Concern over movie version of ‘Blue Like Jazz’
- March 31, 2009
- Books, Faith, Movies
- 9 Comments
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller is a wonderful book. Beautifully poetic, humorous, and deeply insightful, it is composed of a series of seemingly random essays about various topics such as love, grace, and community. Miller’s book challenged me, as it should. I don’t agree with him on everything, but I followed along his journey anyway, willing to listen to what God had to say to me through it.
So when I heard that they were making a movie version of the book, my curiosity was piqued. First off, it’s not like this is a novel, but it’s not purely an autobiography either. Secondly, it’s not structured in such a way that it would easily translate to a screenplay. So I was excited to see the end result.
But after reading a review of the screenplay on Miller’s blog, my excitement has turned to concern:
Blue Like Jazz portrays a vivid tension between Christianity and the world. I thought it was fantastic. It was hard to swallow some the direct obligations towards Christianity – they are so true though. The times of hope and resolve allowed me to emotionally connect to the character of Don. I laughed out loud and swallowed hard at times when reading through the script. The story touched on every single issue that outsiders have with Christianity (Judgmental, Hypocritical, Antihomosexual, Sheltered, Too Political, and Proselytizing based on the research of unChristian). It’s an emotional ride that brought me to an ending that gave me much hope and confidence in (1) Being Christian (2) The story I am developing with God on a personal level and (3) Jesus.
The Evangelical viewer is going to come face to face with some tough criticisms. However, the honest Christian is going to come away feeling refreshed. The cultural elite are going to laugh at the cynicism and debate that takes place during the Reed College scenes and they will appreciate the genuine tension that Don has with God. Your Juno fans are going to love the the witty dialogue, emotional connection to each character and who they represent. They will also love the scenes dealing with rabbits, the Pope, condoms, college parties, and the journey Don is on. The dialogue comes off as very genuine, even when reading it as opposed to seeing it on screen. Homosexuals who believe in God will love the relationship between Don and Laura. Conservative Christians are going to have the hardest time with it – but it is a necessary affliction they need to feel. The postmodern crowd of Christianity is going to rave about it. Since the story is about a guy who is in college your college students will love it on so many different levels, especially, the character development of Don. I think majority of criticisms will come from your extreme conservative and your extreme liberal – However, majority of the world rides the fence.
I suppose that because I disagree with homosexuality, that puts be into the category of “conservative” Christian rather than “postmodern” Christian. So it’s probably no surprise that the way homosexuality is apparently portrayed in the movie concerns me a great deal. Further, the arrogance of the statement that such concern is a “necessary affliction they need to feel” leads me to believe that this is not simply about including a homosexual character in a Christian movie, but that there is an obvious agenda behind it. That is to say that if I’m a conservative Christian, then I must be wrong, and this movie is supposed to put me in my place. (It should be noted that in the book, Laura isn’t a homosexual.)
What message is this movie sending not only to the Christian community, but to non-Christians? From the review it seems to be that true Christianity (the “honest” kind that is not judgmental or “antihomosexual”) is made for the majority of people who “ride the fence” between conservative and liberal. It’s the kind that doesn’t pick sides or stand for absolutes, but loves the sinner while refusing to hate the sin.
That is not the Christianity of the Gospel, and I don’t believe that was Miller’s intent in the book.
Please understand this is not an indictment of Donald Miller or his book, only a reaction to a review of the screenplay. I’m still curious about how the movie will turn out. I just hope the review is way off the mark.
Update, 4/16/09:
Here’s a good interview with Donald Miller and producer Steve Taylor (who was kind enough to respond to my original blog post), discussing how they deal with the controversy surrounding their work:
A few observations about the interview:
- The interview was conducted at Mars Hill Graduate School in Portland, Oregon. According to their website, MHGS is an “evangelical and progressive institution. The faculty consciously submits to the authority of Scripture and the model of a hermeneutical framework that interprets the Bible in light of its grammatical, historical, literary, and theological contexts. Relational hermeneutics is a full-bodied, soul-engaged, heart-transforming encounter that involves the subjective worldview of the interpreter as much as the process of interpretation.” I’m certainly no theologian, but my assumption is that their views on issues like homosexuality are probably more liberal than those of conservative seminaries in the South.
