Black Jesus, the new Adult Swim series from The Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder, premieres on the network tonight. Of course, the live-action comedy about a black Jesus in Compton, California is pushing some buttons, particularly One Million Moms, which is leading conservative Christian groups against the “blasphemous” show.
“The show depicts him living in Compton Gardens and makes a mockery of our Lord. The foul language used in the trailer, including using the Lord's name in vain, is disgusting,” the group said in a statement. “In addition, there is violence, gunfire and other inappropriate gestures which completely misrepresent Jesus. This is blasphemy!”
In the show, Gerald "Slink" Johnson plays the titular Black Jesus, who tries to spread love and kindness in Compton. The trailer for the show features Johnson cursing and making people feel guilty about forgetting that he died for their sins. Still, in an interview with The LA Times, McGruder stressed that this is a comedy and isn’t supposed to offend.
“This show is not an exercise to offend people,” McGruder said. “It has lots of heart.”
In addition, he wants people to watch the show first before making judgements - something that One Million Moms did not do. “I want people to judge the show for what it is, not what they hear about it or the title,” he told the Times.
As Gawker points out, Adult Swim has also released a statement to Religious News Service, stressing as well that the show isn’t meant “to offend any race or people of faith.”
image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com