Inspiring Pastors in TV and Movies
February 11, 2008 by pistolpete
There is an abundance of popular entertainment that portrays clergy as, at best, buffoons and, at worse, predators. Now and then, however, a character emerges who captures the struggles of being human while also grappling with a divine calling. I thought it might be fun to list a few of these that have made an impact on me.
Father Mulcahy on “M*A*S*H”
In early episodes, Father Mulcahy was played as well-meaning, yet naive and somewhat out-of-touch. As the seasons progressed, his compassion became more colored by the horrors of war. He struggled with issues of faith, but never lost it. He always came out affirming life and blessing those around him.
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Father Ray on “Nothing Sacred”
This short lived series (September, 1997 - March, 1998) caught a lot of heat from some pockets within the Roman Catholic church. I found it to be, however, a tremendous exploration of the challenges of carrying out Christ’s mission in a complicated, sin-filled world. Father Ray was more than a little unconventional and typically sided against authority, but he was determined to make the gospel real in what he said and in what he did. He also loved the Blues.
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Rev. Lovejoy on “The Simpsons”
No single clergy member has had a more enduring presence on television over the past two decades than the Rev. Timothy Lovejoy of “The Simpsons”. His droll delivery in the pulpit as well as in late-night conversations with the overly pious Ned Flanders nonetheless convey a solid understanding of Scripture and human behavior. What Rev. Lovejoy lacks in passion, he makes up for in persistence.
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Montgomery Cliff in “I Confess”
In one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest thrillers, Cliff portrays the agonizing ethical struggle between upholding his priestly vows and obeying the law. In the process, we see the depth of his human agony paired with a commitment to his divine calling.
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Robert Duvall in “The Apostle”
As the movie begins, Apostle E.F. (Duvall) appears to represent the worst of how we’ve come to see charismatic preachers. After a rock-bottom experience, however, we see God transforming his life in simple acts of kindness and service. This is a great example both of pastoral abuse and the potential for redemption. Yet, the redemption does not come through cheap grace - there are consequences to pay.
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Jeremy Irons in “The Mission”
Irons plays a Jesuit priest serving a South American Indian tribe, affirming their humanity even as he introduces them to God’s love in Jesus Christ. As God would have it, he has the opportunity to encounter Robert DeNiro, who plays a slave trader busy capturing those same Indians. The relationship between the two and how God uses each of them to stand up for life and dignity is stirring.
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It’s my hope (and prayer) that we will see in the coming years more clergy characters like these, not so much to enhance the reputation of pastors like me, as to encourage a new generation of women and men with strong values and character to pursue their divine calling, wherever that may be.
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other entertaining reflections…
pete,
you forgot Father Ted of Craggy Island. Genius
see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Ted
The Pistol fires back: I don’t think we picked this up in the States. I do seem to remember, however, a recent BBC sitcom about a Anglican woman priest in a small rural church. Anybody know what that was?
Pete-
It’s Mrs. Pistol here… you could have asked me… it’s the Vicar of Dibley! Awesome show.
Love, Me
The Pistol fires back: Hey folks! Look at how much the Mrs. & I look alike. They say married folks deep in love begin to resemble each other. Yes, Mrs. Pistol, “The Vicar of Dibley” was indeed an awesome show. I simply wasn’t that enamored with the priest.
I’m glad to see you are at the keyboard today. Also happy to remember The Apostle … what a great movie! June Carter Cash and some really great music too!
The Pistol fires back: Yeah, I’m feeling a good bit better. I think I was as physically ill as mentally - bad head cold. I hope I’m now back to my usual blogging self. Thanks for your comment.
I loved the Apostle, too.
How was the intake interview?
The Pistol fires back:
I have to be careful how I answer this because I gave my new psychiatrist my blog address (he checked it out during our session - which did wonders for my grandiosity).
Actually, the intake interview went well. My new p-doc (I’ll call him Dr. P) seems to know his stuff and has a good sense of humor. He clearly laid out treatment strategies and let me choose between two options. I have measured confidence things may get better.
Thanks for asking.
Peter,
Does redemption ever come through cheap grace? Lord no, it does not and there’s a divine reason for that.
You know, Petie, I wish you had all the answers to all my questions. I think it’s the unknowing and the constant barrage of questions I heap on myself that keeps my inflamed mind spinning like the dervish it is.
Life is a weird divine, cosmic balancing act. You can’t enjoy the sweet without having experienced the bitter. But why does the bitter seem to stick around so much longer?
How does one keep joy from being so DAMN fleeting? Belief, conviction? Self awareness?
Desyrel???
LK
The Pistol fires back:
Yes, living with the questions can be maddening. Yet, without the questions, what would we have to be curious about? Might get pretty boring.
Yes, there’s plenty of bitter to go around. I guess we just get used to it. Maybe even come to appreciate it, or at least become addicted to it. (Pause to take a drink of coffee.)
The question of joy is an interesting one. It really isn’t fleeting for me. Happiness sure is. Happiness comes and goes. (For me, I think it goes more than it comes).
Joy, however, is something so deeply embedded that the worse that can happen is that it gets covered up with all the clutter of our lives. Joy comes from faith that is not our own, but is given to us anyway. Joy is the Spirit of Christ who turns our well-worn bodies into beautiful temples of the Lord.
It’s good to hear from you.
Father Murphy of Little House (I think)
Didn’t Tom Bosley play a priest or a rabbi detective?
Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister but didn’t play one on TV.
And we shouldn’t forget Father Guido Sarducci (sp?) of SNL.
The Pistol fires back: Father Murphy was a little too sweet for my taste. I do vaguely recall Tom Bosley playing a priest/rabbi, but he’ll always be Richie and Joanie’s dad to me. Yes, Mr. Rogers was a Presbyterian minister and actually his tv show was considered a validated ministry by the Pittsburg Presbytery. He was a great man, and I maybe would have voted for him if I were 2 or 3. But, yes, I did overlook Father Guido, the chain-smoking priest (mea culpa). He would definitely make my top 10 list.
Really good post! Just found your blog.
Robin Williams just played a priest in License to Wed.
Cheers.
The Pistol fires back: Glad you dropped by. I’ve not seen “License to Wed”. Any good?
I’ve never read a post quite like this one. Very interesting… you are right that pastors are usually portrayed very badly. Father Mulcahey on M.A.S.H. has to be one of my favorites. I also enjoyed The Apostle.
Seventh Heaven show seemed at first like it was going to be ok, but then it went south in a hurry.
The Pistol fires back: I’ve never seen “Seventh Heaven”, but I’ve heard it’s a bit hokey.
Marriage Therapy
Reading the blog and the otherposts I see things that are close to home. I have added you to my digg account for bookmarking.
The Pistol fires back: Does this mean I can get some free Marriage Therapy?
Bill
Nice article.
The Pistol fires back: Thanks. That’s very thoughtful.
francis marion jones
Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..
The Pistol fires back: Thank you. I will certainly do my best.