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Corpus Christi Movie

  The Corpus Christi Movie is causing some strong reactions. Have you heard of it? There is a play by Terrence McNally called "Corpus Christi," which portrays a gay Jesus and gay apostles. Set in Corpus Christi (body of Christ), Texas in the 1950s, it premiered in 1998 at the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City.

The play should not be confused with a documentary film (1997) also named Corpus Christi which was made by filmmakers Gerard Mordillat and Jerome Prieur. The film explores the historical figure of Jesus and in no way portrays Jesus as gay. It has no connection whatsoever to the McNally play.

There is an email circulating which says that the "Corpus Christi Movie" (distinct from the documentary mentioned above) is going to be released (summer of 2009) as a movie. The email said:

"Our country Is In desperate need of continued prayer for this type of thing along with other things that are happening in our nation.

The movie Corpus Christi is due to be released this June to August.

This disgusting film set to appear in America later this year and it depicts Jesus and his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theatres for a while. It's called Corpus Christi which means 'The Body of Christ.' It's a revolting mockery of our Lord. But, we can make a difference. That's why I am sending this e-mail to you. If you do send this around, we may be able to prevent this film from showing in America.

Apparently, some regions in Europe have already banned the film. We need a lot of prayers and a lot of e-mails. As a Christian I want to take a stand in what I believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Savior. At the risk of a bit of inconvenience, I'm forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it. Please help us prevent such offenses against our Lord. It will take you less than 2 minutes to pass it on.

If you are not interested, or do not have the two minutes it will take to do this, please don't complain when God does not have time for you, because He is far busier than we are.

Remember, Jesus said 'Deny Me on earth and I'll deny you before my Father.'"


There are two things I would like to bring out in regard to the email text above:

1. Freedom of Expression

"Prevent the Corpus Christi movie from showing?" How? And on what grounds? There has to be a reasonable basis for any attempts to prevent it. Christians who disseminate the sort of information in this email, petitions etc. are probably doing so without thinking of the implications regarding freedom of expression and, ultimately, freedom of conscience.

There are those in the Christian world who are pushing for legislative actions with regard to religious activity on such issues as prayer in school, posting of the ten commandments in public places etc. While we might object to certain forms of expression, when we push for legislative actions to restrict or ban such things the effect can be to, in some way, restrict the freedom of other people. Others must be allowed the freedom even to speak against our Lord; they have the right to do so, just as we have the right to speak the truth against religious (or other) persecution or error wherever we see it.

When we push for such restrictions we are setting a precedent (government interfering with religious liberty and freedom of expression) that could someday impinge on our own liberty in similar areas.

We should not promote the idea of using the state to silence those with whom we disagree. Rather, what we should do is to share the truth about God.

Also, using any kind of action (except prayer) against the release of such a movie is actually contrary to the character of God who does not use force against His enemies even though it might (at first glance in the Bible) seem so.

2. The Corpus Christi Movie is a Hoax.

If you were to take the time to check out the following websites:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/gayjesus.asp
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/moviesandtheater/a/gay_jesus_movie.htm

you would find that there is no such thing as "The Corpus Christi Movie" talked about in the email and that such email rumors have been circulating since at least 2000. The Corpus Christi movie is not even indexed at the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) and Google doesn't show anything for it.

Note that more recent listings at the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) for "Corpus Christi" are not for any 2009 release as suggested by the email.

Satan operates on fear. As Christians (while we want to be informed of what is true) we should be very careful about spreading anything that can generate fear (even if it is true).

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7)

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18)

So, when you receive such messages in your email in box please check them out using sources like the three above (and there are others) before you forward it. Truth is not served by spreading rumors and you may only be spreading (an even unwarranted) fear.

We are told to test the spirits:

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)

The same could be said for testing our emails. A major part of trying or testing them is testing their source! So please do that. However, if you are - like this page is doing - warning against intolerance or attempts to restrict freedoms, that is OK. Even God will not impose on our free wills.

Also, think twice about taking part in petitions or like actions that would restrict others freedom of expression. God gives us all a free will, even a right to choose to follow Him or not. Correctly understanding this is a wonderful revelation.

Rather than worry about people who might promote the Corpus Christi Movie, we would be better to share with others - and show in our own lives - true examples of Christianity.

Incidentally, Terrence McNally, who was responsible for the play, grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Before You Comment - Read This
Some of your comments (below) got me thinking and while I haven't changed the text above I would like to shift my stand somewhat from the idea of defending freedom of expression (that can hurt people, as some of you have pointed our in your excellent comments) to defending freedom of conscience without the threat of force. Obviously, there is a fine line and that line is different for every person. We all need to exercise tolerance towards others and, of course, that should include those who would think to make or promote material that is offensive to others. Be clear that I am not defending the production of such material.

