Comedy Central is developing a possible animated series called “JC” about a modern-day Jesus Christ who moves to New York in order to get away from His Father. This is the same network that recently received an Internet threat about an episode of “South Park” that supposedly showed Islam's prophet in a bear costume; they responded by beeping out language and images regarding Muhammad, even though a recurring character on this same show is an unbiblical portrayal of Jesus.
David Bauder of the Huffington Post wrote, “Whenever “South Park” features Muhammad in an episode, Comedy Central obscures the character with a black box; Muslims consider any physical representation of their prophet to be blasphemous.” I consider any unbiblical representation of Jesus blasphemous. Do you?
I admit I am not surprised by Comedy Central’s flippant attitude regarding Jesus. But I was a little surprised to learn that the production company working on the project is Reveille, the same company behind the popular shows: “The Office,” “Ugly Betty” and “The Biggest Loser”.
It amazes me that many in our country remain either oblivious or apathetic to the clear attacks on Christianity, yet the majority of Americans describe themselves as Christian – 77% according to a 2009 poll by Gallup, with other polls showing even higher numbers. I am challenged to understand those who believe God desires Christ-followers to be doormats.
Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (ESV) I don’t know about you, but I cannot claim to be at peace with someone who purposely ridicules my Lord and Savior. I am at odds with this person, and I am called to pursue peace in a holy manner. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In other words, God knows it is not always possible, but we should strive for it. Sometimes that requires saying our piece when we cannot hold our peace.
A new watchdog group called Citizens Against Religious Bigotry (CARB) is leading a formal protest of the show. FOX News reported Media Research Center President Brent Bozell said of the protest: “After we reveal the vile and offensive nature of Comedy Central’s previous characterizations of Jesus Christ and God the Father, we expect these advertisers to agree wholeheartedly to end their advertising on Comedy Central and discontinue their support for unabashed, anti-Christian discrimination.” “Why should they be supporting a business that makes a habit of attacking Christianity and yet has a formal policy to censor anything considered offensive to followers of Islam? This double standard is pure bigotry, one from which advertisers should quickly shy away.”
Bauder said, “A development deal is a couple of steps ahead of a series making it to air and, in fact, most such deals don't result in series.” Let’s not hide our heads in the sand and fool ourselves into believing we have peace. We are under attack, and it’s time to fight back. Let’s do all we can to stop this disrespectful development from becoming reality. One way to do so is to participate in a dignified protest like CARB’s.
I would rather we err on the side of caring too much about the defamation of Jesus than to be put in the same category of the uncaring Comedy Central. What does it say to the rest of the world about our love of God if we do not care enough to protect His name and His image?
I totally agree with you. This is offensive to me. Imagine if we created a comedy version of the owner and CEO of Comedy Central’s mother and made a paradoy of her life, I wonder if this CEO would think this is funny. For now, we have deprogrammed CC from our Cable Network settings to ensure we don’t even accidentally view it. I agree. I think that we and I myself in fact, should and will contact any sponsors, particularly those who are shown supporting this program when it does run. Thank you for this report because, as for me and my family, we declare it blashphemy to degrade or even trivialize the most sacred and glorious Name in the universe; that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done!
Mrs. Brownlee, I totally agree that we must call out these type of blasphemous programs and the sponsors who support this show and in fact Comedy Central, or Fox or anyone who belittles or degrades the sacred Name of Jesus Christ, or the Father or the Holy Spirit. Nice work. I am so with you on this.