Sep 17, 2021
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflections in biographical film about Tammy Faye Bakker, The Eyes of Tammy Faye. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker. Kenny and Mike interviewed director Michael Showalter the day the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Faith Reflections:
All people have fallen short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23-26) and the righteous desire God has for each person, and all are reliant upon God's grace. Most or all disciples have blindspots to their failures and unrighteous actions. Even in the midst of actions and behavior that were the antithesis of the Gospel, Tammy did have aspects of her ministry that spoke to the message of Christ.
Rather than reject and judge LGBT individuals and persons with other lifestyles that many church groups and leaders in her circle condemned, Tammy Faye saw all were children of God and worthy of love and grace. Jesus taught to love all people friends and even enemies as one loves oneself. Matthew 22:34-40 Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus showed the Samaritan woman by a well love by speaking to her even as she was a person many or most Jews of the time would have rejected and conedemned, and who had a lifestyle that was not one God desired for her. John 4
Rather than storing worldly treasures God desires disciples seek to prosper by living as righteously as possible, drawing close to God, experience God's presense and bring joy to God by serving as Jesus served. Salvation is not in worldly weath, status, and power.People of faith cannot worship the wealth of the world and God. Matthew 6:19-21, 24
Properity Gospel and Nationalism are contrary to the teaching of Christ. Galatians 3:28. Jesus's response to Pharisees' questions regarding the righteousness of paying taxes, Jesus told them to return to the State (Caesar) what belonged to it, and to give to God, oneself and loyalty to God. Matthew 22:15-21
The importance in answering God's call. Tammy Faye was called to minister and that her call and ministry was as vital as her husband's. As stated above, this call included ministry to many who were marginalized especially the LGBT community.
Jessica Chastained reflected similar devotion to what persons of faith would consider a call to make this film and devote 10 years of her life to seeing it completed. Many called by God most accept risk and persevere through challenges, doubt from others and oneself. There are many call narratives in both the OT and NT.
