I hadn’t even heard of the upcoming NBC show “The Book of Daniel” until I read an article on AOL this morning stating that some NBC affiliates will not air the show, which begins tonight with a 2-hour premier. The show basically appears to be about an Episcopal minister’s struggle to find his way in this world. Apparently what the fanatically religious are taking exception to is the fact that the minister sees Jesus and has conversations with him about his struggles.
I guess I’m a simpleton because, gee….I happen to think a minister that talks to Jesus is a good thing. In fact, it would be a very good thing if more of them spent more time doing it. I plan to watch tonight and see for myself just how things are handled. It sounds like it might actually be a semi-serious look at faith. I just hope this show about a minister’s family turns out to have more substance and redeeming qualities than a certain other show that turned out to be nothing more than another teenage melodrama.
Update! I just finished watching “The Book of Daniel.” Frankly, the scenes where the good reverend speaks to Jesus are among the least offensive. Overall, the show has a very cavalier attitude about drugs, sex and all moral issues in general…..and that’s among the depicted clergy, never mind the parishoners.
I watched it too and found myself not able to get over the thoughts that there were probably millions of people out there whose panties were in such a wad over the way that some things were being portrayed and that the pulpits were going to be chiming on Sunday morning.
The one thing that I take with me from the show (and I will continue to watch it because I’m fascinated with things like that) is that it exposes us to yet another way to view things that we may have very strong beliefs and opinions on.
There is not one right or wrong way to view Jesus/the church/drugs/sex/money.
I do see how some people will be up in arms about the storyline….even though I think that the pilot leaves an enourmous amount of opportunity for character development.
What we believe is not always the way that it is, is it?
Comment by WashLady — January 8, 2006 @ 12:51 pm
My panties aren’t in a wad, but I have a lot of qualms about a mainstream show that depicts the clergy engaging in extra-marital affairs, abusing drugs and being passively permissive about those practices in those they lead. What kind of message does that send to the non-Christian world? At the least, it adds fuel to the hypocracy arguement of those who dislike us and worse, in my opinion, it gives a false message of acceptance of all behaviors in the name of “love” to those who may be searching for answers. Christians are charged to be in the world but not of it. We’re supposed to be different…not perfect, but an example of trying our honest best to live according to Christ’s teachings. I believe it is possible to love the sinner whole-heartedly without accepting the sin.
If one believes the Bible to be the infallible, devinely revealed Word of God, and I do, then there is only one way for some things. God doesn’t specifically condemn drinking or drug use, but he does comdemn leading a brother astray. He is also pretty darn clear on extra-marital affairs.
There is indeed a lot of room for the characters to develop…character and I’ll keep watching for a while, at least, in the hope that they do. No, my panties aren’t in a wad as depending on how they handle things there’s a real opportunity to deal with the very human struggles of Christians in this world. I’m just saddened that the creators chose to afflict their depicted clergy with pretty much every weakness known to mankind. Human, though they are, clergy should strive to hold themselves to higher standards of conduct if they are to have credibility as our leaders and teachers. Perfection is not expected and forgiveness is our promise, but forgiveness requires repentance and an honest striving to forego the sinful behavior. I’m seeing guilty feelings in the clergy characters, but no true repentance.
Comment by Stacy — January 8, 2006 @ 4:42 pm