Yesterday, I blogged about the show’s cancellation and I’ve learned that “GCB” fans  are signing an online petition at www.savegcb.com .

“GCB” has Oklahoma ties: Kristin Chenoweth, an Oklahoma native, stars in the show. Chenoweth portrays Carlene Cockburn, a sassy church choir member.  

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor     

The new show airs on Sunday evenings and features Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth (pictured). A few months ago, I asked readers for their opinions about the show, which is supposed to be about Christian women. Boy, did I get a response — a huge deluge — from readers.

The show is based on Kim Gaitlin’s book “Good Christian Bitches,” however, ABC has said the show’s name stands for “Good Christian Belles.” Chenoweth, portrays the character Carlene Cockburn, nemesis of character Amanda Vaughn, portrayed by actress Leslie Bibb. The show focuses on Amanda as she returns to her hometown of Dallas.

I had received an email that included complaints that the show  did not present Christian women in a positive light. On March 17, The Oklahoman readers were asked two questions: Do you think “GCB” presents Christian women and the church in a negative way? Do you think the show will be a success with viewers?

I had so many responses that we didn’t have enough space to get them all in print. I posted many of them on this blog.

Read more about the cancellation here:

Christian Post: “ABC cancels controversial ‘GCB’ series 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

P.S. Please be aware that my post headline was simply an effort to be clever and not an endorsement of the show. I watched a couple of episodes and thought it was funny, but have no opinion on it other than that. I can just see someone out there saying “She should have said ‘GCB going to TV hell.”

As a columnist, I never know what topic is going to strike a nerve with readers and last week was a prime example. In my March 17 column, I asked readers of  The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com to share their thoughts about the new ABC TV show “GCB” featuring Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth. I was pleasantly surprised when many readers sent responses either through email or regular mail. Due to space limitations, we could not print all of the responses in Saturday’s Oklahoman, but that’s where the beauty of the Internet comes in: Each of the responses not featured in The Oklahoman is included below on this, the Religion and Values blog. If this is your first time clicking on the blog, please come back from time to time for more postings about local events and faith-related topics of interest in Oklahoma and abroad.

Thanks to everyone who responded. It’s nice to find out what others are saying about various subjects, particularly when the topic focuses on the intersection of religion and culture .

 Here are readers responses, and where noted, their city, faith or denominational affiliation:    

A. Kirk: I think the program is a disgrace.  

Alan Salmon, Norman, United Methodist: I have to say, ABC’s GCB hits where it hurts.  It is spot-on in its portrayal of  church women and their “prayerful concerns.”  Me thinks the detractors of this show doest protest too much. I was a victim of this gossip in “the name of church” a number of years ago.  I came home to a wife as mad as a mashed hornet.  A concerned friend called to console her because a member of her women’s church group asked for prayer for my wife and I in our impending divorce.  How dare I talk of divorce without mentioning it to her!  I obviously was considering filing for divorce because the lady who asked for prayers for us was married to a co-worker of mine.   I was clueless as I had not said anything but nice things about my wife.  It took several days of convincing to assure my wife I was happily married (I am still married after thirty-three years).  Sometime later after some other events occurred, my wife realized I was an innocent victim of vicious gossip. I’ve seen this time and time again.  Many times in churches, the prayer request list is also the “gossip hotline.”   I saw this in small town Oklahomaas I was growing up, but the above story happened in a Methodist Church with a membership in excess of four thousand members in the metro (I still am a member of this church).   

Anna Willingham, Blanchard, Baptist: I definitely think GCB will present Christian women in a negative way from the information I have read.  Absolutely no one is perfect, but I believe our Christian women of today strive to live honoring God on a daily basis.  As for the success of the show, our society is pretty corrupt and may embrace it, but my prayer is that it will not be successful.

