I. Religion on Television
A. Berating the message of religion with a 'dollop of of ecumenism'
1. Over-zealous representation of religion
B. Message delivered without spirit
II. Religion represented without ritual
A. Preacher is tops; God is 'second banana'
B. Weakness of the medium in which preachers work in
1. People can't accept the truth
2. The 'translation' from oratory to electronic display is lost
3. Meaning is lost with translation
C. The essence of religion is altered if not experienced properly
III. Not everything can be televised
A. Authentic religion is impossible
B. "activities in one's living room or bedroom...usually the same whether a religious program is being presented
C. State of mind for religious practice will not be reached if audience is not immersed in program
1. Commercials/advertisements engross people in other products
IV. Endorsement
A. Handsome/eye-candy will attract more viewers
1. Relates religious programs to common nighttime shows
B. Television does not offer people what they need/only what they want
Neil Postman discusses the topic of religion on television as though its significance is deprived if televised. The medium of religion is becoming altered by the presence of television, and seemingly not for the better. Postman begins his argument that those who do not lack an over-zealous personality and a theatrical attitude fit the role for a religious speaker. However, conveying a spectrum of over-entertainment is not a necessity for such a program that only requires spirit and faith, which Postman argues is not being delivered with said spirit. Many electronic preachers claim their fame as a form of connection to the followers through their television. God is the inferior when the television is on. The visual oratory that the preachers give does not convey the same interpretation when presented in an environment in reality. When watching television, a miscommunication is possible when distractions surround the viewer, rendering them susceptible to their wallpaper design rather than their faith. Along with the commercials and adverts that engross the watching population, the state of mind for the audience is destructed as every flashing product is raced across the screen. Endorsements from celebrities and other notable icons has been the secret weapon to religious and regular programming - which is not necessarily a bad thing. Those who see an attractive and notable face on their screen are guaranteed to tune in more often to a program if their eye candy is on regularly. However, the audience is in a state of a constant want for some object or person. The obstruction of the meaning of religion can be illustrated from this fact alone. For people to tune in for a program that they claim is their life-long ambition is slothful.
Major Concepts and Vocabulary Religion acts as a way to dedicate one’s life to and have faith in something greater than oneself. Religion consists of organized beliefs, world views, ideas, etc, that are followed and agreed on by several individuals. Many religions have spiritually significant stories or symbols that explain the origin of life itself. Religion provides a sense of meaning in one’s life and creates hope that something exists after death. Religion makes one believe that they are following a set path, created by a higher being, with purpose. Several individuals in today’s society believe that all of these things are what society needs in order to live the most fulfilling lifestyle.
Religious ceremonies give actual meaning to the religious lifestyle and bring people together in order to celebrate their shared beliefs. Religious ceremonies act as reinforcement for having faith in a higher being. If seeing is believing, then these ceremonies demonstrate to religious believers that they aren't alone in their faith and that they're able to share a similar lifestyle with others. Being around others with the same beliefs provides a way to create links and friendships that preserve the religious lifestyle. Individuals always influence each other, so these ceremonies surround one with people they most likely believe to be positive influences. A religious ceremony intends to revive beliefs and reiterate the same beliefs or morals frequently in order to keep those beliefs or morals present in followers' lives.
Television is a form of entertainment that keeps the world up to date with itself. The information provided through television is not necessarily always useful and typically results in information overflow; so much information comes from the television that society doesn't know what to do with it. Gossip, sports, music, cartoons, and sometimes relevant news all circulate through the world by television. Television is an impersonal way of relaying information that does not typically connect with a single viewer. It may connect with a group, but it still cannot create a meaningful connection due to the fact that its content broadcasts to several diverse groups of individuals at once.
Television and religion cannot merge. These items are incongruous because religion's goal is to create a changed, some may say "better", lifestyle and to form a personal connection with a higher power. This connection cannot truly be shared with anyone else due to the fact that it is unique relationship and grows inside of one's mind and body. Television shares its information with everyone in the same way, at the same time, removing particularity and uniqueness from the equation entirely. Portraying religion as entertainment -- for example, providing visuals of people receiving the Lord as their Savior or being possessed by some spirit purely for the shock value or amusement -- transforms religion into irreverent subject matter. Religion becomes less respected and consequently mocked due to the attempt to mix the typically trivial entertainment world and the serious religious world. Postman explains, "everything that makes religion an historic, profound and sacred activity is stripped away [by television]; there is no ritual, no dogma, no tradition, no theology, and above all, no sense of spiritual transcendence" (Postman 117). Television removes the fundamental values of religion.
