This captures exactly my feelings. I had seen the children's episode and was so moved by it. I went to the theater to watch the start of Season 3 and was embarrassed by the defensive marketing. It sets up non-evangelicals to feel like outsiders as soon as they walk in. They are pandering to a demanding audience, but that is always the dilemma facing evangelicals with fundraising needs. The mega-church nod with the sermon on the mount was also a bit horrifying since I understood the reference, but I'll respect those liberties since the others have been so worthwhile. I'm concerned they will take this beautiful show with an open-eyed approach to the text and use it for denominational and cultural messages.
You've keyed into a lot of my same concerns. I like the show, but the culture surrounding it increasingly seems to fall into the evangelical attitudes that have wrecked Christianity's reputation in America. Jenkins and Co. have a huge opportunity to "evangelize to the evangelicals" here, and I hope they use that platform to challenge Christians rather than placate them.
Have you read Kristin Kobes du Mez's book 'Jesus & John Wayne'? A great look at the American evangelical culture of consumption—it weaves so many of these issues together into a singular history that's both compelling and devastating.
The Jesus Junk Industry.
The monetization of everything is gross.
This captures exactly my feelings. I had seen the children's episode and was so moved by it. I went to the theater to watch the start of Season 3 and was embarrassed by the defensive marketing. It sets up non-evangelicals to feel like outsiders as soon as they walk in. They are pandering to a demanding audience, but that is always the dilemma facing evangelicals with fundraising needs. The mega-church nod with the sermon on the mount was also a bit horrifying since I understood the reference, but I'll respect those liberties since the others have been so worthwhile. I'm concerned they will take this beautiful show with an open-eyed approach to the text and use it for denominational and cultural messages.
You've keyed into a lot of my same concerns. I like the show, but the culture surrounding it increasingly seems to fall into the evangelical attitudes that have wrecked Christianity's reputation in America. Jenkins and Co. have a huge opportunity to "evangelize to the evangelicals" here, and I hope they use that platform to challenge Christians rather than placate them.
Have you read Kristin Kobes du Mez's book 'Jesus & John Wayne'? A great look at the American evangelical culture of consumption—it weaves so many of these issues together into a singular history that's both compelling and devastating.
100% agreed. and yes! I'm only about halfway through it, but Jesus and John Wayne rules.
I really enjoyed this article - great job, Houston!
Great stuff. Love your take on the chosen.
Recently wrote an article regarding my take on a classic novel. Love to here your thoughts, no stress.
https://substack.com/@dbtaylor/note/p-158837721?r=22o631&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Thank you for the thought! I've pondered often about doing this...