Corpus Christi Movie

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.