Estelle Teeter,  Oklahoma City, Southern Baptist: I walked through the room and was amazed at the vulgarity on the screen. In two minutes I evaluated this as a program only an atheist or Christian-hater would spend more time watching than it would take to turn it off. I know some fine Christian women in Dallas and I think they would be the first to say this has to go. They probably will not know such trash is on on Sunday night because, being good Baptists and having regular Sunday night services, they would be at church .. .and a happy fellowship afterward. I am disappointed that an Oklahoman would put herself in a series that has no hope if decency prevails. I hope it is off before another week passes. If I knew who was sponsoring this, I would protest to them also.

Lura Clark, Oklahoma City, Presbyterian: I have watched this program since it has come on and I think it is a cute and funny series. I dont think it puts Christian women down at all. It just tells it as it is. There are some good Christian women just like that. Thats what goes on in Churches. I hope it stays on the air and that it does not upset too many people or church people. 

Colleen Walker, Edmond, United Methodist: I don’t think GCB is an adequate reflection of Christian ideals in a number of ways.  The women characters of the program are very materialistic, shallow and seem fascinated with only very expensive possessions.  Their time, money and efforts appear to be based on values which are contradictory to Christian teachings. The lack of compassion, love and basic courtesy they have exhibited to the newly-divorced woman who has returned home is disturbing and not even entertaining.  Our Oklahoma actress, Kristen Chenoweth, is so talented and usually stands for strong morals but in this case, her role is one of pettyness, back-stabbing and basic lying.  I do not think the series will be a success or long-lasting and I am very sorry that the title has the word “Christian” in it.

Mike Fair, (retired state senator): GCB is by no means a “Religious Drama” as implied by the article by Piet Levy (published in The Oklahoman’s Life section March 17) .  I am a serious Christian.  I watched it because Kristin Chenoweth, a Believer herself, is a talented and beautiful Oklahoman who has played so many other parts well.  The show is a comedy which laughs at the antics you might find in many Catholic churches, Protestant churches, or even Jewish synagogues.  I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and we all joked about our Sunday morning saints, some being Friday night sinners.  As long as the show doesn’t take God’s name in vain or have wide open sex, I have no problem with it morally.  I doubt if any viewer is going to watch it for spiritual guidance.  If anything, by causing us to laugh at the hypocrites it might get the attention of some of them in real life and encourage them to mend their ways. I don’t know if I’ll become a regular viewer as I already spend too much time in front of the TV screen.  I also like some of the actors in “Desperate Housewives” but have never watched an entire show as my life is already too busy to become involved in the bad choices made by the characters in that show. Jesus was asked by a follower, “What is the most important Commandment?”  His answer is the basic tenet of Christianity.  “Love God with all of your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.”  If a believer does those two things the rest of the law pretty much takes care of itself.  The new show probably will not make it but not because it is a ‘Religious Drama.’  It probably won’t make it because most new shows do fail.  Commercial television is a tough business.  Now, after sharing so much of my wisdom, ”When this life is over and you enter eternity it won’t be me, or even those silly women from the TV comedy, sitting on the Judgment Seat.”  I suspect, though, that God does have a sense of humor.  He did create kittens and baby ducks.

Natala Barton, Midwest City, Baptist: I am so glad to be able to register my disappointment when I viewed about 10 minutes of this terrible show.  I have long been a fan of Kristen Chenoweth, and cannot imagine why she would have signed on to appear in this vile show.  Good taste in TV shows has long been a thing of the past, but this really is a new low.  Too bad. I will  certainly  not  watch it again.

Mary Ann Riley, Yukon: I watched only a snippet of the show; perhaps I do not have a right to weigh in.  Nevertheless, here is my opinion. The show could be a good thing, with real portrayals of Christian people, with issues dealt with by humor, a la Mark Lowrey.  My guess is that this is not the case, on account of the B.  That alone tells me it will be a typical interpretation of conservative Christians as hypocritical, uninformed goobers, with Southern women the worst.  Are there other Christian values expressed besides wearing a choir robe in church?  Many people equate going to church with being a Christian. Parallel:  sitting in a garage won’t make you a Ford. I do not plan to watch.  Why should I be entertained by a show that mischaracterizes my values and belief?  Why should I support producers and sponsors who belittle me and show conservative Christians as a lunatic fringe?  Maybe I will decide to watch later on, if Christian friends whose opinion I value decide to recommend it.  My guess is that won’t happen, because the time slot falls at a time when a lot of true Christians are otherwise occupied with church or family activities. Thank you for opening up a discussion on this topic.

