Reactions to Netflix’s Apology from a Christian Perspective
A prominent Christian apologist has shared his thoughts on Netflix’s recent apology related to Stranger Things, a topic explored in a podcast featuring Sean McDowell and his son, Scotty. The show examines the series through a Christian lens.
During their latest episode, the McDowells expressed their overall enjoyment of the five-season series, which showcases a group of children facing unusual threats in a small Indiana town during the 1980s. However, they noted that the first three seasons held more appeal compared to the latter two.
Sean McDowell, serving as an associate professor at Biola University, voiced his dissatisfaction with the show’s conclusion, stating, “I don’t like the way it ended.” Scotty echoed his father’s sentiment, appreciating the nostalgia and growth of the teenage characters while lamenting the show’s direction.
The fifth season sparked notable controversy with a scene where a teenage character, Will, comes out to his friends and family. The McDowells found this moment forced, with Scotty expressing frustration: “The world is literally coming to an end, but Will needs a 15-minute break to tell everyone he’s gay … They’re just trying to preach – this is normal.”
Sean added, “It’s driven by an agenda, it’s driven by a worldview.” He also critiqued the series for its crude language, particularly the casual misuse of sacred names later in the seasons. Reflecting on this, he said, “I don’t think so. It doesn’t come across as anything other than a bad name. That’s not necessary.”
They observed that while the show’s earlier seasons pushed boundaries with demonic elements, the final two seasons took it too far, suggesting that evil was unduly glorified.
Interestingly, the McDowells found threads of similarity between the show’s plot and Christianity. Sean identified Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, as a Christ-like figure, noting how she’s misunderstood and persecuted. “She’s changed. She has miraculous powers,” he remarked, hinting at a sort of “virgin birth” narrative.
Moreover, they highlighted the characters’ emphasis on confessing secrets, which aligns with Christian teachings. Sean pointed out, “It’s a very Biblical idea that we have secrets, we have sin, and we need to confess it in order to overcome it.” He believes some themes in the show only truly resonate from a Judeo-Christian perspective, despite being used to critique that very worldview.
On a broader note, Sean remarked that the series doesn’t present a supernatural worldview. He stated, “Actually, I don’t think the worldview behind this is supernaturalism. It’s actually naturalism.” While rated TV-14, the series’ language could elevate it to an R rating if released in theaters.
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