Can Television Play the Same Role as the Church?

Television has been taking over. Society is depending on television more than ever and this fact just continues to grow. Interpretations depicted from television affect our theological perspectives. One who does not attend Church every Sunday can endulge in religious viewings simply through watching television. Tv shows like Touched by An Angel, and 7th Heaven, portray Christian values that one can learn from. There are positive and negative aspects one can receive through messages from television, but these are what mould our culture and allow us to relate to the divine.

Television acts as a mirror of humanity[1]. Television adds to the aid of creating connection between individuals by allowing one to share common interests depicted from television shows and such. The choice of one’s favourite television show makes them return to the television every week and engage contact with others who share similar interests as a kind of commitment and routine. This is very similar to the concept of what Church services imply- the reinforcement of connecting people. Therefore, a metaphoric concept of Church services can be seen in television. So as you can see, popular culture intertwines with Christian theology through different sources of medium. In church we learn about love and other morals, while at the same time television also portrays these learnings. 

One who is not religious and who does not engage in Church services every week can manipulate the same teachings through television in a different sense. The expression “God is everywhere” can freakishly be true, it just depends on how one interprets messages given to them and how they reflect it back the their own theological views. 

References:
1. Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. "Television." In A Matrix of Means, 185-219. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003


Further links of television shows that incorporate Christian theology context: 


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108968/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115083/