More Controversy...

Just what this Blog needs. LOL.

I recently saw "End of the Spear" at the Guthrie Theater in Grove City. I went to school at Grove City College and never made it over to the well-known one screen theater uptown. Can you believe that?

Anyways, "End of the Spear" is a real-life portrayal of perhaps one of the most dramatic and unheard of stories of martyrdom in our time. The film is based on the the murder of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot and three other American missionaries by spear-wielding tribesmen in the Ecuadorian jungle on Jan. 8, 1956. In an effort to still reach the Waodani after the killings, many of the widows and children still went to live with the tribe--eventually adopting some of the very same people who speared their husbands/fathers to death.

Every Tribe Entertainment--the Christian-funded film company who directed the movie--casted Chad Allen, a practicing homosexual and advocate of gay rights, in the lead role of missionary Nate Saint. It's caused an uproar in some Christian circles. I've included some links discussing the controversy below. You'll have to let me know what you think.

With all of that aside, at times the movie was both inspiring and disappointing. The overall message of the film is very touching, but I was left with the impression that people not knowing the story would seriously wonder what the missionaries were trying to accomplish (like, "were they trying to befriend the savages?"). Possibly a ploy to get non-Christians to watch the movie, but it doesn't seem like a good enough reason to me. The intent in reaching the Waodani people is not clearly spelled out in the movie and the gospel message isn't explicitly mentioned. There are a few implicit references to Jesus and heaven, however.

Links to more information:
-The 'End of the Spear' Dilemma
-Nate Saint Played by Gay Activist in "End of the Spear"
-The End of the Spear and Chad Allen Controversy
-End of the Spear
-"End of the Spear" inspires, falters (this one most closely resembles my view)

Well, that is all for today. I'll have to fill you in on what I have been up to lately. Another busy week is in store. Peace.

P.S. - I'll leave you with this quote:

"True peace--everlasting peace--can't be achieved because we haven't found a way to change the human heart."
Steve Saint, in "End of the Spear"