Studio 60, Gays, and the Culture War

I realize I may be the only remaining person watching Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. And, I realize I'll probably only see it for a few more weeks before it is finally canceled by NBC.

However, tonight's episode proved yet again why this is such a great show, and why it is so important that thinking followers of Christ should consider the content. Every episode thus far has exposed the view of Christians by the popular media and by the secular world at large.

In tonight's episode, Nevada Part I, there is a sketch written about the Standards and Practices department of the network. This is the group that tells the actors what they can't say...making sure nothing is too offensive. In this case, the head of the department is named "Jesus H. Christ" and the actors are lobbying him to let them use his name in vain.

There is also a side story about Harriett and her view of homosexuals. She said that homosexuality is a sin but we are told to "judge not lest ye also be judged." Her view gets leaked to the media, three gay guys give her a hard time, and then one of them presses charges for a tussle that ensues.

Matt, who portrays the stereotypical leftist media elite, sums up the cultural war as he talks to Harriett, a Christian. He says, "Your side hates my side because you think we think you're stupid...my side hates your side because we do think you're stupid."

If you are a Christian and watched this episode, you probably either thought it was absolutely hilarious...or it was very offensive. I doubt there are many of you who felt neutral about it.

Regardless of your view, consider these questions:

• Do you think about how your views are viewed?
• Are you in a little bubble insulated from anyone who has an opposing view? We tend to get proud and obnoxious with our views when there is no one to challenge us and when we have no connection to the reality of those who disagree.
• Do you consider what is a hill worth dying on? Isn't it advisable to withhold some of your thoughts and beliefs in order to have greater influence with a friend or neighbor? I'm not talking about being disingenuous--I'm talking about being wise.
• Is it important to you to say everything you believe? Are there some beliefs that just aren't worth being viewed as out-of-touch and irrelevant? I'm not suggesting that you hide your faith. I'm just saying that some beliefs aren't core to your faith and therefore don't need to be voiced if they will put a wall between you and a friend.
• Why is it that the world thinks we hate gays? In our churches, we often hear, "Hate the sin. Love the sinner!" And yet, they don't feel the love. They don't feel acceptance. They feel condemned and marginalized. How do we change that?

Think about these questions. Oh, and by the way, I thought tonight's episode was laugh-out-loud hilarious. I'm hoping the people in the hotel room next to me weren't disturbed.