen. Not only did it become about Allen, it would appear that it was done intentionally, with full disclosure. He was purposely, and intentionally selected for this role. Knowing full well that he is a homosexual man with strong ties in the pro-gay activist lifestyle.
Did these film project folks honestly think that Christians would not be (rightfully) upset by this? Of course not, they are professionals and they know what works when it comes to marketing. The plot of this film may not be about Chad Allen, the homosexual actor/activist, but the fact that they cast Allen in this film is quickly becoming what this film represents. And the actual story is getting lost. (Did the project associates consider this when they cast him? I can't believe they didn't consider this, and cast him anyway).
For further proof of this nonsense, Jason at Sharper Iron shares this:
Every Tribe Entertainment refuses to admit that the choice of Chad Allen was a mistake.
Every Tribe Entertainment is a new movie company that has as it’s mission, “To create quality entertainment for a broad audience that inspires hope through truth.” It was founded by Mart Green, founder of the Mardel Christian and Educational Supply chain. When confronted about the issue of Allen being in the film in a leading role, he told Christian Retailing Magazine that he did not believe that Allen being in the movie will “present a problem for Christian viewers.” He said, "After someone told me that Chad appeared on the cover of the gay and lesbian magazine The Advocate, we just felt, 'Hey, he's still the best actor.' If anything, he was more concerned when he found that we found out -- not that he has been hiding his sexuality.” He’s “available to tell our story of faith and forgiveness in the best way possible…Our position is we’re making quality films that tell faith-based stories, so we hire the best.” 17
There are many more issues associated with this film that should indeed be a great concern to Christians. I have not yet seen it (and honestly, do not plan to, now), but from almost all accounts, the gospel message is glaringly absent. It's impossible for this to be a "Christian film" and not have the gospel message there. That's like ordering a pizza and getting a pile of cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. If the gospel is missing, it's just another touchy-feely, warm-fuzzy movie about human relationships.
Another issue that I've noticed folks bringing up, is that Nate Saint himself approved of the selection of Chad Allen. Please don't misunderstand this, but why are people so shocked that a professing believer has approved of this? Look around people, compromise is EVERYWHERE! If you think I'm overreacting, you've been hiding your head in the sand, big time. Standing on your convictions is all well and good until you go against the majority, then you're being a silly, emotional, overreacting fundamentalist that can't see the bigger picture here. Unity on common ground seems to be the order of the day. Re-read this quote from The Advocate:
"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"
One of the other things that I cannot help but notice, is the attitude of those Christians towards those who do have serious issues with this movie. Can you say Passion of the Christ? Can you say 'greatest evangelical tool since the Bible? Can you say de ja vue all over again? I knew you could...
Those who are taking issue with this movie, are being condescended toward by those who are for it, and mocked, belittled, and/or cast off as legalists, narrow minded, unlearned, and all sorts of other insulting labels. I've even seen the exact same comments made already:
"how can you condemn this movie, have you even seen it yet!?"
Give me an extremely large break. That question was ridiculous 2 years ago when it came to the Passion, and it's just as ridiculous today. If those asking this question were consistant in their logic, then they'd better be out there viewing EVERY film that comes along, including all the x-rated filth. If not, they have no leg to stand on when they ask this question.
It doesn't take much logic to conclude that you do not have to view every film that comes along, to made an educated decision about the content of the film. There are many ways to come to this kind of decision, not the least of which include the many resources available now on the web, that go into great amounts of detail on the cast, characters, content (violence, swearing, nudity, etc.), plot, etc. Discerning Christians actually use these tools to make good choices for themselves and their families, and when they DO, these yahoos come along and get all fired up because "you haven't even SEEN it, you don't know what you're talking about!". Good grief.
One of the other comments I've seen that mirrors The Passion:
"you're missing the bigger picture, think about how many people might be drawn to Christ because of this movie!".
Oh don't get me started on modern evangelical styles like this. Like The Passion, from all accounts, the gospel message is non-existant in this movie. If there is no gospel message, what are people going to be drawn to? Touching scenes of forgiveness, pain, and sorrow? I saw that in Man on Fire, so I wonder how many people were drawn to Christ by that film?
"you're so blind, think of the evangelistic opportunties this movie opens up!"
Have we become that lazy in our evangelistic efforts that we honestly need a movie to compel us to share the gospel with someone? Please, someone tell me no. I don't want to know that we have indeed become so lax in sharing the grace of God through Christ, with a lost and dying world, that we'll only get off our hind ends and speak of Him when a movie comes along.
With all of that said, I already know there are going to be people that will disagree with me about all this. I just find it truly pathetic and disheartening that this IS even an issue among professing believers. And I for one, and quite grateful for people like Jason Janz of Sharper Iron, that have the guts, and the grace to see things that are just WRONG, and speak out for truth, against them.
tags: Christianity,
End of the Spear,
movies
