Jones explained that the Hallow app’s leaders do not feel a need to be aligned with content partners in their beliefs. The CEO cited the examples of “The Chosen” and “The Passion of the Christ,” which are both explicitly Christian productions that have employed non-Christian cast and crew members.
“We believe these powerful works stand on their own,” Jones said, “point us towards the truth, and can be used for spiritual growth—despite the diversity of faith backgrounds involved in their creation.”
“We take great care to make sure all of the content on the app is in-line with Church teaching, but we do not stand behind each individual actor or musician’s past public comments, actions, or personal beliefs,” said Jones. “Any answer to any question about where Hallow stands on Church teaching can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”
“We stand behind the Church’s teaching on all issues, including those that are unpopular in today’s culture and especially the preeminent issue of our time in our country—the right to life,” he added.
Jones acknowledged that the decision to partner with people who are not Christians will cause controversy and that leadership will make mistakes in this area. However, the Hallow app’s leaders believe that these partnerships are worthwhile in order to “reach out to those who have most fallen away.”
“Partners in this category may offer their own personal testimonies or reflections on the app, but these are each reviewed in detail by our content team to ensure everything is in-line with Church teaching,” Jones said. “This category will include both Catholics and Non-Catholic Christians.”
Jones spoke with Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in “The Chosen,” about this year’s challenge, saying that Advent is a time to “meditate on the immensity, the depth of God’s love for us.” Roumie observed, “This is one of the most profound lineups I’ve seen on Hallow yet,” as Jones went on to describe the structure of the challenge for each week of Advent.
Roumie is the prayer challenge’s guide and will start and end each week. Bear Grylls, a survivalist known for the reality show “Man vs. Wild,” will read all of the excerpts from a book by Sheldon Vanauken titled, “A Severe Mercy.”
The book tells the story of how Vanauken and his wife, Davy, came to faith in Jesus while at Oxford, in part through the influence of C.S. Lewis, and God subsequently led them through incredible suffering.
