december 18, 2006
CBS Steps Over the Line with Charlie Sheen's "Joy to the World"
Christian leaders across America are expressing their shock and outrage at the crass paraody of the Christmas hymn "Joy to the World" on the December 11 episode of the CBS "Two and a Half Men" program. During Prime Time, the network aired Charlie Sheen singing about his sexual activity to the tune of the traditional Christmas hymn.
The American Family Association has called for CBS and the sponsors of "Two and a Half Men" to apologize for ridiculing and mocking Christ, Christmas and Christians.
"CBS approved Sheen's adaptation of the favorite Christmas carol, making it into a vulgar sex song," said Donald Wildmon, Chairman of AFA. "The network and sponsors paid Sheen to mock Christ, Christmas and Christians. Many in the Christian community are growing tired of this bigotry by the networks and Hollywood," he said.
The episode opens with series star Charlie (Sheen) singing:
"Joy to the world, I'm getting laid; I'm getting laid tonight. We'll light the yule log, deck the halls, and then we'll play some jingle balls. It's been a real long wait – this is our second date! It's Christmas Eve and I'm getting laid."
His housekeeper/cook comes in and asks:
"Hey, I'm mixing up the eggnog. You want this broad lit up or just slightly glowing?"
"Well," Charlie says, "let's see, we're celebrating peace on earth and good will towards all mankind, so let's get 'er plowed!"
"Hallelujah!" says the cook.
Watch the clip on YouTube.
"In an affront to all of Christendom, the network allowed actor Charlie Sheen to change the lyrics of 'Joy to the World' into a song that could be called, 'Joy to Fornication,''" says Douglas R. Scott Jr., the president of Life Decisions International.
But the song "crossed the line in a big way," said Scott, whose organization publishes a list of corporations and celebrities that support Planned Parenthood.
"Does nobody think this is wrong?" Scott asked when he talked with WorldNetDaily.com about the situation. "Does nobody go, 'Now, wait a minute?'"
"'Joy to the World' is a song about the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet CBS has allowed a song about the most precious, sacred and significant moment in history to be turned into a song about having sex outside of marriage," Scott said. "Is there any line that anti-Christian people in the media will not cross?"
Scott said the episode was something "one would expect from more well-known ungodly networks such as MTV." And he noted nearly 70 percent of CBS stock is owned by Sumner M. Redstone, who also happens to control MTV. Scott has written to CBS President Leslie Moonves with a copy to Redstone, with a demand for an apology.
"What's more," he declared, "CBS needs to pledge that such bigotry and disregard for the sacred beliefs of billions of people will never again be displayed."
"Why have attacks on Christians and Christianity become so commonplace and even acceptable? No other group of people tolerates such treatment. I think it's time for a Christian anti-defamation league."
"Joy to the World" is one of the best-known and best-loved of Christmas carols, containing a message of joy and love replacing sin and sorrow. The hymn is sung by Christians around the world. The Scripture-based words are by English hymn writer Isaac Watts. The music was adapted and arranged by Lowell Mason from an older melody, which is believed to have originated from Handel.
To let your voice be heard, contact CBS Chairman, Les Moonves:
Les Moonves, Chairman
CBS Television
51 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019
Primary Phone: US (212) 975-4321
Fax: (212) 975-4516
E-Mail: Les Moonves, CBS Television
Primary advertisers for the show include Ford, Campbell's Soup, Hallmark and Zales.
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