The End of the Spear
For anyone who is considering going to watch The End of the Spear, I encourage you to read this article by Tim Challies, this article from World Net Daily, and this post by Jason Janz. (Warning : Some graphic details, not appropriate for younger readers.)
I really hate to throw water on something that looked like it might be a really good movie, but I do believe that we, as Christians, need to really consider this before we just support this movie across the board.
This whole controversy really saddens me.
HT: Spunky
Update: Check out C.S. Hayden's post for more thought-provoking links. I appreciated his thoughts:
I really hate to throw water on something that looked like it might be a really good movie, but I do believe that we, as Christians, need to really consider this before we just support this movie across the board.
This whole controversy really saddens me.
HT: Spunky
Update: Check out C.S. Hayden's post for more thought-provoking links. I appreciated his thoughts:
I have had discussions with fellow Christians who are film enthusiasts, and many of them contend that we should support the film. I would encourage people to read these articles (realizing that some of them discuss "mature" aspects of the film and its actors -- details that are best avoided by younger readers.) Given the various problematic aspects of this film (clothing [or lack thereof], actors, supposed watering down of the Gospel, etc.), should we Christians go to the theaters with the motivation of financially supporting this film? I think not.
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:21 PM
9 Comments:
This is a hot topic at the forums at http://www.endofthespear.com too. I would encourage everyone to read the thoughts of the people who were involved in the film. Actually... I just went there and it looks like everything was deleted. When it comes down to it... this was an incredible opportunity for Chad Allen to witness the gospel. It's possible he never would have even heard this story if he wouldn't have been involved with the film. He talks about what an amazing experience it was.. who knows what kind of seeds have been planted in his heart! I just came back from seeing the movie and it was incredible. I do not feel like it was watered down at all-- the gospel was clearly stated by Kimo and Dayumae in the movie... that the foreigners came to tell the Waodoni about how Waengongi sent his son Itota to save us. There is a clear change shown in the Waodani and the real struggle that Mincaye felt as one by one his family/friends abandoned the way of life he had known. They even included the miraculous event that occurred when the missionaries were dying-- when the Waodani saw and heard angels after they had killed them. At the end of the movie, it showed Steve Saint telling a distraught Mincaye that he didn't take his father's life-- his father gave his life to save them. Also in the movie, Nate Saint tells Steve (as a boy) that he will not kill the Waodani because they are not saved and he can't kill an un-saved man. It was quite a moving movie, and had all the elements that I was expecting... obviously some dramatic stuff was added for "action" and what have you, but it was really well done and incredibly emotional. Anyway, I guess my point is that I really believe in this movie and the message that it has sent out. It was very clear and I really, truly hope that non-Christians will go to see it and be touched by the story. To me, that is so much more important than who acted in the movie. I do not know the hearts of any of the actors or whoever was involved. I know that Chad Allen is gay and not a Christian, but there are a large number of actors in it that also aren't saved. Think about what an incredible opportunity they have been given to witness this story first hand. Not to mention the tribe in Panama that portrayed the Waodani as well. I guess I just really believe in a bigger picture here and that God will be glorifyed (and has been)! I believe in a big God that can reach anyone-- the Waodani or a gay actor named Chad Allen. I hope you do too!
Phew, I'm glad I don't have to think about whether to see this movie anymore since C.S. Hayden has determined that I or no other Christian should. That reading the Bible, thinking for myself and trying to decide what God would want me to do gets pretty tiring. ;)
Hi everyone!
I have a few thoughts after discussion with my husband and reading the links...
I wonder if we would be as outraged if it was found that one of the actors (or crew) of this movie was an abortion advocate, or thought there was nothing wrong with telling a lie? How about a kleptomaniac? Or someone who was angry with his brother, thereby committing murder in his heart (according to Jesus)? Is Chad Allen's sin somehow worse or more deserving of our contempt and disdain?
I certainly do not have a problem with any person who is led/convicted not to see the movie (for any reason), but I do wonder how many people practicing the abomination of homosexuality might go to see it because of the actor in question. Following that possibility, we cannot know how many might come to the Lord as a result.
Again, I would not fault anyone for following their convictions regarding whether or not to see a particular movie. I do think, though, that we are running a risk of elevating one sin as being worse than all others. If you choose not to view it because of your convictions or just your own preferences--great! However, if you are indignant at the fact that the lead actor is "gay" in a purpotedly christian movie, then I would ask you how many of the other actors' backgrounds have you looked into?
Well, there is my two cents worth. Please take it with a grain of salt, as I am fully aware that I DO NOT have all of the answers. Thank you, Crystal, for putting this subject up for debate.
well, i think this says it all:
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."
and i wholeheartedly agree with laura. what an opportunity to expose those who might otherwise protest this movie bc of its christian content to the gospel. the filmakers are not glorifying allen's sin, they are trying to glorify God by the retelling of this great story. God uses broken vessels! Halelujah!
interesting debate. there's a lot to consider, and i, for one, am very grateful for the information.
I can understand the conterversay, but.....I am a little confused! Is this a big issue because Christians are promoting it? Or because of why?
I just wonder why is this one a big issue and I have not heard anyone proclaiming the evils of the TV show Dr. Quinn that the same actor plays on? I think the point has to be taken about many actors in general as we know that most of them promote evil and sin. When we watch a film are you joining in their lifestyle or just watching? Is a Christian to ever watch films then acted by non christians or sinners, promoters of evil? I wonder about all of this! I just wonder get worked up about this particular film when I have not heard them boycotting other films this actor played on or other sinful actors played on.
Interesting articles, Crystal. If I had seen them earlier, I might not have gone to seee the film this afternoon, but I did go and am happy I went.
I felt that this was a well done movie and very interesting to see this familiar story from a Waodani perspective. The gospel message was presented in Waodani terminology so unless you already knew the gospel, the average American might not get it. I think this film accomplished it's goal of effectively showing the story of the killings and of forgiveness from the Wao point of view. It was moving.
I am disapointed to learn of the homosexuality of Chad Allen, but that makes me wonder, where do we draw the line? Do we look into the backround of every actor every director and producer before we ever see a movie?
What is the issue?
Is it Chad Allen's activism or his homosexuality? Would it be fine to view if he were a "quiet" homosexual (like it was known, but he didn't brag about it)?
Crystal, what exactly are the characteristics of a movie that you will support? (this is a sincere question!)
If an actor is practicing homosexuality, then he is engaging in grave sin, certainly. But are sin-free actors necessary to an endorsable film? And in that vein, do you know of any actors who are sin-free?
The story of the Saints and Elliots is TREMENDOUS. The evangelism work which the widows of the Wheaton missionaries continued, even after the martyrdom of their husbands, is perhaps one of the greatest examples of "Biblical Womanhood" that we've got.
Do all of you support censorship? Should the actors and the crew have a litmus test? What about the cast and crew of the Passion of Christ? Lots of people in that movie. Do you know each persons personal values?
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