R.D. Harmony, Edmond, Mennonite: I wish to offer a comment on our  general  teee veee fare — the drive to bring us exotic, outrageous, or otherwise ‘extend the envelope’ programming — and the increasingly inevitable results.  We’ve seen teee veee ‘news’ decades-long slide toward pretty boy/pretty girl competitions rated on the cult of personality and daily reports on “who’s likely to win,” various high profile life contests (with very little ties to the relevance of our lives). Probing and in-depth analysis of anything of larger societal value is rare, seen mostly on public television by very few, while the “History Channel” deteriorates toward the toothless and unusual characters subsisting through the risks of alligator hunting — and the riskier and more outrageous the better, in the  view of contemporary producers.  (The slime of the swamp is an apropos model, here.) This is all rather parallel to GCB, pretty and talented church women posed for a variety of ongoing christian cat fights…..simply, it’s time for far more church people to severely moderate our entertainment preoccupations which vary little from those of ‘the world.’  My Christ’s compassionate example (and yours, too, I hope) is a much larger concept than my pursuit of amusement.  We live in a time when even the poor among us have the luxury of leisure which allows pursuit and preoccupation with our entertainment. May we all be increasingly able to ask and to inquire, and to be people that pursue the light, instead of being brought low by the surrounding darkness (which beckons to us all). May it ever be so.

Bill Newcomb, Oklahoma City, Baptist: My wife and I watched this program a week ago.  To me it was disgusting.  It’s just another show that projects Christians as a bunch of Southern bible toting/gun toting ignorant rednecks.  Just as for years, male fathers are portrayed as a bunch of nitwits.  I admit my hearing isn’t up to par even with my hearing aids, but I heard enough to know what it is, and that is to denounce everything Christian.  I cannot imagine acting?/participating in such a show.  I suppose work is hard to get even in the “acting business”.  I think if I were Chenoweth, I’m not sure I’d want that show in my resume’.  I’m an 82 year old male, and I admittedly have a different mindset than 20 and 30 year old folks, to which these shows are targeted. I see nothing amusing/funny in these type of shows.  I do have a sense of humor, but it’s not “geared” to these, and the Bill Maher(he’s a comedian?) type of shows.  We will be communicating with the sponsors, if we can stand to watch another episode to make a list.    P.S.  Question:  I wonder how many viewers will never go to church, or get to know God because of the anti-Christian bias in the media.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch,  the “annointed one” in White House” promotes Islam.  Shameful.

Connie Williams: Since I have always admired Kristin Chenoweth and been proud of the fact that she is an Oklahoman, I tuned in to see the new show.  I have to say, it IS funny!  Which is why I hope that other GCW’s (Good Christian Women) like myself will send a message to Kristen and others that  her kind of humor is the most dangerous kind, because it does seem innocent.  Yet it supports that underlying feeling in the United States that being a Christian is the equivalent of being a hypocrite. There are so many Good Christian Women  (GCW’s) who are too busy raising children, teaching Sunday School, voluntering for countless organizations and community charities,  to concern themselves with such a silly show.  But sadly, many unchurched people who watch this will be getting one more dose (seemly innocuous) of the stereotype that is becoming so common regarding Christians.  One actress can  do more to harm to the reputation of the GTW than  a million volunteer hours. I’d hate to think of where this country would be without the GTW’s doing the thankless work they do daily, in the name of Jesus.  Well, I for one have had enough of Kristin Chenoweth and her show, and won’t be watching it or her  again. I hope my Christian brothers and sisters will stand up for themselves and say “Enough!”.