- Miller contrasts Christians in the Pacific Northwest, who he deems more “balanced” because they didn’t grow up in a religious environment, with Christians in the Southeast, who he characterizes as being more apt to get drunk and sleep with their girlfriends. I thought this was an interesting statement, if only to demonstrate how he views conservative “red state” Christians.
- Miller mentions supporting Barack Obama for president. He doesn’t elaborate why, but he wouldn’t have supported him without having his reasons. Again, this demonstrates a difference between Miller and conservative “red state” Christians. For example, as a Christian I disagree with abortion and homosexuality, and therefore will not vote for a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage candidate, regardless of political party. Miller obviously feels differently if he actively supported someone like Obama.
These observations are important to keep in mind because they show where Miller and Taylor are coming from as they produce this movie, which is to say that their point of view is probably much more liberal than that of conservative Christians like myself. It will be interesting to see how that point of view affects the message of the movie.
Previously:
¡Viva La Revolución!
What number are you?
When we worship God
‘How Apple Plays Upon Our Insecurities’
March 31, 2009, 12:23 pm
I think that Miller and film-producer Steve Taylor were expected to come up with something that would be as edgy as the book is, or more so, and if you like things that "push the envelope," I guess you will not be disappointed. We'll have to wait and see.
Right now the 'What-are-they-saying-about-us?' genre is really growing, with Christian bookstores carrying things they would never have touched a few years back. It is healthy to see both our doctrines and the surrounding Christian culture through the eyes of others. I'm not saying Miller is an "other," but the film probably gives us more of the view from the outside.
On the other hand, more conservative Christians might enjoy an alternative DVD I watched recently; one that Donald Miller did for Bluefish TV, a company that markets DVD curriculum and sermon illustrations. It's called Free Market Jesus, and has Miller teaching in a one hour seminar forum that is much more tame. It would be more convincing that Miller is, indeed, one of us.
April 3, 2009, 5:55 am
Dear Jason,
The reasonable concerns you've expressed leave me in the unenviable position of defending a review of our screenplay while not wanting to give away the plot.
The review, it should be noted, came via Gabe Lyons, who is the co-author of the superb book "UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity…And Why It Matters." I can't think of a better single volume to serve as a companion piece for our film, and knowing the book, I think the "affliction" comment was meant to describe the same disquiet people like me feel in reading how a new generation views Christianity in America.
Yes, the screenplay is edgy (as would befit a story set at "the most godless campus in America"). And, as you might imagine, the semi-fictional Don of the screenplay encounters all types at Reed College, which is part of the fun of the story. But once you've seen the movie, I think you'll find your conclusions are mistaken.
You are going to see the movie, right?
Your friend,
Steve Taylor
April 3, 2009, 11:27 am
Steve, thank you for your feedback and clarification. In all likelihood, I will see the movie when it comes out, and yes, I do hope the concerns I've expressed in this post are mistaken.
I think maybe we're approaching the same issue from two different points of view. Where the movie is perhaps looking at how unbelievers view Christians, my concern is more about how we as Christians are representing ourselves to unbelievers. Too often these days, Christian churches have watered themselves down in order to appeal to mainstream society, and in so doing, the message of the Gospel ends up sounding like an episode of "Dr. Phil".
One reason "Blue Like Jazz" was so compelling is that it showed how Don and other Christians were able to live out their faith at Reed College without having to water it down. I hope that the movie can express that same message.
And by the way, you are casting Kirk Cameron in the role of Don, right? (Just kidding.)
May 19, 2009, 10:30 am
Jason,
I stumbled across this site while looking for news about the "Blue Like Jazz" movie adaptation directed by Steve Taylor. I am huge fan of Donald Miller's book and was a big fan of Taylor's music in the 80's. I am excited about this upcoming film.
Living in Southern California, I have learned to adapt to many of the cultural differences that we are faced with. I grew up in a 'red-state' Christian environment, and I'll be the first one to acknowledge the pros and cons associated with a strict Christian upbringing fueled by deceptive religious ideologies. What Blue Like Jazz communicated to me – and undoubtedly many others like me – is judgment towards the secular world is not OK is the eyes of Jesus. Understanding the temptations regarding sin is ultimately designed to help build my personal relationship with Jesus Christ; not a free pass to starting judging everyone around me who does not comply with my strict Christian code. Sure, having a core group of friends is essential to spiritual growth (i.e. keeping me in check), but knowing the truth of how God works in my life does not translate into making sure everyone else knows how the truth of God should work in their lives. I think God can handle this without our assistance.