 

The Corpus Christi Movie and Freedom of Expression - Any Thoughts or Comments?

The purpose of this web page is to make a statement about freedom of expression. I do not want it to become a debate about the Corpus Christi Movie itself or its subject matter. All posts will be moderated and possibly edited to maintain a high quality of content. Very short submissions or those that don't appear to contribute significantly will probably not be posted.- Ray Foucher, moderator

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Question  
If a platoon of straight American soldiers fighting overseas to successfully stop the slaughter of hundreds of people and spread of that evil, if most …

Jack Fordon 
Another example of the decaying of the world. This movie has established a new low. Let us pray that there will be a fierce but peaceful boycott of this …

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_McNally 
In America the religious freedom and rights of Christians are under attack. We're being forced to accept the gay agenda and if we do not we're told we …

The Corpus Christi Movie and Freedom of Expression comment 
First of all, I want to greet every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and may God bless and keep each one of you in His truth of the Gospel in Jesus …

The Corpus Christi Movie and Freedom of Expression comment 
First of all, I want to greet every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and may God bless and keep each one of you in His truth of the Gospel in Jesus …

Share Truth in Love  
Out of our love for Christ and others, we need to use our freedom of speech to fearlessly guard others from being led astray by sharing the truth with …

Share Truth in Love  
Out of our love for Christ and others, we need to use our freedom of speech to fearlessly guard others from being led astray by sharing the truth with …

Believer  
Man's law freedom of speech or expression or what one believes is just that man made laws! There is nothing in the Bible to back these laws that have been …

Mr. Ronnie C. Baramasimbe (Elder) 
Thanks so much for going at length to express your opinion and even reminding us of the (principle of) freedom of expression. After I had circulated the …

Pray for McNally's Soul 
I've never heard of this play, or the future movie coming out. I was sent an email from my sister about this movie to send to other email addresses. …

Corpus Christi: End of times 
The Bible clearly states when His coming gets closer, there will be rumors of wars, nature disasters, illnesses, sickness and many other things. This film, …

Shallom.. 
Dear beloved brothers and sisters.. I must admit, at first I was ashamed to react so quickly to this rumor. That is what it can do. When we let too …

Corpus Christi Movie Shows Lack of Respect for Christian Belief 
I realize imagination is important and freedom of expression also. What is difficult for me to understand is how anyone can even determine this as being …

The Corpus Christi Movie - Is it Really a Hoax??? 
Hmm! After receiving the e-mail-I wanted to check the validity before I sent it on. Most of what I've found says its a hoax. Then I found this site talking …

The Corpus Christi Movie a Distraction 
Hi there. This kind if discussion is a distraction. We are all made in God's image and all filled with His Spirit. We have a message of joy and redemption …

Prayer re The Corpus Christi Movie 
Prayer is incredibly powerful, and tonight I will certainly pray for Mr. McNalley and anyone else who does not realize that when we die, we will stand …

The Corpus Christi Movie and Limits to Freedom of Expression 
To what extent should people be allowed freedom of expression? I understand the value of freedom of expression and speech etc. but by that same logic, …

And What About this Abomination? 
"Inspired by Terrence McNally's "controversial" play about a young gay Jesus, Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption follows a group of actors who began …

The Corpus Christi Movie - Don't Let it Distract You 
Fear of the unknown can often cause people to create such filth. I want to suggest that we who understand the life of Christ, we who believe in our hearts …

The Corpus Christi "Movie" - An Abomination  
The pseudo-film or idea of it, is still an abomination to a majority of people - religious and non-religious. Response: Angelo, what you say is, …

The Corpus Christi Movie and Mohammed 
Just dare to depict the "Prophet" Mohammed in such a light and watch the Mohammedans kick up a storm. Won't happen. People are too afraid of bombs and …

We Should Be Fearful 
Even if this (Corpus Christi) movie IS a hoax, we must NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! And just because this idea's been around since 2000, that doesn't mean it might …

Freedom of Expression 
We must always remember that in taking others freedoms away we also take our own away. I've tried to make this point about Freedom of expression for so …

Corpus Christi Movie Update 
Howdy.. I was searching for information about the movie "Corpus Christi"... and found your site and info. I think it may be time for another IMDB search... …

Click here to write your own.

You Have Your Corpus Christi Movie Facts Correct 
The documentary I mention refers to the current documentary that is about to be released. I believe this was the documentary the previous commenter was …

Info Is Incorrect 
Your information is incorrect. First, there was the play, which does in fact depict Christ as gay. And secondly, there was a documentary about the play …

More Fear Than Reality 
Thank you for a fair and balanced assessment of the film (the 1997 documentary) in question. The origin of the email in question was likely based more …

Click here to write your own.


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