Since its posting, the article has been viewed over 20,000 times and more than 100 pastors have signed the letter, which has now been sent to the addressees. Meanwhile, blogger Tim Challie, a Baptist who lives in Canada, has opened a lively discussion of the issue on his website by expressing his personal concerns over the selection of Allen for the film and the opportunities it has created for the activist to spread his viewpoint.

Challie notes that Allen appeared on an installment of "Larry King Live" this week, during which Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler also appeared and defended the biblical view of marriage against the actor's more permissive and relativistic beliefs. Recently, the Christian blog founder wrote, "I can't help but conclude that the producers of this film erred when they hired a known, proud, activist homosexual to portray a man who gave his life for the Lord. I just hopethat we, as Evangelicals, haven't provided a platform to a person who will share a message that dishonors the One whom this movie ought to honor."

Challie says it is rare that a movie of this type, one based on "one of the most important missionary endeavors in the last century," is produced. On his blog, he writes that he has gauged the reactions of many Christians who "were eagerly anticipating seeing the film and were disappointed to find that the producers had made such an odd choice in casting."

Saint Supports Allen as Possibly God's Choice for the Part

In the midst of the controversy, support for Allen has emerged from what may seem to many to be a surprising source. Steve Saint, who acted as a producer, played a bit part, and served as a stunt pilot for the production that dramatizes his father's Christian life and martyr's death, says he feels it was God's plan for the homosexual actor to be in the film.