A big hype was raised amongst the Christian community about Bishop TD Jakes new movie “Jumping the Broom.” It seems some Christians were not satisfied with Mrs. Paula Patton who is also married to R&B singer Robin Thicke played a part where she showed some parts of her flesh while being exposed in her underwear. Another problem with the Christian community is the character “Madea.” Madea is played by screenwriter and actor “Tyler Perry.” Madea has also caused controversy among some African American women, they feel he has gone overboard in displaying the way black women carry themselves. These two movies cause a lot of controversy because they are, considered Christian movies. There are other movies out there Christian’s watch and allow their children to watch with foul language and heavy sexual content, but they are not categorized as Christian movies. Anyone with common sense knows God do not honor his followers to watch anything that don’t represent holiness. However, if Tyler Perry and Bishop TD Jake’s movies don’t display sexual content or explicit language then what is the problem?
As a Christian how strict are your guidelines that you use to help you choose the right movies to watch, alone or with your family? The bible clearly states “you cannot serve God and man,” what do you allow to entertain your flesh? Tyler Perry Production’s are supposed to be created for all types of audience meaning his movies are safe for Christians to watch. But the problem some Christians have with his productions is the way he uses “God’s” name. Can you give praise to God or Jesus wearing a wig and a dress, and you are a man? Can you use God’s name if your characters cause lust. If you watched a lot of the movies in the early 60’s portraying Moses, Solomon and other biblical characters you will notice they are not sexy and sensuous they might be handsome depending on your taste in men but not enough to get your hormones in an uproar.
Can you use sex to lure your audience especially the female audience and put God’s name in the script? Do you feel something is wrong with this? In Bishop TD Jake’s movie “Jumping The Broom,” Mrs. Patton was undressing when her fiance played by actor Laz Alonso walked into her bedroom while she was undressing, the camera focused on her wearing nothing but her underwear and bra. Do you as a Christian see a problem with this? Could it be some folks are just haters, or do they have a valid point? It is no secret Spike Lee has spoken against Tyler Perry movies, not for, religious reasons but gender reasons. Tyler Perry stated, “He is tired of Spike Lee’s comments, and he can go straight to hell.” Click here.
CWL would love to hear your comments to set the record straight for those who are against watching these types of movies, or for those who feel there is nothing wrong with these so called Christian movies. Is this just another trick of the enemy to taint your flesh?
I cant speak on the Madea movies as I have only seen one. But as far as jumping the broom I thought it did well to speak to Christian values. Paula’s character wasnt a virgin, she had engaged in actions of the flesh and then turned to God, I was glad TD Jakes took this approach because in todays society that scenario is more relatable to a broader audience then saving yourself for marriage. It showed women that even if you started on the wrong path it is not too late to follow God, it also showed that you can still land a hottie and not have sex.
The scene where she is in her panties is just days before their wedding and the situation seemed as if they had never gone any further than that prior to. I don’t think it sends a poor message at all. Loved the movie and the various positive messages.
CWL thank you for replying.
Some Christians always have something negative to say. I may not agree with everything I don’t believe that it portrays a bad thing. Madea never claimed to be a “Christian” but Tyler uses Cora to portray what a real Christian is. Everyone is so focused on the negative and what is “wrong” versus looking at what the message is actually saying. I enjoy both Tyler Perry and T.D. Jakes and it’s about time movies are playing in the theatre that we can go and enjoy without all the graphic, degrading and very violent intent. When we as Christians make comments like the ones that have been stated by others, it reminds me of how some of us are when it comes to everyone else. Instead of looking at their good qualities we focus on the bad ones. Now who is acting like the Christian now?
Thanks for your response.
I can agree with what the writer of the article is saying. As a writer, if we say we are writing “Christian Fiction” yet there’s cursing and graphic content, it may not be an effective witness on our part. We do need to not conform to the ways of the world just to leave a legacy or make a buck. Though, I enjoy both Tyler Perry’s work and definitely T.D. Jakes’ work, I must admit that at times Tyler Perry kind of take it to the limits. He has been cursing alot in his films though they are funny and entertaining and have a strong inspiring message, my question is “Where’s the peculiarity? Where do we draw the line so that there’s a difference being seen in us as performers, actors, writers, ect.?” I don’t understand why folks are always “hating” or being negative, but I do understand when folks stand up for righteousness, even in the media, there has to be a difference. My take on all of this is: you can make a nice Christian movie that sells without the hype and the worldliness. But once again, we critique some of the ones who are trying to make wholesome entertainment out there for us “Christians” to watch, yet some of us do worst things in the confinements of our four walls. To me, and this is just me, it is hypercritical of us to demand “purity”; “holiness” from the media, yet we ourselves have “impurities” plaguing our understanding. Yes…there has to be a difference found in us…even if we are on such a wide plat-form as Tyler Perry and others, but you can’t knock the brother for trying and for changing the game.