When television presents religion, television portrays religion as an elaborate, over-zealous, crazy spectacle for the world to observe. Preaching Christianity through television has even earned its own name -- Televangelism! These preachers create "perfect television sermon -- theatrical, emotional, and in a curious way comforting..." (Postman 116). Televised sermons remove the emotional connection that come with religion, due to the fact that "the screen is so saturated with our memories of profane events, so deeply associated with the commercial and entertainment worlds that it is difficult for it to be recreated as a frame for sacred events" (Postman 119). Without having to leave home, without having to make oneself presentable, one can "participate" in a widespread religious sermon without having to interact with anyone else. As previously stated, religion is in fact a personal, single connection, but watching religion on TV removes the group gathering and does not enforce the shared lifestyle religious people possess. In the same way Susan Sontag explained photographs, one can see that television does not share the true experience of something; instead, television captures a visual representation of an event without the emotional and physical ties. Without these aspects, the viewer remains only partially invested in the experience.
Television brings about such a buzz and acquires such a great deal of popularity due to its addictive qualities and updating methods. Television programs always state, "Come back next time to see what happens next!" or "Tune in next week to learn more!" These cliffhangers leave the audience on the edge of their seat wondering what the following events will be, and they continue to watch in order to keep up with the story. Other television shows fill in viewers about the latest celebrity gossip, music success, and events transpiring around the world. In the same way as the addictive programs, this kind of information makes the viewer feel like he/she knows what's current in life. Without the television, the audience would feel out of the loop and like they'd been living under a rock. Everyone feels like they need to be up to date on what's happening in life, regardless of whether or not it immediately affects them, in order to feel included.
Religious individuals and communities utilize television in order to give their information to the largest possible audience. Without television, religion may not spread as far and as quickly as it has. Television is an easily accessible form of media that many individuals in today's world enjoy. Putting religion and sermons on TV gives these things a chance to influence more people: those who don't, or even can't, leave their homes. Without having to move an inch, viewers can tune into a sermon from their favorite televangelist and still be in the comfort of their own homes.
When one feels something in person, when one actually participates in an event and encounters people, places, scents, emotions, one can more clearly understand what has occurred. Describing such objects calls forth other's memories of similar concepts, not the exact ones in question. It is impossible to recreate a scenario through speech for another person, indicating that spoken word acts as a wonderful and efficient discourse, but it is not perfect. Two people will never interpret or experience an event in the same way due to the fact that each person possesses their own brain, mind, and past experiences to which they can connect the present experience. When an event is televised, one only sees it from a disconnected, misinterpreted point of view. Television portrays events in a biased way using only the most relevant information -- not all of it; therefore, without being present for an experience, the viewer does not know how it felt, or how it connects with them. Religious events must be experienced firsthand to be truly understood.
Visual Presentation
The movie Dogma is a satirical outlook on religion, specifically from the point of angels and what they think of people. In this clip, the a cardinal of the Catholic Church is presenting a 'revamped' symbol of Jesus Christ, he continues to say the typical Holy Cross is "boring" and that the new "Buddy Christ" will be more inviting for people. This whole presentation is portrayed through a news cast. The news, in this case, is reporting on a matter of religion where in, anyone, regardless of their personal religious background is now exposed to the Catholic beliefs The television has created a way to give information to everyone in the nation and the Church takes full advantage of this new media. The problem is that in order to compete with the other programs on television the Church has to cheat out to camera by making their content entertaining to viewers, hence the "Buddy Christ". These adjustments in religious content taint the purpose of religion all together by no longer making is a personal experience but a national form of entertainment.
1) What is the purpose of religion?
2)What is a religious service?
3)Why can't religion be paired with entertainment?
4)Why do people turn to religion? Benefits/ Gains?
5)What is "God" and how do people "communicate" with them?
6)How would television as a medium, affect that "communication"?
7)What does it mean to "accept religion"?
8)Are religion and money too closely associated?
9)What is spiritual transcendence? How would one attain it? How does television deny this experience to the viewers?
10)Why are ideas ( "God", "Love", "Beauty", ect. ) not able to be translated to a different forms without loosing their message or impact?
Research
In the article “Thinking Theologically About Social Media” author Verity Jones analyzes what happens to the Church community and translation of message through the use of social media resources. Either way the church’s thought practice will have an impact on its ability to embrace or resist social media influences. It’s how the church uses the social media and for what purpose. The big question is how the method and definition of salvation change. In “Shuffle of to Bethlehem” Postman argues that by using media such as the television, Christian leaders are not impacting society as much as they think they are. “Everything that makes religion an historic, profound and sacred human activity is stripped away” (Postman 116/117). With each new means of communicating the message and belief thoughts change. As is evident in Verity Jones article and in “Shuffle off to Bethlehem”, where they way pastors act now may not be for leading a religious group but entertainment and money. So the way and methods that churches use social media, whether it’s Facebook or television, influence and change the thoughts of the people, and how they see salvation and if they actually are truly religious.
