Tue Jun 15, 8:10 AM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Sitcoms are running out of laughs, cop dramas are a dime a dozen and reality shows are all starting to look alike. Now U.S. television networks are turning to a higher power in their quest for loftier ratings.
Inspired by the runaway success of religion-themed novels like the “Left Behind” series and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” broadcasters are devoting more of their prime-time schedules to shows dealing with God, faith and the afterlife.
excerpted from article by Steve Gorman
Analysis:
At first glance, the notice that Hollywood is looking to air shows which deal with spiritual themes would seem to be cause for rejoicing. First glances can, however, be deceiving.
Following are a few synopses of the shows which were categorized as “spiritual” in the same article:
Joan of Arcadia: “The story of a teen-age girl who speaks to God.” (Note: in the series, God appears as different people. The first as a boy for which Joan expresses a strong attraction).
Tru Calling: “About a clairvoyant young morgue attendant with the power to ‘relive’ the previous day and help prevent deaths.”
Dead Like Me: “Showtime’s darkly comic afterlife series.”
Medium: “A suburban housewife who helps solve crimes by communicating with the dead.”
Revelations: “An apocalyptic thriller starring Bill Pullman as a scientist racing to thwart Armageddon.”
If this is what Hollywood is putting forth as “spiritual” fare, I think we may be better off with the mindless drivel that has characterized television for the past several decades.
We can’t expect the world to get it right when considering spiritual matters. As Paul said, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). Instead, we must find those things which are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praisworthy, and “meditate on these things” (cf. Phil. 4:8).
