Studio 60 and those darned Evangelicals

Recently, I’ve become a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, but apparently, I am one of the few evangelical Christians who don’t see the show’s underlying premise as a threat. 

From the outset of this newest NBC hit, Sorkin’s boys and girls have made some very aggressive critical claims about evangelical Christianity in America.  There is indeed a very liberal and secular slant to the show that is only thinly veiled by some of the wittiest humor network television has ever seen. Sorkin doesn’t seem to like Christians very much, or is it that simple?

Sarah Paulson plays Harriet Haynes, the fictional Studio 60’s most talented comedianne.  Haynes just happens to be–you guessed it–a southern Baptist Christian, and through the first episodes of the show, she has sounded off with an uncompromising but rational evangelical viewpoint.  At times, her voice is effectively drowned by the swaggering, hilarious secularism of every other cast member, but–at least for now–Haynes is one of the most endearing cast members on the show. 

Still, evangelicals will feel threatened, and in large numbers will probably opt for Nick at Nite during 60’s 10 pm ET time slot.  I’m just wondering why.  What is it about the modern Christian movement that is so resistant to criticism?  Haven’t the aggreesive political actions of Christians earned them at least some attention–albeit negative–from the talking heads in Washington and entertainers of Hollywood?  For the most part, important people don’t ridicule and criticize nut-case, fringe cults because they don’t make an impact on the national discussion, so isn’t it an honor to be among the openly criticized?

“Blessed are ye, when men revile you…and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name’s sake.”