End of the Spear Commentary

After reading some of the few, yet popular, faith blogs on my Blogroll this morning, I have to express my disappointment in the closed-heartedness of some of the people leaving vitriolic comments regarding the movie, End of the Spear. Let me first clarify three points before I delve into my commentary.

1. I am not a gay-rights supporter or an advocate of homosexuality.
2. I believe the producers, director, casting personnel, and writers and whoever else SHOULD have picked a different actor to play the starring role of this movie instead of a homosexual activist.
3. Given my previous two points, I believe this movie is worth seeing for all.

My opinion is:

While this movie is just that, a movie that entertains, I believe the gospel message is preached loudly and clearly. Despite the fact the main actor in the film is openly against the God that I know, who sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the universe, God uses this fallen, unregenerate actor to demonstrate the power of the gospel to change sinful men and women and transform lives. The movie amazingly demonstrates 2 Corinthians 5:17. All people should see it.

The premise behind what I believe is best stated by the Apostle Paul:

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

Paul, Philippians 1:15-18

1. This movie is about entertainment, but it also has another purpose.: Movies entertain. I tire of Christian commentators on these faith blogs ranting. People, this is a movie, let’s not forget that. Lots of people will go to this movie because they thought the trailer was interesting and they will expect to be entertained. But … I do want to point out that all who see this movie will be encouraged in their Christian faith. Yes, if you pay attention during the movie, you will hear God’s message and plan for salvation. You’ll see the power of God to transform lives.
2. God is glorified, not mocked.: But the actor in the starring role is a homosexual activist. Yes? And ….? “But God is being mocked,” the ranters cry. Who is being being mocked? I contend it’s the homosexual activists. Yes, the actor was used in this film to communicate God’s love and plan for salvation through Christ. I’ve seen the movie. I know. Here’s what you see in the movie:

   The sin problem — These Hourani natives were killing “foreigners” and killing each other.

   God loves the sinner — There’s no better demonstration of God’s love than how the five missionaries devoted sacrificed their lives because they had compassion on the natives who were dying and going to hell because they did not know Christ. These missionaries gave their lives to bring salvation. What greater love is that to lay down one’s life for his friends? (John 15:13)

   God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins. He died in our place, so we would not have to die. — The movie explicitly states this: “Waegongi has a Son. He was speared so that we don’t have to spear anymore and so we can live well.” The ranters exclaim that it’s not explicitly using the name of Jesus Christ. People who use this argument really have no missionary or cross-cultural experience at all in communicating the gospel message to those who have never heard it before. I think that before one can say whether or not the gospel has been communicated in this movie should first experience what it’s like to talk to Russians oppressed by communism and having atheism forced on them for decades or trying to talk to Chinese in Hong Kong. I think it’s pretty ignorant for people to say this movie does not communicate the gospel message. I’ve experienced cross-cultural missions firsthand and I know how difficult it is to communicate God’s truth in a language you can’t speak to people of a foreign and strange culture. The movie shows Christ being communicated to the Hourani tribe in the way they will understand.

   Following God’s Son is the only way to salvation — The movie communicates this in the most effective way possible: changed lives. True faith produces changed lives. If you don’t believe what’s in the movie, then listen firsthand to Steve Saint in his own words from the 2005 Desiring God National Conference. He gives details about his father’s killer being the “grandfather” to his children. Now if that’s not evidence of a regenerated life, I don’t know what is.

3. You will miss out on a very uplifting, encouraging, and faith-building experience if you don’t see this movie.: So the actor is gay. None of his “gayness” or gay activism comes out in the movie. Get over yourself. This movie is not about “gayness.” Was the actor the best choice for this movie? Definitely not. But I believe God is glorified despite the mistake in casting.

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 22nd, 2006 at 11:53 am and is filed under Commentary, Movies and Spiritual. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.