The other day I posted a link to a new movie, End of the Spear, which at first glance seemed to be a movie for everyone to see. I have been reading many Christian blogs since then and have found that there is a great deal of concern over the casting of a gay activist in the lead role. As well there should be. My first thoughts when I read this was, "there goes Hollywood again" and "how could they dare ruin the memory of these missionaries"? In researching this, I have found that the movie was actually produced by a religious, independent film company, so Hollywood is not to blame this time. I have read many reviews and blogs that relate to this movie and will post them below for you to read and decide for yourself. I have to agree with those opposing the use of Chad Allen in this role, as Dr.Albert Mohler says "What were they thinking?"
Chad Allen starred in Our House and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman on TV, but it appears the last few years, he has been spending most of his time directing behind the camera and not acting, and also busily promoting the gay lifestyle as normal. In this article, Steve Saint answers questions about why he would allow someone so opposite from his dad's character to have the role of Nate Saint in the movie. I can only hope and pray that God might use this experience of acting in the role of a Christian to open the eyes of Chad Allen to his need for salvation. I know he has been on Larry King Live with John MacArthur in the past, and Chad has heard the gospel presented plainly.
The first blogger to alert Christians was Jason Janz at sharperiron.org, with article title Nate Saint played by gay activist in "end of the spear". Posted on January 12, the word is getting around now. He makes some very good points in the article such as "we must reach gay people with the gospel, but this is not the way" .
Ted Baehr's movieguide.org gives this move it's highest rating, wholesome, and gives a complete review. No mention is made of the controversy, of course, and I also read a review in the local paper yesterday. I thought it was interesting that the reviewer said the film has "religious overtones". Another reviewer mentions the lack of the name of "Jesus" in the film, only "the son of God" is used. Another more positive review can be found at focus on the family.
One more thought on the movie, and I will finish this "essay"... The film company, Every Tribe Entertainment, also released in 2005 a documentary about the missionaries called Beyond the Gates of Splendor. This is the film you may want to watch after all. If you have a flash player, you can click on the link at this site and listen to some of this documentary.
In searching the blogs I did find a very good article on the five missionaries, also posted on sharperiron.org - "Fifty Years Ago...Five Ordinary Fools" You will be able to read quotes from the men, as well as their wives. The lives of these men have impacted so many in our country, it would be a shame to just dwell on the negatives of this movie controversy, without reflecting on the good that came out of their lives. I still remember the play, Bridge of Blood, that was performed during my first year of college. The play was acted out "readers theatre" style in the Philips Chapel of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga. The year was 1973 and I still remember the emotion at the end of the play when the spotlight went out as the missionaries were killed, and in the darkness the pipe organ blasts out the music of "Be still my Soul, the Lord is on your side..." Still gives me goose bumps to this day!!
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