Television in the lion's den

Television in the lion's den

Q: The American Family Assn. is protesting a new NBC series, "The Book of Daniel," which portrays a family that includes a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a drug-dealing daughter, and an alcoholic mother as models of the Christian faith, led by a drug-addicted father -- also a priest -- who is trying to be good. NBC says the show highlights the story of people, such as the father character in the show, who, even with all of the sin around him, has an ongoing dialogue with Jesus. But the association says the show demeans the Christian faith. What do you think?

A: I'm writing this before the show premieres, so I don't want to remark on the content; but I have no problem making some general comments.

NBC, or any entertainment outlet, provides programming based on one consideration: money. To believe they have altruistic, evangelical or diabolical motives in their presentations is to miss the point. They are providing programming that has the largest appeal. And, like it or not, dysfunctional families are in. Add an element of religion for a world seeking spirituality, a couple of good actors and you've got the possibility of a hit show, good ratings and more dollars.

The American Family Assn. has every right to protest "The Book of Daniel." It's commendable that some organizations still value the right to protest. It would be nice if there was a degree of consistency in their actions, particularly in regard to the war and the death penalty, but such is the freedom granted them in America.

What we're missing as religious organizations and institutions is the view of society from the vantage point of the entertainment marketers. They are selling what people are buying. It would be a utopian dream to believe the entertainment industry has a conscience or even cares about the spiritual welfare of people, but that's not going to increase their stock value.

Immediately following the Resurrection of Jesus, we read in John 21, that the apostle Peter is consumed with the fate of another disciple. Jesus tells him to focus his attention to his own ministry: "If you love me, feed my sheep." This is the mission of the sacred institutions -- to tend and feed the spiritual needs of the people. Hollywood will continue to make dollars, but we have to believe that the value given to the consumer of our product is much greater.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries