Monday, January 08, 2007
Christians defiled . . . . for good reasons
Some fundamentalist Christian leaders are complaining about "mainline media" about their portrayal of "Christians" in TV/ Movies. But you know, as sad as I am to admit this, the media is not necessarily wrong in their portrayal of Christians. Christians should not be doing certain things that go against the teachings of Christ and morality but I have news for you.They do!
Rev. Jerry Falwell posted, in part the following to his email group.
~~ NBC Sermonizes Against Chastity
Last night (Thursday) on NBC’s “ER,” the character of Hope Bobeck, who is defined as a Christian, abruptly decides that she should enter a sexual relationship with an atheist character.
“Chastity has always been overrated,” she states as she tells Dr. Archie Morris that they should meet for dinner and drinks and then “see what happens.” The doctor did determine not to join her for this tryst, but who knows what will happen in future episodes. The point here is that the portrayal is of a Christian young lady who suddenly determines that the Bible’s plan for sexuality is wrong.
Earlier this year, when NBC announced that “ER” would incorporate a Christian character into the series, many Christians held out hope that maybe just once we would see an honest depiction of someone who chooses to walk with Christ.
Instead, we get an often bungling character whose Christian faith is easily challenged and defeated.This is typical of the so-called mainstream media. ~~
Everyday, from lay people to top Christian leaders violate God's Word, fail tn their morality and damage their integrity. Case in point . . . me. I failed to follow the way of Jesus and found myself divorced. It was not God's fault, not my ex-wife's fault but mine entirely. If the "mainline media" wrote my biography they would find a very sinful man. However, I doubt they would portray the forgiveness I received from Christ. Even for the most grievous of offenses. Spitting in the eye of God.
The way TV/Movies most often portray Christians is sad, but not unrealistic. While 86% of the nation claim to be Christian less than half say they follow the 10 commandments, have remained monogamous in relationships, nearly all have lied, coveted, hated/loathed another, etc., etc.
While I would agree with Rev. Falwell that the media could do a more responsible job of depicting people of Christian faith, such as Fr Mulcahy of MASH sitcom, I cannot fault them for presenting them as we present ourselves in society.
Christians are involved in all the sins mentioned in the Bible. Is it right? NO. But it does happen. Can they be forgiven? YES, with genuine repentance.Great Christian people from St. Paul (Romans 7) to Amy Grant to Jim Bakker to Ted Haggard to, yes, Jerry Falwell and the rest of us fail God and fall short of God's desires and commands. We are saints who sin and are ultimately forgiven in the name of Jesus Christ. We are Christians and when we sin we do not lose our salvation. We lose our voice.
The mainline media has this covered pretty accurately. Other than the totality of God forgiving sinners and justly portraying the evil of society, they don't stray from what they have witnessed.
It would be my hope they present the complete picture. It is my hope.
Will they?
Probably not.
~Webb~
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