Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 02/09/24
Line of scrimmage. Last June, Joe Kennedy (no relation) held the line against the legal assault on free speech and worship when he won his Supreme Court case stemming from his dismissal from his football coaching job at Bremerton High School in Washington State for his persistence in openly (though quietly) praying after games. Though he won his job back he surprised everyone by resigning shortly thereafter. His story is told in his book Average Joe: One Man’s Faith and the Fight to Change a Nation.
JWK: I understand you’re a former atheist. How did you go from that to praying at the end of football games?
JK: I found my faith – I don’t know – maybe a year after I retired from the Marine Corps. My wife and I were at odds with each other. I didn’t know how to be a good husband or a father. I had nowhere else to turn. Finally, I just turned to God. I made a deal with Him that I would give Him my life if He worked it out with my wife. So, that’s how that all started. Then I was watching Facing the Giants, the football movie. When I saw that it was like God was calling me to coach. So, I just made a commitment there and that was my covenant (with) God. I said “I’ll give you glory after every game, win or lose” – just like in the movie. That’s what I did.
JWK: What made you decide to fight and not just go away?
JK: Number One, this all started from a compliment. Somebody else saw what we were doing and called the principal and said “Hey! What your football program is doing is awesome!” So, they started an investigation. Based on that they wanted to navigate the whole Establishment Clause and the Separation of Church and State. I told them that “Hey, I have my rights to able to pray. This is America. You can follow your faith wherever you want.” So, they ended up giving me a letter and said “Stop praying with your team.” And I did. I never prayed with my team again. Then they gave me another letter and said “No, you’re still praying. If you don’t stop we’re gonna have to put you on administrative leave until you comply with the school district’s policy.” So, that’s how that all started.
JK: Absolutely correct, yes.
JWK: Do you ever feel like there’s a double standard for these things in the media? Tim Tebow used to take a knee at the end of games and he got mocked and criticized by some who found it inappropriate. Colin Kaepernick, on the other hand, would take a knee for a different cause and he was hailed for it. Do you think when Christianity or religion is involved people often take a different view of these things?
JWK: When you were a Marine, did you serve overseas?
JWK: Wow! Thank you for your service. With that experience, did you feel affronted after coming home and having your own rights trampled on?
JWK: How long did your court battle go on?
JWK: What was your reaction when you finally won?
JK: He’s making it. He’s a stubborn old guy…He’s in great spirits.
JK: They shot for 22 days in Louisiana. My wife and I got to go and be on the set, meet all the actors and fill them in on the story behind the scenes to give them more context of who we are. They wanted to be true to us, try to get the right message and be faithful. So, that was quite an experience. It’s very weird to see your life being played right in front of you by other people.
JK: That is correct.
JK: I think they did. I think they did an awesome job. Eric kind of picked me up real easy. I’m a pretty simple kind of guy. I’m just straightforward. Amy did a wonderful job playing Denise. She spent a lot of time with Denise. They sat there and they laughed, they cried, they shared stories with each other. I think she really captured the essence of Denise so I’m really happy about that.
JK: They say October is going to be the release date. I don’t have an exact date yet. We’re hoping that one of the trailers will come out in the next couple of weeks.
JK: Yeah. We’re almost three weeks into it now. We’re both taking classes and both learning about the Old Testament and the mission field.
JK: We’re (kicking) that around. I don’t know where God’s gonna take us. He might just have me…get a normal job working nine to five – but I want to be available to serve wherever I’m needed and wherever I’m called.
JK: It’s kind of a mix. I’m going for the Chiefs just because the 49ers are a big rival of Seattle and everybody on the west coast…I think the Chiefs are gonna edge them out.
JK: I just think it’s awesome that we’re coming to the wrap of the 2024 season already. I’m already starting to look (ahead toward) next year – especially with college (football)…Also we’ve got the presidential election coming up so I’m excited for the rest of the year. There’s gonna be a lot of things happening here in America.
JK: Oh, yeah. I honestly can’t see Biden being viable for another term. They can’t tell the American public (yet) that he’s not going to remain president. I’ve got some thoughts on who the Democrats are gonna take but I’m still sticking with Trump. He backed me up when I needed him so I will be a true fan for him. He’s not just a politician. I think we need to straighten some things up in the country. We don’t need any more politicians messing it up.
JK: Yes, he did. He absolutely did. He did a lot for conservatives and for religious freedom here in America. You know, with the judges that he put into place he kinda brought the country back to, I would say, more toward the center instead of it being ultra-liberal or ultra-conservative. I think the justice system is supposed to be blind to both of those so I think he kind of evened it out a little bit. He’s always supported me. He’s tweeted out (in support of me). We’ve met with each other. I got to shake his hand. I got to talk to him a few times. I’m one of those loyal guys. I’ll stick with him until the end.
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Taking a knee during the Big Game. Move over Bud Light. Hallow, billed as the No. 1 prayer app in the world, is unveiling its own Super Bowl ad this Sunday. Co-starring Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen) and Mark Wahlberg (Father Stu), the 30-second spot which is set to air shortly before half time will encourage fans to take time away from the spectacle on the field and spend a quiet moment with God. It is Sunday, after all, and Ash Wednesday (aka the beginning of Lent) is just three days away. Not coincidentally, of course, Ash Wednesday also serves as the launch date for Hallow’s annual Pray 40 Community Prayer Challenge to help Christians draw closer to God as Easter approaches.
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Coming Attractions.
Here are some faith and family-friendly films you might want to have on your radar.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (March 4)
In a story said to combine martial arts and humor with profound messages of courage, resilience and embracing one’s true self, the latest edition of the successful Universal Studios animated franchise has Po (voiced by Jack Black) chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace as a wicked sorceress plots to assemble all the evil demons he has previously vanquished. The all-star voice cast also features Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan.
Cabrini (March 8)
The Angel Studios biopic recounts the story of Francesca Cabrini (aka Mother Cabrini), an audacious Italian immigrant and Catholic nun who championed the cause of better education and healthcare for poor immigrants. Cristiana Dell’Anna (Gomorrah) stars in the title role, leading a cast that includes John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, Third Rock from the Sun), David Morse (The Green Mile, St. Elsewhere) and Giancarlo Giannini (Quantum of Solace) as Pope Leo XIII.
The Hopeful (April)
The Fathom Events drama set in 19th century England tells the true story of William Miller who, after having survived a fierce battle in the War of 1812, questions why God spared his life. The sweeping saga that ensues sows the seeds for the global faith movement that was to become the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Possom Trot (July 4)
The Angel Studios film chronicles 22 families belonging to the tiny Bennett Chapel in the small community of Possum Trot in the woods of East Texas who adopted 77 of the most difficult to place children in the local foster care system, igniting a national movement for vulnerable children that continues today.
John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.
Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
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