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.
Would love to hear an updated opinion reading this in 2025
Thank you for the thought! I've pondered often about doing this...
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.