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But David Buchanan of Stillwater, Oklahoma, writes, "I am less concerned about the stereotypical fanatic Christians like the one you mention in Inherit the Wind than I am about totally ineffectual Christians like the priest in the movie M*A*S*H. Ironically, the same character in the television show is one of the most positive and realistic portrayals of a Christian in TV or movies. That [version's] Father Mulcahy is … a complex character with human weaknesses, but has a faith that helps to overcome those weaknesses. The power of God in the process of healing is mentioned numerous times, and he is greatly respected by the other characters, even though few of them appear to have a particularly meaningful personal faith."

Kathy Shaidle (Relapsed Catholic) writes, "Great piece about Christians in the movies. I was disappointed, though, that the heroic priests in The Exorcist garnered so many 'no' votes. I so often feel people misremember or misunderstand that movie."

Denny Wayman, a pastor and film critic with Hal Conklin at Cinema in Focus, explains his firsthand difficulties in sorting out positive portrayals from negative ones. "Since I'm a pastor, I tend to see films that portray pastors negatively with a hypersensitivity that Hal has to balance out in our reviews," he writes. "And since Hal was a politician … he sees the portrayal of politicians negatively with hypersensitivity that I have to balance out. I think, in part, we identify ourselves with certain groups and then become over-sensitive to criticisms of that group.

"Having said that, we must admit that there are some with agendas and they need to be held accountable for their consistently derogatory presentations of their specific villains. If every Christian is 'Bad' or 'Ugly' in an artist's work, for example, we need to point that out—both for the artist's sake as well as the rest of us! As Christians we must also admit that there are some 'bad' and 'ugly' Christians who do make interesting characters in a film, but unlike having only one 'good' Clint Eastwood, there are millions of "good" examples of Christians living faithful and humble lives of service for our Lord. These should have a place within an artist's work as well."

Next week: Every year there are a couple of films that seem to come out of nowhere and catch audiences by surprise. This summer's pleasant surprise is Whale Rider.

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June (Web-only) 2003, Vol. 47