The Christian Film & Television Commission (CFTVC), an advocacy group promoting quality Christian entertainment, is organizing a protest against the Cartoon Network’s new controversial program Black Jesus.
The live-action program began airing Thursday in the Cartoon Network’s controversial “Adult Swim” evening block of unrated, often obscene cartoons and live-action comedies.
The program’s Jesus character uses “f” words, smokes marijuana and drinks alcohol to excess. One preview of the show, with bleeped-out “f” words, advertises “the most anticipated comeback in history.” It also says viewers should “Get ready to feel the spirit of the glory of the most high,” with black gospel music in the background.
Ted Baehr, chairman and founder of CFTVC, said his group is sending a petition to Turner Broadcasting chief John Martin, asking him to cancel the program, which he feels is not only blasphemous but also racist.
“This program isn’t a case of accidental offense,” Dr. Baehr said. “It’s a very purposeful mockery and ridicule of African-Americans, Jesus Christ and Christianity.”
He noted that, on its official website, Turner Broadcasting promises to honor “diversity” and to “respect” a “multiplicity of voices” but seems to be violating those principles in giving the go-ahead for Black Jesus.
