Paul Proctor -- God Is ‘The Bad Guy’ In A Christian’s New Movie?

GOD IS 'THE BAD GUY' IN A CHRISTIAN'S NEW MOVIE?

By Paul Proctor
January 27, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

Christianity Today recently ran a story on a Christian that regularly appears in films of shall we say an eerie nature. In an article titled Under the Rubber Mask, actor Doug Jones was interviewed about his work in the movies and his ministry to young people “seeking their fame and fortune” in Los Angeles.

Of course the first question that came to my mind was: Why is a Christian participating in movies that glorify the ghastly? Nevertheless, he is currently appearing in an “apocalyptic” feature called Legion where he reportedly plays a possessed character known as “Ice Cream Man” who is gruesomely transformed before wide-eyed watchers into a screaming monster. Apparently, his 90-second performance is so compelling it is being widely used to promote the film in trailers I have seen repeatedly on evening television during commercial breaks.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” – 1st Thessalonians 5:22

I have to wonder if Mr. Jones thinks young people who seek out and pay money for this kind of entertainment will exit the theater in better spiritual condition than when they arrived – or if this is even a concern. The seemingly insatiable appetite for ghouls, goblins and gore has always puzzled me – especially among those who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. One would think having been rescued by the grace of God from an eternity in Hell, Christian moviegoers and actors would have an aversion to gratuitous hell-on-earth extravaganzas. After all, a craving for the macabre is not really the fruit of the Spirit.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” – Ephesians 5:11

Here’s just some of what Christianity Today had to say about the film:

“Legion is a wild story in which God, fed up with mankind, sends a legion of angels to wipe out the human race, whose only hope lies in a group of strangers trapped in an out-of-the way diner—and in the Archangel Michael, who comes to their aid.”

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.” – Proverbs 21:30

But what really struck me as strange in the interview was Mr. Jones’ justification for his involvement in the flick:

“Jones, a Christian, knows it's bad theology, but agreed to the gig because its director, Scott Stewart, wanted Jones to be a primary spokesman in promoting the film. Jones saw that as an opportunity to talk to others about God's real plan for mankind.”

So, for evangelistic reasons, this Christian actor jumped onboard a theological travesty just so he could straighten everyone out later with the truth? Funny – I don’t recall Jesus ever teaching the end justifies the means. Do you suppose those who see and hear him will do as he says or do as he does?

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” – 2nd Corinthians 6:14 &17

When asked: “Why did you agree to be in a movie that's theologically incorrect?” CT reported the following as Jones’ response:

“I was very uneasy about God being the bad guy, but they wanted to use my face and name to help promote the film. Then it became more important to me.”

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Let me see if I’ve got this straight: A Christian actor portraying a grotesque entity in a “theologically incorrect” movie that presents God as “the bad guy” is a good idea because they’ll use his name and face to promote it? Are we to believe Mr. Jones has the Lord’s interest in mind here and that his Christian witness to the media will somehow counteract the spiritual confusion the film creates making its biblical boo boos all better for the boys and girls back home?

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” – Isaiah 5:20

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Paul Proctor, a rural resident of the Volunteer state and seasoned veteran of the country music industry, retired from showbiz in the late 1990's to dedicate himself to addressing important social issues from a distinctly biblical perspective. As a freelance writer and regular columnist for NewsWithViews.com, he extols the wisdom and truths of scripture through commentary and insight on cultural trends and current events. His articles appear regularly on a variety of news and opinion sites across the internet and in print.

E-Mail: watchman@usa.com

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