"As Christians, we're sorry for being self-righteous, judgmental bastards."
This startling proclamation does not come from Rev. Pat Robertson or Rev. Jerry Falwell, who have yet to see the error in their ways. These are the words on flyers that Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy, posted around his neighborhoods, first in Atlanta, then in Brooklyn, to announce the arrival of a new Christian ministry that would no doubt have Robertson and Falwell praying for Bakker's soul. Bakker's church, Revolution, is a house of worship for the disenfranchised, those who are often made to feel unwelcome elsewhere.
To look at Bakker, you'd never think he was a preacher. Covered in tattoos and piercings, he'd be right at home fronting a punk band. But Bakker has a deep understanding of what Christian love is about, and his parents, the former heads of PTL, are proud of him.
"Some people say that Jay Bakker is leading people straight to hell," he says. "I'm just trying to love people."
Bakker was 12 when, in 1987, his parents' ministry collapsed amidst sex and financial scandals. His Dad, Jim Bakker, spent several years in prison. Mom Tammy Faye became a figure of ridicule. Jay, disgusted by a hypocritical Christian hierarchy that turned against his family with a vengeance, found solace in drugs.
But the three Bakkers bounced back. Jim is back on the air, and has owned up to his past mistakes. Tammy Faye is now highly regarded as the first pro-gay voice in the conservative Christian world. Jay, currently clean and happily married, is reaching out to those who, like himself, are tired of the self-righteous judgment they experienced in mainstream churches.
When Jay lived in Atlanta, Revolution held its services in a bar. Now based in Brooklyn, NY, Bakker preaches out of a candy store. His congregation is made up of people like himself. Many of them were hungry for spiritual fulfillment, and found that Revolution was the only ministry that would accept them as they are.
In episode two of One Punk Under God, the new Sundance Channel reality series that documents Bakker's work with Revolution, he has coffee with Jennifer and Tracy, two transgenders. The trans phenomenon is new to Bakker, but he feels he has been called upon by God to love all people. He asks Jennifer and Tracy many questions, and listens to their stories. He is particularly appalled to hear that Tracy was asked not to return to her local church.
After speaking at Open Door, a gay-affirming evangelical church, Bakker attends a lesbian commitment ceremony, and is moved to tears. He studies his Bible, and learns that there was no mention of homosexuality in the King James Bible prior to 1949. Revolution, he decides, must take a public pro-gay stand. To this end, he is willing to risk the loss of his church's funding.
Long division
Revolution business manager Marc Brown, who appears on One Punk Under God, was raised to believe that gay is "evil." Brown decided to study his Bible to see where Scripture stood on Bakker's decision. He found that the seven quotes used to condemn homosexuality have been grossly misquoted and misinterpreted.
"It really sucks that this has become such a divisive issue in the church," Brown told me via e-mail. "Christians should be able to love and respect one another, while not necessarily coming to terms on the same things. The goal of Revolution is to mimic the actions of Christ. Christ loved all people unconditionally, so we love all people unconditionally. It's as simple as that."
As One Punk Under God continues, we see the financial price Revolution pays for its brave decision. They stand their ground, and new donors are found.
I asked Bakker if he was getting supportive feedback from the LGBT community.
"Yes, I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, and I've been invited to speak at several gay-friendly churches," he said. "But I can't say for certain where our donations come from. People don't write, 'I'm gay' on their checks!"
One Punk Under God, produced by acclaimed gay documentary filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, allows us to peek inside Jay's relationships with his supportive wife Amanda and his famous parents. The deep bond between Jay and Tammy Faye is heartwarming. Tammy Faye is now in the fourth stage of her battle with colon cancer. Jay struggles to prepare for the inevitable, while Tammy remains a strong, brave woman.
Jay and Jim Bakker, whose relationship has always been strained, reach out to each other. They have differing views on a number of issues, but they love each other. When Jim visits Revolution, you can see the pride in his eyes.
Sundance Channel has just begun reruns of the entire One Punk Under God series. Episodes will air Wednesday evenings. Check your cable or satellite guide for times, different systems may vary on showtimes. A DVD release is in the works.