Okay, for those who claim that this movie is OK for christian viewing, here my story. im a born again christian who has for a long time struggled with masturbation. One of the agents of masturbation was movies so i decided to quit watching holywood movies for i couldnt trust them. i was dong great until a friend of mine brought me this TD Jakes movie, i trusted it for i knew TD Jakes as a respectable man of God. When the movie got to the scene where she is undressing before the husband to be pops in,…yes, i masturbated!!! it was too graphical and made me fall. now, for once i felt some deep betrayal by TD Jakes for he had betrayed my trust! i was angry at him!!….the question that hit me later was “How many other people saw this movie and masturbated?”…..think about it. i dont care how many benefited fromt the theme, what i know is that it has contributed in bringing struggling christians down!! if you have never struggled with porn or sexuallity you may not understand this!..i did not see this kind of stuff in “Facing the Giants” why TD Jakes…Why!! answer me!!!! in the interview TD Jakes said that the scenes had been “carefully selected” and that “they(TD Jakes and his team) had control of the scene selections and shooting details” then why?? i dont understand!! whats the difference between this movie and other hollywood movies…what if the scenes had not been “carefully selected” as he put it??
ANSWER ME!!
Thats my story
I agree that TD JAKES and his crew should have been more sensitive on what scenes they selected, and they should never have put the nudity in it. It goes to show that there is still that spirit of fornication, idolatry, adn adultery in the church…needs to be looked at!
I pray the Lord delivers you completely by the POWER OF THE BLOOD and that it shall not RETURN back into your spirit in JESUS NAME ,its a shame i never saw the movie but of i am too busy before the LORD and really never even knew about the movie ,Paul said let everyone posses HIS soul with FEAR AND TREMBLING.i LOVE tyler perry and pastor jakes but if it is true ,if the movie is true ,i apolozise on behalf of the HEAD OF THE CHURCH JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF and LORD our saviour.
Stay saved and God covers you in the blood of Jesus ,your mind soul spirit and body ,and each time the enemy brings that thought to your mind the power of the blood of JESUS will kick it so far away from you in JESUS name AMEN it is well.
It is my opinion that Bishop Jakes and Tyler Perry movies realistically portray the very real people and issues that exist in our communities. Art imitates life, period. What people, believers and non-believers alike, need to understand is that everybody’s view of someone else’s artistic expression will not be in perfect alignment. Essentially what YOU see is what YOU get. The additional difference maker is how you process it.
Personally, when I saw Jumping the Broom at the movie theater, I was very impressed with the messages in the movie. I still do not see what the big deal is regarding the bride being in her undies when her groom-to-be snuck in to see her. What man and woman wouldn’t be anxious and ready to consumate their marriage while they are standing at it’s doorstep? It was a very realistic portrayal of the relationship between a maturing soon to be married couple. The statement being made in that scene was that waiting until after marriage vows have been made before having sex can be done.
I applaude Bishop Jakes and Tyler Perry for doing what they’ve been called to do and using their platforms to show us ourselves. I believe that most critics don’t like what they see because they see something about themselves or something within their lives that they don’t like. Instead of doing what they can to help correct what’s broken by focusing the correction on the people in the communities, they pick on those who have taken the stance of helping us to see who we have allowed ourselves to become. In the realest sense, most critics are aiming and firing their weapons of correction at the messenger. We need to take it all in stride and keep hope alive! Don’t be destructive, be the constructive servants that we are called to be!
I felt this article was well written and left the door open for a gentle debate. I have a great deal of respect for Bishop T.D. Jakes and also enjoyed Jumping the Broom and have to admit I was surprised, but not shocked at the scene between Paula Patton and Laz Alonso. Reading the responses provided great perspectives on the subject matter. Christian entertainment of all forms is a huge responsibility and we must balance the message with the package its delivered in. Facing the Giants was a great film (but so underrated). Again, kudos on a great article.