I will freely admit that I am a big fan of TV (got to validate the purchase of digital cable on a monthly basis I say). Tonight, NBC premiered a new series called “Revelations”, based semi-literally on the Book of Revelation and the “Left Behind” series of apocalyptic novels. While there have been (Highway to Heaven, Touched By an Angel) and continue to be (Joan of Arcadia) many “feel-good” religiously-centred programs on TV, “Revelations” certainly doesn’t follow the typical “religious program” script (I can imagine the conversation in the network war-room - Guy #1: “What could we do to rake in the viewers this year? Guy #2: “I know - a series about The Rapture” Guy #1: “That’s gold - let’s do it!”
Whatever you may think about it, the “Revelations” has sparked a series of interesting thoughts on how religion and God are portrayed in the entertainment industry. As one article points out, the media generally portrays God in one of two lights: the “antiseptic, feel-good, something-for-everyone” God (ie. God is Love) or the “apocalyptic fire and brimstone” God (ie. God is justice), forgetting that God is both in a perfect package. Ironically given its initial reception by many Christian groups, many now claim that “The Simpsons” gives the most accurate portrayal of religion of any show on TV (seriously, they actually sell a book called, “The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Guide for Group Study”…. wow). What do you think about how God is portrayed in the entertainment industry (or on how far we should go in using popular culture to address Biblical truths)?
Top