Summary/Outline
I. Religion on Television
A. Berating the message of religion with a 'dollop of of ecumenism'
1. Over-zealous representation of religion
B. Message delivered without spirit
II. Religion represented without ritual
A. Preacher is tops; God is 'second banana'
B. Weakness of the medium in which preachers work in
1. People can't accept the truth
2. The 'translation' from oratory to electronic display is lost
3. Meaning is lost with translation
C. The essence of religion is altered if not experienced properly
III. Not everything can be televised
A. Authentic religion is impossible
B. "activities in one's living room or bedroom...usually the same whether a religious program is being presented
C. State of mind for religious practice will not be reached if audience is not immersed in program
1. Commercials/advertisements engross people in other products
IV. Endorsement
A. Handsome/eye-candy will attract more viewers
1. Relates religious programs to common nighttime shows
B. Television does not offer people what they need/only what they want
Neil Postman discusses the topic of religion on television as though its significance is deprived if televised. The medium of religion is becoming altered by the presence of television, and seemingly not for the better. Postman begins his argument that those who do not lack an over-zealous personality and a theatrical attitude fit the role for a religious speaker. However, conveying a spectrum of over-entertainment is not a necessity for such a program that only requires spirit and faith, which Postman argues is not being delivered with said spirit. Many electronic preachers claim their fame as a form of connection to the followers through their television. God is the inferior when the television is on. The visual oratory that the preachers give does not convey the same interpretation when presented in an environment in reality. When watching television, a miscommunication is possible when distractions surround the viewer, rendering them susceptible to their wallpaper design rather than their faith. Along with the commercials and adverts that engross the watching population, the state of mind for the audience is destructed as every flashing product is raced across the screen. Endorsements from celebrities and other notable icons has been the secret weapon to religious and regular programming - which is not necessarily a bad thing. Those who see an attractive and notable face on their screen are guaranteed to tune in more often to a program if their eye candy is on regularly. However, the audience is in a state of a constant want for some object or person. The obstruction of the meaning of religion can be illustrated from this fact alone. For people to tune in for a program that they claim is their life-long ambition is slothful.
Major Concepts and Vocabulary
Religion acts as a way to dedicate one’s life to and have faith in something greater than oneself.
Religion consists of organized beliefs, world views, ideas, etc, that are followed and agreed on by several individuals. Many religions have spiritually significant stories or symbols that explain the origin of life itself. Religion provides a sense of meaning in one’s life and creates hope that something exists after death. Religion makes one believe that they are following a set path, created by a higher being, with purpose. Several individuals in today’s society believe that all of these things are what society needs in order to live the most fulfilling lifestyle.
Religious ceremonies give actual meaning to the religious lifestyle and bring people together in order to celebrate their shared beliefs. Religious ceremonies act as reinforcement for having faith in a higher being. If seeing is believing, then these ceremonies demonstrate to religious believers that they aren't alone in their faith and that they're able to share a similar lifestyle with others. Being around others with the same beliefs provides a way to create links and friendships that preserve the religious lifestyle. Individuals always influence each other, so these ceremonies surround one with people they most likely believe to be positive influences. A religious ceremony intends to revive beliefs and reiterate the same beliefs or morals frequently in order to keep those beliefs or morals present in followers' lives.
Television is a form of entertainment that keeps the world up to date with itself. The information provided through television is not necessarily always useful and typically results in information overflow; so much information comes from the television that society doesn't know what to do with it. Gossip, sports, music, cartoons, and sometimes relevant news all circulate through the world by television. Television is an impersonal way of relaying information that does not typically connect with a single viewer. It may connect with a group, but it still cannot create a meaningful connection due to the fact that its content broadcasts to several diverse groups of individuals at once.
Television and religion cannot merge. These items are incongruous because religion's goal is to create a changed, some may say "better", lifestyle and to form a personal connection with a higher power. This connection cannot truly be shared with anyone else due to the fact that it is unique relationship and grows inside of one's mind and body. Television shares its information with everyone in the same way, at the same time, removing particularity and uniqueness from the equation entirely. Portraying religion as entertainment -- for example, providing visuals of people receiving the Lord as their Savior or being possessed by some spirit purely for the shock value or amusement -- transforms religion into irreverent subject matter. Religion becomes less respected and consequently mocked due to the attempt to mix the typically trivial entertainment world and the serious religious world. Postman explains, "everything that makes religion an historic, profound and sacred activity is stripped away [by television]; there is no ritual, no dogma, no tradition, no theology, and above all, no sense of spiritual transcendence" (Postman 117). Television removes the fundamental values of religion.