It is obvious you are disturbed by homosexuality and abortion…a point which you've made clear. However, I believe your criticisms towards Donald Miller (charged by his support of Obama) have everything to do with how he (and Steve, perhaps) have offended what you believe to be true about God. You have every right to vent your frustrations, but I think it should be made clear that these men are honestly trying to do what's right…and expecting the end-result to be perfectly polished (reflecting everything that I believe) is just plain dumb.
One more thing…there is infinitely more to a presidency than issues dealing with homosexuality and abortion. To make an informed decision about a president based on these issues alone (whether you're a Christian or not) is not an informed decision at all.
May 20, 2009, 4:31 am
Matthew,
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog and for your comments. I'd like to address a few things you mentioned:
– "I grew up in a ‘red-state’ Christian environment, and I’ll be the first one to acknowledge the pros and cons associated with a strict Christian upbringing fueled by deceptive religious ideologies."
I'm not really sure what you mean by "deceptive religious ideologies". I don't feel as though my (admittedly conservative) Christian upbringing has been deceptive in any way. It sounds as though you would disagree. Maybe you could clarify your comment for me.
– "knowing the truth of how God works in my life does not translate into making sure everyone else knows how the truth of God should work in their lives. I think God can handle this without our assistance."
God, of course, doesn't need our help for anything. But part of living out our faith involves reaching out to others and demonstrating the love of Christ to a fallen world. And there are numerous examples in Miller's book of doing just that. Loving others, however, does not mean tolerating sin.
Think of a parent/child relationship. I have two young children, and I love them with all my heart. But they often make bad decisions and do things they know are wrong, which results in punishment. I don't stop loving them because of their choices, and in fact I discipline them because I love them. In the same way, God hates our sinful behavior, but He never stops loving us. Likewise, we can love others around us while still disagreeing with the choices they make in their lives.
Yes, I disagree with homosexuality. Yes, I believe it's a sin. Is it my place to judge anyone? Absolutely not, nor was that ever my intention with this blog post. But I still believe homosexuality is a sin, and I don't think the Christian community should be sending a message that says otherwise. Whether this movie sends such a message remains to be seen; again, I am only responding to the review by Gabe Lyons.
– "I believe your criticisms towards Donald Miller (charged by his support of Obama) have everything to do with how he (and Steve, perhaps) have offended what you believe to be true about God."
I'm not offended at all by anything Donald Miller or Steve Taylor have written or said. I may not agree with them on certain issues, I don't know. But I absolutely have the upmost respect for both of them. I love Miller's books, and I, too, was a huge Steve Taylor fan back in the day. My concern was more about what kind of message would be portrayed in the movie, a message that I felt was inconsistent with that of the book.
– "expecting the end-result to be perfectly polished (reflecting everything that I believe) is just plain dumb."
There is a difference between a movie not "reflecting everything that I believe" and a movie that has a specific agenda. Obviously, a movie based on a Christian book will have a Christian message. But Lyons' review made it sound as though the movie was instead pushing a pro-homosexual agenda, and that is what caused me to be concerned.
– "there is infinitely more to a presidency than issues dealing with homosexuality and abortion. To make an informed decision about a president based on these issues alone (whether you’re a Christian or not) is not an informed decision at all."
I absolutely agree that there is more to a presidency than issues of homosexuality and abortion. Again, in the video Miller didn't elaborate on why he supported Barack Obama, so I can't really say for sure. I'm not going to assume that he supported Obama based on one issue or another. My point was that how a person votes is indicative of how he or she views social issues such as abortion in relation to their faith. If a political candidate endorses beliefs that are inconsistent with the Bible, then I don't believe Christians should be supporting that candidate, regardless of political party.
If we apply that argument to Miller's endorsement of President Obama (whose stance on issues such as homosexuality and abortion are clearly not biblically correct), then one could conclude that Miller also supports positions on those issues which are not biblically correct. Again, that's making a pretty broad assumption, but if that assumption were true, then that would — in my opinion — affect whatever message he's trying to communicate in the movie. We'll just have to wait to see the final product to know for sure.
May 20, 2009, 8:10 am
Jason,
My upbringing was very Pentecostal and Charismatic. Today, I remain a follower of Jesus Christ. My statement regarding 'strict religious ideologies' corresponds to how the church intentionally influences how people view the secular world. (i.e. Abortion is murder, God hates homosexuality, etc.) Whether one is true or the other is false is beside the point: I see many churches today pushing their political agendas from the pulpit, and I fell victim to this as a young teenager and adult.