Charlene Luce, Southern Baptist:  It is so much fun to watch this show, Southern people and their religon … they take themselves too goody two shoes, and if they say it that means they’re right. I’m a Southern baptist, been to many different churches and it’s the same everywhere, the women are awful, if you don’t look to what they accept … you’re out. I think the show does represent Christian women … but not in a negative way.  I am glad the show is on. Looking forward to the next show.

Belle Marshall, Norman, Christian: I don’t understand the controversy over GCB. I think the show is hilarious. Those who think GCB does not show Christian women in a good light are offended because the show is realistic in its portrayal of most Southern Baptists. Southern women are outspoken, cut-to-the-chase, no-holds-barred kind of women but that’s our cultural upbringing and it doesn’t have to conflict with our Christianity. The problem people have with GCB is that it pokes fun at the hypocrisy we all know exists, especially in the South, and that makes people uncomfortable. I’d much rather see a comedy with the Church at its center than any of the dozen crime shows on every week, each one trying to outdo the others with bloody, mangled bodies and storylines of horrific murder and rape. Those shows offend me so I don’t watch them. I’ll take Kristin Chenoweth singing a gospel song and a bunch of back-stabbing Southern women any day. Remember “Designing Women?”

Gene Stewart, Oklahoma City, Baptist: Thank you for today’s article in the Oklahoman, and the opportunity to express our opinion of the ABC series “GCB”. I feel that this series is another, more obvious, mockery of Christians by Hollywood writers and producers.  There is no question that there are hypocritical sinners in every church, but that includes all of us.  When we are guilty of being hypocritcal, it is a serious problem that requires serious concern and deliberate effort to correct.  It is not a matter to be laughed at and mocked. It is interesting to observe that none of the networks would show a series that poked fun at the Muslim faith.  The networks seem to push the limits of acceptability more each season, and they wonder why more people are seeking other areas in which to invest their spare time.

Catlyn Lester, Moore, Orthodox Christian: Human beings, as a general rule, seem to be consumed with how they are perceived by others. They live their lives as if someone, anyone, media, neighbors, other countries, the universe in general draws the picture for who they are inside and out. When they respond and attempt to defend everything so they can have approval from everyone chaos is the result. I went back to my trusty Bible and looked up the Virtuous Woman. Nowhere could I find that she was concerned about what her neighbors, friends or the rest of the world thought about her. I’m sure there were folks who were jealous and spoke unkindly, but she didn’t waste anytime except living her life in the most godly fashion she could muster. I must be living with a misconception, but as an adult Christian woman, what does it matter ghow someone portrays me on a television show? My conduct, my conversation, speaking up lovingly, holding no judgment or resentment and just trying to do the next “right thing.” This is my obligation for God’s gift of life to me. People are starving emotionally, spiritually and physically. Anger, resentment, fear, negativity and greed are rampant. As a Christian woman and having lived on this planet for 65 years (mostly in a different denomination) I have seen the behavior depicted in GCB played out (We are humans). Unfornaturely, I also saw it in high school where apparently the emotional development or many ‘grown’ women stopped. God can take care of his church and his people and we should stay on the path rather than engage in whatever. My mother-in-law, Lucille, God rest her soul, was the most godly woman I have known. Everyone knew they wanted to be on her prayer list. She was never unkind, critical, etc. Of course, she had her moments, but her last thought was always ”Forgive me Lord and I pray for them that their lives may be abundant.” In my kitchen is a plaque which says “Lord keep one hand on my shoulder and the other over my mouth.” Maybe now should be the time for good Christian women to smile knowingly and be about the Father’s business with dignity and grace. By our actions they will know us.       

Dean Jackson, Oklahoma City, Episcopal: In your column on Saturday, March 17 you asked for reader’s comments about the new television show “GCB”.  My opinion and comments are based on the advertising I’ve seen for this show.  My comments are: Books, movies and television shows such as “GCB” clearly illustrate the one group of people it’s still socially acceptable, and safe, to ridicule or demean (at least to the entertainment industry) is mainstream Christians.  Shows about other faith groups are usually presented in a positive light to show how normal or non-threatening they are.  Based on the advertisement I’ve seen for “GCB” Christians are betrayed as two-faced, lascivious hypocrites whose faith is only a social necessity.  Sadly, as long as this type of trash brings in money by selling books or advertising spots on television shows the entertainment industry will continue its assault on traditional Christians.  Does this show present Christian women and the Christian church in a negative way?  Absolutely.  Will this show succeed?  I pray not. Thank you for generating discussion on this subject.  

