Come Sunday (2018)

Faith Reimagined: Bishop Pearson's Theological Revolution

Come Sunday (2018) portrays Bishop Carlton Pearson's dramatic theological shift from traditional doctrine to universal salvation. Based on a true story, this biographical film examines the personal and communal consequences when a prominent religious leader claims to receive divine revelation that contradicts foundational church teachings.

Pearson's Divine Revelation

Bishop Pearson leads a thriving church with 6,000 members until two pivotal experiences challenge his theology:

• His incarcerated uncle's suicide after being told he wasn't "ready" for salvation.

• Witnessing suffering children in Africa and questioning their eternal fate.

These experiences culminate in what Pearson believes is God's voice directly telling him that Jesus has already saved everyone and one doesn't have to actively or intentionally claim or profess it—a message that contradicts the fundamental Christian teaching about salvation requiring personal acceptance of Christ.

The Weight of Spiritual Leadership

The film excels at portraying the immense burden carried by faith leaders. Pearson stands at the intersection of divine calling and human responsibility, bearing the weight of guiding thousands of souls toward salvation. This position demands unwavering conviction while navigating complex theological questions that affect people's eternal destiny. When doubt enters, the stakes couldn't be higher—not just for the leader's own faith, but for everyone under their spiritual care.

The Aftermath of Revelation

Pearson's proclamation of universal salvation creates immediate consequences:

• Rejection from his congregation and the council of bishops.

• Collapse of his church structure and finances.

• Public ostracization and personal isolation.

Despite mounting pressure, Pearson remains committed to what he believes God revealed to him, not simply following his conscience but what he interprets as divine instruction. His previous colleagues of leaders and those who disagree say that it wasn't God's voice he heard.

The Film's Portrayal

The movie presents a distinct contrast between two forms of Christian community:

• Pearson's original High Dimension church: depicted as polished and mainstream.

• His later ministry: portrayed as a more "grassroots" atmosphere, the underdogs, those who might be the minority or counter-cultural yet longing for belonging.

This stark contrast reveals the film's perspective, which favors Pearson's evolved theology over traditional doctrine. Unfortunately, the film falls into the all-too-common narrative trap of depicting traditional Christians as self-righteous and condemning of those who are "different." This oversimplified portrayal does Christianity a disservice by reinforcing stereotypes rather than acknowledging the depth and diversity within traditional faith communities.

Marginalized Identities

The film incorporates identity politics through characters like the piano player Reggie, who is a gay man living in a "Bible Belt" (Tulsa, Oklahoma):

This storyline illustrates how theological positions impact marginalized groups and reinforces the film's advocacy for inclusivity over certain traditional doctrine.

The Biographical Element

What makes Come Sunday particularly compelling is its basis in reality. The real Bishop Carlton Pearson actually experienced this theological shift, proclaimed universal salvation, and faced the consequences portrayed in the film. This biographical foundation gives weight to the narrative despite its clear stance.

The film shows Pearson's transformation from preaching traditional salvation doctrine to proclaiming that "Jesus already saved everyone," and suggests that one doesn't have to willfully "receive". This shift isn't portrayed as merely intellectual but as a direct response to what Pearson believes is God's voice. That this significantly impacts a diverse group of people makes his conviction all the more powerful and controversial.

Final Reflections

Come Sunday presents a thought-provoking exploration of faith, institutional religion, and personal conviction. While the film clearly favors Pearson's inclusive theology, it succeeds in portraying the genuine struggle of a faith leader following what he believes is divine guidance, even when it costs him his community and career.

The movie's power lies in its biographical authenticity and its willingness to tackle complex theological questions that affect real people's lives. For viewers interested in the intersection of faith, doctrine, and social acceptance, Come Sunday offers a compelling, if particular, perspective on these enduring issues.

• Reggie struggles with belonging and acceptance; Higher Dimension Church was once where he did feel such things, but after the church's disintegration and polarization, he leaves the church.

• His lymphoma diagnosis leads to spiritual despair: "God is about to send me to hell".

• Pearson's theology offers Reggie acceptance at the face of a fear-based, punishment-based characterization of whether one can obtain eternal life.