You wrote: "My point was that how a person votes is indicative of how he or she views social issues such as abortion in relation to their faith." This is a great example of a 'strict religious ideology'. In essence, this statement suggests that anyone who voted for Obama must be soft on abortion and gay rights, among other sin-branded issues. I'm not defending Obama, mind you; I am defending an person's right to vote as an individual…and not as part of some united church movement. Kudos to Miller for choosing to do what he felt God was leading him to do.
Jason, I think our beliefs are more aligned than it may appear. I like to debate, so it's nice to get into spirited discussions with other Christians. :-)
Thank you for your response…
Matt
May 20, 2009, 10:49 am
Jason,
One more thing I should address: 'Tolerating sin in others' is yet another issue that separates Christian spirituality from Christian religiosity. I agree that I should try my best not to sin…and I have the tools and resources (via Jesus and the Bible) to continually improve my life, learn from my mistakes, and grow closer to God.
But I WILL sin…every damn day…for the rest of my life…whether I want to or not. For me to hold other people accountable for their sins is the very definition of hypocrisy, especially when I have no context with which to understand their sin (i.e. I'm not gay…I've never contributed to an abortion…who am I to judge those who are like this?). Judgment without mercy is the most unattractive side of the church, which is sad because the church should attract people of faith without having to promote themselves. Imagine how many people hate the church because of this false principle of 'not tolerating sin' in others.
The one exception, of course, is the role of a parent. I am a father too, and God has charged me with the responsibility of raising my daughter according to His will and His law. But, at some point in her life, she will need God in her life and it will happen by her own will and not because I made her. It's what I do that teaches her far more than anything I will tell her.
Matt
June 6, 2009, 8:28 am
Matthew,
I have a bit of a concern with what you said: "(i.e. I’m not gay…I’ve never contributed to an abortion…who am I to judge those who are like this?)."
You aren't one to judge them, that's certain. You are a sinner and are in no place to judge others, but as a Christian you are certainly not to give any indication that homosexuality or abortion is not a sin. They are sins, and God is not at peace with them (as so many Christians seem to believe). God hates sin! Again, you are not to judge the sinner, but warn them about the God who will.
However, you are to judge, by Scripture, not other people, but what is righteous or sinful practice. If someone you know is a homosexual, you need not judge whether or not he or she is going to heaven, that's God's job, and not your place. However, you are NOT TO TOLERATE that sinful lifestyle in a church! If someone is a practicing homosexual and thinks that lifestyle is "OK" with God, we know that they are wrong. For it says in His word that it is a sin, and he hates it.
We, as Christians, are to make war with sin. A Christian struggling with homosexuality should never make peace with that sin, just like I should never make peace with my own lust. If someone is struggling with homosexuality, we should help them in their struggle… if someone is making peace with homosexuality and accepting it as "who they are," we should show them that they are wrong with love and understanding, and that they need to change.
June 23, 2009, 5:54 pm
Kevin,
You comments are basically communicating how much YOU hate homosexuality, not how much God hates homosexuality. Think about it… The more the church promotes this 'war' between the homosexual community and people of faith, the more the church distances itself from the reality of the world around us. Do you really think the Scripture gives us permission to make authoritarian rule over others in the church? Perhaps you should take a cue from Jesus and lay down your personal prejudice and love people unconditionally, regardless of sexual orientation, faith and anything else that violates your personal belief system. You will always find fellow Christians who will jump on the same band wagon of HATE, but your combined efforts will only further alienate those who desire a relationship with God the most. Lead by example instead of doing what most religious Christians do these days…JUDGE without mercy.
I have no patience for people who believe as you do…I know because I used to be you. God loves both of us just as much as the worst sinner on this planet. As much as that might piss you off, the sooner you accept this reality (as I did), the sooner you might accept every human being (gay or straight) and not just those who comply with your high religious standards.
With all those who are living in sin around us, the church insists that abortion and gay marriage are the biggest threats in society. Any person with half a brain knows that abortion and gay marriage are the least of our problems. Try addiction/alcoholism. Try sexual abuse. Try assault. Try fraud. Try chronic lying.
Try PRIDE.
Matt