Twenty years ago Michael Medved presented a perceptive analysis of liberal Hollywood. From Hollywood vs. America (1992) one learns of the predominance of God-bashing themes in modern film: “Preaching against religion is … entirely accepted, and used as a means of helping a film to achieve a veneer of seriousness and ‘class’”. The “sermons” from Hollywood are typically secular humanist, and those who embrace such views often show disturbing hostility toward the conservative values of Bible-believing Christians.
Actor Brad Pitt deserves applause for his charity work in Africa. But what about showing some attentiveness to the commandment of honoring your father and mother? In “Where is Brad Pitt When His Mother is Under Leftist Attack?” (July 13, 2012) Janine Turner summarizes the sad case of a Hollywood actor unwilling to do the right thing concerning his mother.
Recently Jane Pitt (Brad Pitt’s mother) wrote in her local newspaper that voting Christians should compare the positive character traits of Republican Mitt Romney and the liberal agenda of President Obama. As she saw it, Obama is the one “who sat in Jeremiah Wright’s church for years, did not hold a public ceremony to mark the National Day of Prayer, and is a liberal who supports the killing of unborn babies and same-sex marriage.” What Jane Pitt sees as distasteful, liberal Hollywood approves. Consequently, Hollywood and liberals responded to her opinion with fury.
According to Turner, “The tsunami that followed drowned Brad’s mother in obscenities and death-threat tweets.” These included: “The gay community made your kid a star, you whacko”; “BRAD PITT’S MOM WROTE AN ANTI-GAY PRO-ROMNEY EDITORIAL. KILL THE” [expletive deleted]; and “Brad Pitt’s mom, die.”
Jane Pitt apparently upholds a biblical worldview, and, thus, mother and son differ dramatically on social issues. Brad Pitt has the right and freedom to espouse his liberal Hollywood views and support likeminded politicians. Certainly, Obama is the clear choice of those who champion abortion and same-sex marriage.
But is it acceptable for Brad Pitt to remain silent on the terrifying threats to his mother who “reportedly shell-shocked and frightened, has been intimidated into silence”? Could he not defend his mother? Turner believes that a simple statement from Brad Pitt would have made a significant difference. She suggests the following: “My mother has a right to voice her opinion. In America, we have our First Amendment right – freedom of speech. I, personally, do not agree with her political views, but my mother has a right to hers and I respect her for taking a stand as an American to express them. I ask you to join me in respecting this valued American freedom and to discontinue any hateful speech directed toward my mother.”
But Brad Pitt DID NOT say this? He failed to honor his mother. In fact, his “silence validates the hateful, slanderous, and despicable responses that Jane Pitt has received for simply stating her personal views.” Mr. Pitt’s loyalties lie elsewhere.