When television presents religion, television portrays religion as an elaborate, over-zealous, crazy spectacle for the world to observe. Preaching Christianity through television has even earned its own name -- Televangelism! These preachers create "perfect television sermon -- theatrical, emotional, and in a curious way comforting..." (Postman 116). Televised sermons remove the emotional connection that come with religion, due to the fact that "the screen is so saturated with our memories of profane events, so deeply associated with the commercial and entertainment worlds that it is difficult for it to be recreated as a frame for sacred events" (Postman 119). Without having to leave home, without having to make oneself presentable, one can "participate" in a widespread religious sermon without having to interact with anyone else. As previously stated, religion is in fact a personal, single connection, but watching religion on TV removes the group gathering and does not enforce the shared lifestyle religious people possess. In the same way Susan Sontag explained photographs, one can see that television does not share the true experience of something; instead, television captures a visual representation of an event without the emotional and physical ties. Without these aspects, the viewer remains only partially invested in the experience.
Television brings about such a buzz and acquires such a great deal of popularity due to its addictive qualities and updating methods. Television programs always state, "Come back next time to see what happens next!" or "Tune in next week to learn more!" These cliffhangers leave the audience on the edge of their seat wondering what the following events will be, and they continue to watch in order to keep up with the story. Other television shows fill in viewers about the latest celebrity gossip, music success, and events transpiring around the world. In the same way as the addictive programs, this kind of information makes the viewer feel like he/she knows what's current in life. Without the television, the audience would feel out of the loop and like they'd been living under a rock. Everyone feels like they need to be up to date on what's happening in life, regardless of whether or not it immediately affects them, in order to feel included.
Religious individuals and communities utilize television in order to give their information to the largest possible audience. Without television, religion may not spread as far and as quickly as it has. Television is an easily accessible form of media that many individuals in today's world enjoy. Putting religion and sermons on TV gives these things a chance to influence more people: those who don't, or even can't, leave their homes. Without having to move an inch, viewers can tune into a sermon from their favorite televangelist and still be in the comfort of their own homes.
When one feels something in person, when one actually participates in an event and encounters people, places, scents, emotions, one can more clearly understand what has occurred. Describing such objects calls forth other's memories of similar concepts, not the exact ones in question. It is impossible to recreate a scenario through speech for another person, indicating that spoken word acts as a wonderful and efficient discourse, but it is not perfect. Two people will never interpret or experience an event in the same way due to the fact that each person possesses their own brain, mind, and past experiences to which they can connect the present experience. When an event is televised, one only sees it from a disconnected, misinterpreted point of view. Television portrays events in a biased way using only the most relevant information -- not all of it; therefore, without being present for an experience, the viewer does not know how it felt, or how it connects with them. Religious events must be experienced firsthand to be truly understood.
Visual Presentation
The movie Dogma is a satirical outlook on religion, specifically from the point of angels and what they think of people. In this clip, the a cardinal of the Catholic Church is presenting a 'revamped' symbol of Jesus Christ, he continues to say the typical Holy Cross is "boring" and that the new "Buddy Christ" will be more inviting for people. This whole presentation is portrayed through a news cast. The news, in this case, is reporting on a matter of religion where in, anyone, regardless of their personal religious background is now exposed to the Catholic beliefs The television has created a way to give information to everyone in the nation and the Church takes full advantage of this new media. The problem is that in order to compete with the other programs on television the Church has to cheat out to camera by making their content entertaining to viewers, hence the "Buddy Christ". These adjustments in religious content taint the purpose of religion all together by no longer making is a personal experience but a national form of entertainment.
Buddy Christ
Discussion Questions
1) What is the purpose of religion?
2)What is a religious service?
3)Why can't religion be paired with entertainment?
4)Why do people turn to religion? Benefits/ Gains?
5)What is "God" and how do people "communicate" with them?
6)How would television as a medium, affect that "communication"?
7)What does it mean to "accept religion"?
8)Are religion and money too closely associated?
9)What is spiritual transcendence? How would one attain it? How does television deny this experience to the viewers?
10)Why are ideas ( "God", "Love", "Beauty", ect. ) not able to be translated to a different forms without loosing their message or impact?
Research
In the article “Thinking Theologically About Social Media” author Verity Jones analyzes what happens to the Church community and translation of message through the use of social media resources. Either way the church’s thought practice will have an impact on its ability to embrace or resist social media influences. It’s how the church uses the social media and for what purpose. The big question is how the method and definition of salvation change. In “Shuffle of to Bethlehem” Postman argues that by using media such as the television, Christian leaders are not impacting society as much as they think they are. “Everything that makes religion an historic, profound and sacred human activity is stripped away” (Postman 116/117). With each new means of communicating the message and belief thoughts change. As is evident in Verity Jones article and in “Shuffle off to Bethlehem”, where they way pastors act now may not be for leading a religious group but entertainment and money. So the way and methods that churches use social media, whether it’s Facebook or television, influence and change the thoughts of the people, and how they see salvation and if they actually are truly religious.
AOTD Article&Annotations.docx
Links to Related Pages
Contributors
Tori T, Irma C, Savanna L, Alex L, Malika Z, Chandra S, Vicky H