I have always been a big fan of The Simpsons. It is (in my opinion) the most relevant and thoughtful show on television. The commentary that it makes on society is insightful and desperately needed as more and more people act without much aforethought.
If you missed the new episode after the Super Bowl, you missed a classic. There was plenty going on such as decrying the outbreak of showboating and taunting. But the forefront of the show revolved around the result of when religion meets Hollywood. The reactions that came from “The Passion” were varied and often at odds. Some thought that Jesus finally got the recognition he deserved. Others thought anti-Semitism was never crueler. Still others were offended that anyone dared to ruin entertainment with some sort of actual moral influence.
With this in mind, Homer was asked to do the Super Bowl halftime show, and after having no ideas, enlisted the help of Ned Flanders (token Jesus Freak). Together they told the story of Noah in glitzy fashion. The reaction was not good. Boos echoed from the crowd. But the cleverness of the show was the commentary from the news desk:
Ken Brockman (Anchorman): “All over America today, viewers were outraged by the Super Bowl halftime shows blatant display of religion and decency.”
Mother on the street: “You try to raise your kids as secular humanists, but these showbiz types keep shoving religion down our throats.”
Little boy: “Mommy why wasn’t I baptized?”
Mother: “You see. You see!”
Homer: “I thought America was hungry for meaning. I should have just sent a crocodile into space like I originally planned.”
Yes Homer, perhaps you should have stuck with the crocodile. But it leads me to wonder—how do you reach an individualistic society that requires a laissez-faire attitude regarding morality and decency? Should more movies like “The Passion” be made without regard to who may be “offended” by the gospel? Or should do more following the advice of Saint Francis and “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.”
An interesting quandary. Any thoughts on the matter are appreciated.
1 comment:
The Passion was useful. I understand why Jews would be sensitive given the history of passion plays in Europe, and how they were used to promote persecution of the Jews. I'm not sure that we can change the historical nature of the Passion story to ease their concerns. We need to love them to the point where they can see such a thing without thinking that it is about a race.
It depends where a person is at, but I think films like Signs and Bruce Almighty can be just as useful.
I guess i feel the PAssion needed to be made, but I don't know what other Bible accounts need to be turned into motion pictures.
Post a Comment