I was privileged to be able to watch this film before its recent opening in theaters. If you remember the Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker scandal of the 1980’s or have heard of it, you will want to see this film. I remember thinking how ridiculous these TV preachers were, especially the Bakkers. And I was appalled at their theology: God wants you to be rich! God will bless you with wealth if you just give to our ministry! Really? I don’t think so! It seemed to be all about the prosperity gospel, the “name it and claim it” philosophy. Honestly, I never even watched the Bakkers. But from what I heard, I judged them quickly. And when the sex scandals came out, and the accusations of financial abuses that sent Jim to jail for a few years, I only thought that they finally got what they deserved, right? This movie helped me to take a step back from my judgmental attitude, and look again at this infamous couple. Perhaps everything was not as it seemed to one judging from the outside.
It’s easy to make fun of the Bakkers. They were eccentric, over-the-top, loud, and a little much for most of conservative Christian culture. It’s easy to dismiss Tammy Faye quickly and not take her seriously, thinking all she did was beg for money, live opulently, wear too much make-up, talk in a ridiculously high voice, and sing cheesy gospel songs. This movie helps the Bakkers, and especially Tammy Faye, to step off of their celebrity pedestal for a moment, so that we can see them as real people with real hurts and real hearts behind all the glitz and glamor. It gives you a glimpse into how Tammy Faye grew up, her influences and her heartaches. It lets you see a bit of her soul. She really did believe that God loves all people and she pushed for that, even when it meant pushing back against big-name preachers of her time, such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. She wasn’t afraid to speak out as a woman in a male-dominated culture. And despite living naively extravagantly, she did try to give to those who needed help, creating homes for unwed mothers and disabled children.
So perhaps I need not be so quick to judge. Because despite of a profound disagreement with much of the theology the Bakkers promoted as well as the way they lived, this movie helped me to see a spark of the humanity and struggles of Tammy Faye, as well as a spark of the divine working in her heart.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
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