Religion and The Media

What are The Media? any form of mass-communication including: films, books, TV, radio, magazines, comics, music, drama, the internet, computer games, art, sculpture the media might benefit Christianity by allowing The Gospel to be spread quickly, efficiently and in a form that is useful and appealing to people

Why might the Media be harmful to Christianity? biased, unfair bad role models unsuitable material (sex, crime, violence) promote immorality (adultery, homosexuality) attack or make fun of religion, turn it into a joke

1. The Baptism of Jesus by Cornelis Van Haarlem ( ) Text Religions themes in art. Jesus being baptised in the background

2. Jesus? Is that you?

3. News Media Why do only the extremists get reported in the news? Is this fair?

Are the media fair? Yes There is a lot of serious religious programming available.(Documentaries etc) Many programmes portray religion in a positive way. (Religious magazine type shows) There are lots of opportunities in programmes like soaps where important religious and moral issues are examined. No Many programmes just use religion for comedy (Father Ted, Vicar of Dibley) Religious characters in soaps are often odd characters (Dot and Lucus– Eastenders/ Edna – Emmerdale. What about Sophie Webster in Coronation Street?) Religious programmes are now sidelined, they are shown only on Sundays and not at prime time

4. Film

5. Music Religious pop music is very big in the USA. A good thing?

6. Comics Even comics are used to put across the message of Jesus to a wide audience. Why?

7. Public Art The Angel of the North, near Gateshead, UK

Media – a medium for mass communication. Different forms of media – TV, Film, Newspaper, Books, Music, Internet, Advertisement, Dance…etc. Advantages – more accessible, modern technology, global audience, easier to understand religious ideas. Disadvantages – biased information, offensive nature, bad influences. Portrayals of Sex in the Media: - Christians believe sex is sacred aspect of a marriage. Sex is shown often in the media and sometimes in a negative light – adultery, causal sex, sexual explicit songs. Portrayal of Violence in the Media: - Desensitised to violence – used often in the media (call of duty) goes against key pacifist teachings. It is important to teach about sex/violence in the media but as long as it is educational and relevant. Representation of Religious Figures – problems with representing key religious figures such as God and Jesus. Positive Points – Aslan from Narnia – parallel to Jesus – make its easier for children to understand the difficult Christian concepts. Negative Points – to not worship idols – images of Jesus Christ. Difficult with the origins/ethnicity of Jesus. Controversy – Portrayal of Jesus in ‘Da Vinci Code’ Blasphemy – to make offensive and disrespectful remarks about God – Salman Rushdie accused of blasphemy in the satanic verses. Censorship – to block out offensive content. (bleeping out swearing on the radio). Freedom of Speech – right to say what you want without censorship. Advantages/Disadvantages of these principles.

1.“The Satanic Verses” by Salman Rushdie. A novel published by a British author which many Muslims found offensive, because of it’s view of the Qur’an. Led to him being sentenced to death by Iranian religious leaders. Should books that attack religion be ‘censored’?

Censorship – blocking out of inappropriate material – usually associated with nudity and swearing. (Issues with Censorship) Positive Protects younger audiences – stops them from viewing offensive material. Protects privacy – blurring of faces – protecting identity. Prevents over-exposure of sex and violence Stops offensive comments about God (Blasphemy) Negative Goes against the freedom of information act. (people have a right to information) Who decides who has the right to the information. Freedom of speech is restricted. Can in extreme circumstances turn into a dictatorship. (controlling what people have access to) Can stop religious people preaching their religious message – limiting information.

2. Monty Python’s Life of Brian: A comedy film released in 1979 which was widely seen as insulting religions, especially Christianity and Judaism After watching the clip: why might some religious people have been offended by this? Were they right to be offended?

16 Using the internet and computers to spread The Gospel, teach about Christianity Modern techniques allow religions to reach ever bigger audiences and communicate in more modern ways. Even the Pope has Twitter.

The iConfess iPhone app. What are the arguments for and against such technology to aid religion?

What is Second Life ?

What is Virtual Religion?

How could a Christian use Second Life?

Part e)‘Films about Jesus are the best way to teach people about Christianity’ Discuss Arguments supporting the statement – - Films are more accessible to people and can bring ancient stories to life.  Bring Christianity into the 21 st century – modernising and making ideas more relevant.  Makes people interested in religion – people who may not go to Church will be more tempted to watch a film instead.  People can engage more with the material offered.

Part e)‘Films about Jesus are the best way to teach people about Christianity’ Discuss Arguments against the statement: - Films which are successful present Jesus in a controversial way (Da Vinci Code)  Some films exaggerate the material and the true meaning of the religious teaching is lost.  Films are for entertainment and some may use shock value and are not educationally useful.  Don’t forget to include a clear account of your own views!!

Other things to think about: Films like Narnia are not directly about Jesus – is this an appropriate way to teach about Christianity? What is the best way to teach about Jesus? There is more to Christianity than just teaching about Jesus. How helpful is the media? Effective teaching tool or manipulation of information?