Friday, January 06, 2006

Book of Daniel Controversy

Perhaps you have heard some rumblings about the new NBC sitcom Book of Daniel. Here is an article from our buddies at newsmax.com about the controversy. I must admit that seeing some of the preview caused me to raise an eyebrow. The show apparently will center on an Episcopalian priest who struggles with a little self-medication problem, and has a 23-year-old son who's gay, and a 16-year-old daughter who's caught dealing pot, and another son who's jumping on every high school girl he sees, and a wife who's very loving but also likes her martinis. Jesus makes occasional appearances to talk with Priest Daniel and usually flippantly dismisses the sin dramatized in the good priest's life and the life of his family.

Of course the AFA and others are up in arms. I have received a few emails from people about writing to NBC. There was a time when I too would be up in arms. But not anymore. I take the "plunder the Egyptians" track now. Lets use this putrid Hollywood show to start a dialogue with people about how Jesus would respond to such issues as those faced by Priest Daniel. Whether we like it or not, the Jesus portrayed in this show will be the view of Jesus that many people have. It will be the only one they get. Are we so inadequate as the church that we have to worry about a show that will more than likely be cancelled after one season? Are we as a church that impotent? Does the church have a responsibility to be spreading the Gospel instead of opposing t.v. shows? I am speaking of the church universal here.

It's kind of like the wonderful embrace of the Narnia movie by most Christians. It is said "oh we must take advantage of the popularity of the Narnia movie to bring people to Christ." Really? Do we really think that unbelievers are going to go see the Narnia movie and make the connection between a talking lion and Christ and all of the other wonderfully woven images and metaphors of the master C.S. Lewis and all of a sudden want to know more about Christ. Just like the Passion of the Christ was supposed to mark the revival of the church. Erhnt- survey says- wrong answer. I am with Dan Kimball on this and think that we have a better opportunity to reach unbelievers through the release in May of the Davinchi Code movie.

In the end we as the church must spend more time plundering the Egyptians instead of whining about the Egyptians!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with you on this subject, Robb. There are a lot of people around here who are flinging the anti-"Daniel" emails around to networks, tv stations, advertisers and others, but the focus here should really be on the exposure to God and His word. Those who find it offensive should pick up the remote and change the channel! But I think the biggest issue here is what you stated...what is the church's responsibility??? To fight NBC??? or to spread the Word of God??? I think the answer is perfectly clear.