In Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves To Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business biblical references are used periodically throughout the book. Religious views are tossed around in this book so often and randomly, it's confusing as to whether they're for or against Postman's argument. From what I understand, the bible says (long story short) that we will, so to say, amuse ourselves to death. So, with this being said, I would think that religion is agreeing with the fact that media has gone too far, but as Postman explains in chapter eight, religious leaders have gone too far as well. For those people who are too lazy to get up and out of the comfort of their own homes because of society's downfall, but still want to "show their love for god", there is always the option of church on television. The problem with this is not that people are watching church on t.v., but that the Reverends and leaders are using faith as a source of entertainment. In a way, these religious leaders are hypocritical for the fact that they are spreading the word in a way the bible is against.
Am I wrong or does this make sense?
I am completely confused as to whether televised religion is worth it or not.
7 comments:
I doubt Postman would use bible references to go against his point.
That would make the argument of the book look bad.
You say religion agrees with the fact media has gone too far? I don't think that the bible talks much about media. Now, if the bible did talk about media, which would be phenomenal, it perhaps might change my opinions on it. Talk about "prophecy". Oh well.
Religious leaders, per se, might not have gone too far. Postman argues that televangelists go against the "holy practice" of religion. That they seem to deliver entertainment, and fluff...uhh, as opposed to their more traditional allies in their faith.
Religious books like the Qur'an, the Bible, and the Torah don't necessarily seem to favor a form of spreading their word and converting people. Depending on who you talk to, there may be conflicting doctrines between a Protestant and a Lutheran on how the Bible should be “preached”, and what method of spreading their faith is essential.
Being in it for the money is hypocritical. Entertaining people to join your faith is hypocritical [when you expect somebody to rely on their emotions, feelings, and the level of entertainment to base their beliefs upon, instead of thinking about it rationally, they're just attempting self-delusion].
You're not wrong on some levels, but there are some conflicting points I have. Either way, your post was good and made sense. I don't think the act of being a televangelist is bad in and of itself, but I believe Postman was trying to argue that when you're in the business to glorify yourself by becoming an entertainer, and "fleecing the sheep", then your priorities are skewed.
Are you asking whether or not the religion is hypocritical, or whether Postman is hypocritical? I don't believe that the religion is, however, I agree with your idea. Postman uses one of the ten commandments in the first chapter to help with his, for lack of a better phrase, "attack" on media. However, I think he uses the example of Reverend Graham to show that someone of a sense of honor, at least amongst his culture, is even affected by media's desire to entertain people.
The idea of sacred experience -- an encounter with mystery, with the Creator of the universe -- well, how can that be accomplished on a television, when with the flip of a channel, you're watching WWF/toothpaste commercial/home decorating tips/Law and Order rerun/Red Sox vs. Angels/World Poker Tour/Reno 911?
Part of the religious experience is also being part of a community; television can be isolating. It is absurd, Postman argues, to think that this medium can deliver any authentic religious message, anything beyond religious hucksterism.
BTW James Green: you cite one of my favorite passages in chapter one. I think you are misreading the passage. That passage is not an "attack" on the media; Postman is explaining how the DELIVERY SYSTEM of a message SHAPES THE MESSAGE. The God of the Israelites, handing down the ten commandments, tells his people not to make or worship any graven images. God himself, Postman argues, is making himself an abstract concept, and the people will become people of the Word.
Whether or not Postman is a believer or not is immaterial. He is a student of his culture and his time, and so of course he is very familiar with the Bible.
Now on this subject you just have to think out of the box and be opened minded. Although sometimes it may seem that televised religion is only for entertainment, thats not always true. Me personally know this because I have elderly people in my family or who are members of my church and aren't able to attend church due to medical conditions. Now just because they aren't physically able to attend church should they not be able to watch television and recieve a message? Now for the lazy people who just choose to not go to church and have church thru the televison, thats on them and between them and God. But for the religious leaders that broadcast themselves on televison or radio, they're just trying to help those who can't attend church.
I don’t believe that the bible states its bad use TV (entertainment) as a source for religion to grow. If you read through the New Testament you will see that Jesus himself used story telling (a form of entertainment) to get his point across. Since they didn't have TV he did with what he had. In the same way religious leaders today are not afraid to use the resources attract new believers, the use of resources like these can also be seen in music were we hear secular songs, with new lyrics, Christian lyrics. So not all TV is bad all together just the fact that WE cannot stay focused because we live in a peek-a-boo world as Postman writes.
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