Wherever I go in the world it seems that there has always been a constant stream of religious programming available on T.V. One particular movement has impressed me. It is part of a large world movement that is centuries old and its mysteries are seemingly endless. It is the universe of Catholic television programming, available 24-7… anywhere… anytime.
Catholic television channels, available worldwide, have played an important part in shaping the new face of the Catholic Church in our day. Catholic TV is a major outreach into the modern world to help educate and share the Christian message.
The Catholic, or “Universal” church as it is often called, has its roots in early Christianity. Claiming direct authority from the Apostle Peter, Catholics argue to be the original Church that Jesus Christ founded during his mortal ministry. This authority has been passed down from Bishop to Bishop and now resides in the modern day pope, Pope Benedict XVI.
Catholics believe that the charge left by Christ to take the gospel to the world is still in effect. Catholic TV is one of the major missionary efforts launched by the Catholic Church in our day. I have often found myself watching this channel and reflecting on the influence it has on our modern culture.
The Eternal World Television Network, or EWTN, channel that boasts that is has become the 
largest media network in the world broadcasting to, “…148 million homes in 144 countries and territories.” If true, that is simply amazing what influence and reach such a channel could offer.
largest media network in the world broadcasting to, “…148 million homes in 144 countries and territories.” If true, that is simply amazing what influence and reach such a channel could offer. With such a broad reach, it is no wonder that the Catholic Church can continue to perpetuate its religious teachings and claim a membership of approximately 1 Billion. With such a firm grasp on media networks worldwide, I wonder if such power has corrupted the Catholic Church. With a history of scandals within the Catholic Church, from religious wars to the recent sexual molestation trials, is Catholicism launching a new front towards world conversion through the media?
I believe that spreading the message of Jesus Christ is good as well as the educational aims of Catholic programming, but when it comes to running these stations, money is required. Often religious channels rely heavily upon donations from viewers, and it has been my experience that when money is involved, people do funny things (stealing, embezzlement, etc.). Although the message is essentially good, I believe that the influence and reach of Catholic programming is a powerful weapon that can be used to mislead the masses. I don’t have evidence of Catholicism using the media for such purposes; I simply want to reflect on the influence such a decision would have on the world. Church and state has always been an issue for the Catholic Church.
Do you believe that Catholic television programming is appropriate? Why? Do you believe that how such stations go about funding their endeavors is good? Do you believe that when Church and media combine, corruption is at the door? What if this power was used for evil... how would it be controlled? Any additional thoughts are welcome...
Links:
http://www.catholictv.com/Home.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Television
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Benedict_XVI
http://www.ewtn.com/
Links:
http://www.catholictv.com/Home.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Television
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Benedict_XVI
http://www.ewtn.com/
I don't think that we can fault the Catholic church for using television or other media for spreading its message, since the LDS church uses similar tactics. BYUTV airs old CES Firesides and Conference talks all the time--is that really much different from showing a Mass or Rosary for those who may have missed it? And the LDS church just recently launched the online "Mormon Channel", which, much like CatholicTV, offers programs that promote the church's message. I know that we believe that the LDS church is the only true church on the earth and that nothing can stop it's progression, but I don't think that it is very far fetched to say that if the LDS church has not been corrupted by our extensive media use, the Catholic church probably won't be, either.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find anything to verify this, but although EWTN and CatholicTV are based in the U.S., I presume that they are somewhat monitored by the Vatican. Although the Catholic church has had its fair share of scandal and corruption, from my understanding the Vatican, the base of the church, is not extremely corrupt. As long as a relatively righteous base regulates Catholic TV stations no serious evil or incorrect doctrine can slip through.
From what I read on the posted links, the purpose of Catholic TV programs is to enrich the lives of it's viewers, not convert people to the church or cheat donors. I believe that Catholic programming is generally a good, harmless tool to promote the message of Christ. By focusing on the scandal and corruption that exists in some branches of the Catholic church we can easily close our eyes to all of the good that the Catholic church as a whole embodies continues to spread.
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ReplyDeleteAs a former Catholic high school student, I was immersed in a Catholic community, attending masses weekly and taking numerous Catholic religion classes. True, the Catholic Church has had its fair share of recent, well-publicized scandals. The sheer scope and influence of Catholicism makes it an easy and interesting target for today’s media. I am by no means downplaying any misdoings by the church or its leaders, but the trend as of late seems to be to expose the "Universal Church” as corrupt. In reality, similar scandals happen in churches everywhere, but the words “Catholicism” or “priest” in the headlines seem to draw the most attention like the name of any Hollywood “It Girl” in the tabloids.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the Catholic Church is utilizing the media, EWTN specifically, as a direct response to the criticism it has received following these scandals. Rather, it is utilizing a tool of mass communication, similar to the LDS church, to provide connection and strength to its members throughout the world. An added benefit of such media use is the opportunity to represent the true nature of their religion as a contrast to the recent depictions we may have seen in the news.
I like to see that religion is taking space in media. The consistency of the Catholic church is converting, even to those who are not Catholic. I think that any influence of religion betters people and betters the world as a whole. People often compliment our church for doing the same thing . . . that is the consistency of having Mormon Tabernacle Choir every Sunday with "Music and the Spoken Word."
ReplyDelete