Claire Sneed, Yukon: You asked for comments regarding the tv program Good Christian Belles — it sounds like Christian bashing to me. I wonder why some people think it’s okay to bash Christians when it is not acceptable to bash other groups of people.

Brian Edwards, Oklahoma City, “leaning towards atheist”:  The program is a comedy, and what better subject to discuss then a joke as old as man, religion.

Andrew Griffin, Oklahoma City, Catholic: I have always found shows that address religion to be refreshing , real and fascinating. Think about “Joan of Arcadia” a few years ago. A teenaged girl dealing with questions about God and religion. It was a smart, interesting drama. GCB’s success will depend a lot on buzz and good writing/acting. We have countless law and medical dramas. We have scores of soulless comedies. I think a show mixing religion, drama, and comedy is a great combination. Of course the only show unafraid to tackle religion in equal manner is South Park. If you are attacked on South Park, you know you’ve made it.

Alan  Johnson:  I read your artical in Saturday’s paper and my question is , does this very funny TV show hit to close to home for you? You should stick to reporting and leave your slanted views to your self.

John and  Sharon Ramsey, Oklahoma City, attend nondenominational church: I frequently hear Kristin Chenoweth in interviews/articles voicing her pride in being an Oklahoman. However, by choosing the “GCB” role, I feel she has dishonored her conservative Christian background, to say the least. In this politically correct world, it seems the only group that it is still acceptable to publicly mock and ridicule is Christians, especially conservatives. From Bill Maher’s filthy mouth to prime-time television, whether it’s the View or NBC News, Christians (especially conservative Christians) are constantly ridiculed, sneered at, etc.  It seems to be okay with the ruling elite class in media. This new show, GCB, is a prime example of a public mockery of Christianity, and I for one hope it does NOT make it as a prime time show!

Chuck Melot:  “GCB” is the most refreshing thing on TV this season. It tells it like it is. Those of you who do not like the hypocrisy it portrays just take a look around your own church. I hope it is the biggest hit of the season.

Joane Schmidt, Oklahoma City:  For years, I have been a fan of Kristi Chenoweth. I cannot believe she took a part in this GCB series. To me, it does not portray any women of any church I am associated with. Personally, I would like to see this taken off the air. Thank you for asking for our comments.

Barbara Ebert, Hennessey, Southern Baptist: Since you asked for feedback, I’d like to add my two cents’ worth. My husband and I are longtime members of a large Southern Baptist church in north central Oklahoma and we enjoy watching GCB. We think it’s funny and we haven’t missed an episode yet; and we are not offended by the show. I am not surprised that the show has generated some controversy because it treads on the toes of a particular segment of our society. I don’t think the show makes fun of one’s faith in God; but it does a good job of showing the frailty of man and the hypocrisy of some Christians and those who consider themselves religious. The show reminds me of a quote by one of my favorite authors, Flannery O’Connor (a staunch Catholic), who wrote: When you can assume that your audience holds the same beliefs you do, you can relax a little and use more normal means of talking to it; when you have to assume that it does not, then you have to make your vision apparent by shock — to the hard of hearing you shut, and for the almost-blind, you draw large and startling figures (Mystery and Manners).” That is not to say that I believe ABC and the producers of GCB have in mind the uplifting of our souls (quite the opposite, actually); but I think the effect is similar to what Ms. O’Connor alludes. Most Christians are painfully aware that we don’t measure up to the example set for us by Jesus Christ; but perhaps some who are offended by GCB find it hard to stomach because the show holds up a mirror and the reflection they see is somewhat startling.    

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Thanks again to everyone who shared their comments.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor