WASHINGTON — The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) has denounced the television comedy “Black Jesus” and is mobilizing members to join a petition drive asking network officials to take the program off the air.
The Washington-based PNBC said the program was “nothing short of blasphemous.” The show airs on Adult Swim — a Turner Broadcasting System-owned cable network that shares channel space with the Cartoon Network.
“‘Black Jesus’ undermines the faith of the African-American community when our faith in Jesus is the only consistent source of empowerment that has brought us through centuries of enslavement, dehumanization and depersonalization,” says a description of the PNBC’s Cancel “Black Jesus” Campaign.
“Black Jesus,” which just completed its first season, features Jesus Christ living in modern-day Compton, Calif., on a mission to spread love and kindness to a small group of followers. The show has received generally favorable reviews, but a plot line that includes growing marijuana in a community garden sparked controversy even before the series premiere Aug. 7.
The American Family Association said the show “completely misrepresents Jesus” and is intended to mock Christianity. One Million Moms oppose the show as well.
“Adult Swim is not ridiculing any other religion and wouldn’t dream of mocking Muhammad or Muslims, but has no problem denigrating Christians,” the group said in July.
The campaign urges church leaders and members to contact The Cartoon Network by email, Twitter, Facebook and a telephone comment line requesting the cancellation of “Black Jesus.”
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