End Of The Spear & Randy Alcorn
[H/T to Catez Stevens over at Blogwatch for this one]
First of all let me say, for those that do not know already, I am a fan of Randy Alcorn. Secondly let me tell all that do not know that I gave End Of The Spear 4 1/2 stars out of 5, and I stand behind that endorsement. I think it is a great movie, that it is well made, shot beautifully, that tells a great story, that encourages both the lost and the saved, and presents a view / side of the gospel that is rarely seen. The lives of the actors in the movie does not, and in my view should not, take away from any of that.
For those that do not know it turns out that the actor that plays Nick Saint in the movie is openly homosexual and is a homosexual activist. That fact has lead to some within the Christian community removing their support (which I think is wrong) of the movie, and accusing / slandering (which I also think is wrong) both Mart Green and Steve Saint, the two men behind the movie. Some very disturbing things have been said about Mr Green and Mr Saint, and many of them are completely unfair.
Stealing a point from Randy Alcorn, I like Harrison Ford, I like his movies, but I do not respect or condone his personal life - i.e. leaving his wife for a younger woman. When I watch Harrison Ford though I see the character, not the life of the actor behind the character. Some would argue that since this is a Christian movie that the actors should all share that faith. I that think is both unrealistic (as few actors are openly Christian) and also too inclusive (how are Christians going to share their faith with the lost and wandering in the media - regardless of the level - if we only deal with other Christians). Such exclusivity does not show the world love and open arms welcoming the lost, but cold hearts and closed arms that require salvation before we will associate with them. That standard (salvation and faith before acceptance) would have kept me out of church, and probably would have you as well.
Now back to Randy Alcorn and this piece. I like Randy’s writing, and I tend to agree with his views and his conclusions. This is definitely true regarding the current controversy around End Of The Spear. Barbara from over at Mommy Life reprints Randy’s entire response to and views on the controversy around End Of The Spear. Barbara also highlights (i.e. bolds) the parts SHE (not Randy) considers the most relevant. I agree with most of her highlighting as well.
Simply, regardless of your views, opinions, and ideas on this movie, the controversy, the topic, etc give this post a read, and see what you think. It is a bit long so be sure you have a few minutes to focus on it. I think Randy Alcorn does a good job of encouraging understanding, while supporting Biblical wisdom and proper attitudes in his piece. I would have said some things differently, but overall I think Randy is spot on. Give it a read and see what you think though, as we are big believers in everyone reaching their own conclusions. Full Mommy Life Post Here
In conclusion I will quote, adding my changes in (paraphrase and bold), Randy again when it comes to those that will disagree with what I have said here -
People often disagree with my books (posts, comments, articles) and they certainly don’t have to come to me before they tell their class (blog visitors, church, pastor, family, and friends) “you know, I think Randy’s (Frank’s, Team Swap, Swap Blog, etc) wrong here.” After all, they have my statement written by me right in front of them. But if they believe I have SINNED, and plan to publicly build a case for my having sinned, THEN they need to come to me first, as I would need to go to them
With that said, - Be strong, be couragous, and serve God in all things.
