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Christian television: Is it really that bad?
Written by Peter Youngren on July 9, 2009(Peter is a regular contributing writer for the St. Catharines Standard newspaper. Enclosed is his latest editorial piece for your comment.)
In his book, Whistling In The Dark, Frederick Buechner writes, “There is perhaps no better proof of the existence of God, than the fact that year after year He survives the way his professional friends promote Him. If there are people who remain unconvinced let them tune into their TV for almost any of the big time pulpit pounders any Sunday morning of the year.”
Ouch!
Evidently Mr. Buechner has a problem with television preachers, and since I am one of them, I better pay attention. Is Christian television really that bad? I believe in listening to critics, including those who never attend church. You don’t have to agree with your critics, but you can learn something of value from almost anyone. When it comes to the quote from Buechner, I tend to agree—at least in part. Many Christian programs portray God as narrow minded, petulant, condemning and angry. A few weeks ago the organization I founded, World Impact Ministries, purchased The Christian Channel [Cogeco 186], so now I have the opportunity to do something about Christian television. Well, don’t expect wonders overnight, but I am keeping several common criticisms in mind, among them that Christian television is judgmental, boring and phony.
Christians in general and Christian television in particular are often accused of being “judgmental.” It baffles the imagination how Christians could become such champions of condemnation when their Savior is a non-condemner. It seems many lack understanding that God’s justified wrath over human sin fell on Jesus. Therein lies the “Good News”: God is not angry with people, but His love is available to all. Why then do preachers attribute misfortunes—whether strokes, heart attacks, tsunamis, cyclones or hurricanes— to God’s supposed anger with the particular sins of an individual or a whole nation? We live under a covenant of the grace of Jesus Christ who said, “For the Son of Man did not come into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.”
What about “boring”? Conflict and competition make television and movies exciting. There is a hero and a villain. If the outcome of the story is uncertain, so much more reason for the audience to stay riveted. Even political talkshows have representatives of different sides of the issues duking it out. Meanwhile, Christian television usually consists of a few people sitting around a table agreeing with one another—not much conflict there. On Encounter, our nightly show, you often hear opinions from Atheists, Wiccans, Hindus, Moslems, or just plain non-religious Canadians, especially on the Street Talk and Viewer Comments segments. I like to mix it up, because it keeps us from merely “preaching to the choir.”
The “phony” accusation usually has to do with money. The appeal goes something like this: “God showed me that if you will give a certain amount of money, God will do “X” for you.” The “X”, of course, stands for any divine blessing that is promised on a particular program. Make no mistake about it, most Christian television is viewer supported. I boldly ask for people’s support because without that we can’t operate. I think it’s the “put your coins in the divine slot-machine and you will win” approach that draws criticism. It certainly turns me off. The Jesus approach is a little different. We love and give because we have received God’s love as a gift. Our giving is not to manipulate the Almighty, but to express our love for His kindness to us.
Do I think that Buechner’s sentiments have some validity? Certainly! Do I believe in Christian television? I sure do! We have the greatest message of hope and love in the world. There is nothing judgmental, boring or phony about that.
-Peter
Andrew
~ Bucaramanga, Columbia
I agree with you Peter. Thanks for telling it like it is.
Lilly
~ Stittsville (Ottawa) Ontario (Christian Channel -
We are grateful and excited for the Christian Channel now to be owned and operated by Peter. If it would be possible, one suggestion or recommendation I have would be to distribute a survey of desired (or undesired) programming to churches, households - in particular the partners and Churches and those who communicate with the ministry - a survey simply asking what programs would they like to see and would be most likely to watch (a printout of what is currently available and would they watch it); something to that effect. I am pleased to see Joseph Prince now on the Christian Channel; thankyou for It’s A New Day; let’s get Pat Francis and Joyce Meyer and Prayer Palace back on; let’s get Peter Popoff OFF; let’s continue with Living Truth; and let’s get the Teaching of Pastor Chris (Atmosphere for Miracles) on at 8:30 pm, for example. These are just a few examples. Crossroads (100 Huntley Street) sent out a survey and I found it very useful and, of course, it was beneficial to them because they were able to get a sense what kinds of programs and topics people would tune in to listen to. Maybe even let’s get some cooking shows on air - with Christian cooks - that would be “neat”. Anyway, these are just a few initial thots; we enjoy ENCOUNTER SO MUCH - thanku for this program; again, we are excited for everything you are doing and rejoice in our spirits for you Pastor Peter and Grace TV. Something has been awakened in us now, when we turn to Grace TV it’s like “everything’s gonna be ok” knowing you will be hands on involved in bringing the Gospel of Good News (Grace and Peace) to the nations through your programs and Ministries that are in line with this Good News; we have been watching your ministry teaching and have attended meetings where you have ministered and have a sense of “knowing” you as a teacher and friend becasue we have been blessed to receive of the Word. God bless and favour you all. Thankyou for the opportunity to submit a response.
Earl Batchelor
~ Barrie, ON.
Pastor Peter, you are so dead on right. Christians are so judgmental not just against those unsaved but epeciallly against one another. Jesus didn’t condemn. I think 2 Corin 5:19 when Paul writes “God no longer holds the sins of the world against them…...”. Why is there still a mixed gospel as Paul so clearly speaks against? I hear it in my own household of my saved parent that misused title of Christ being “The Lion of Judah”. Thank you for your obedience in teaching me about the covenant of Grace. Holy Spirit continues to reveal grace, to reveal Jesus & am slowly getting more opportunities to preach. Please keep the city of Barrie in prayer that they would be receptive to the truth of God’s Grace.
“Thanks be to God who is about completing the good work He already has begun in us”
Earl Batchelor
Donald MacLean
~ Canada
Excellent!!! I totally agree, I attended a church where condemnation was the main topic every service
I am glad someone is finally telling the world God came into the world to save it not condemn it.
yaa serwaa somuah
~ Edmonton, Alberta
Thanks Peter, if there is one thing that kept me in the dark for a long time before geting to know God personally then I will say its those steriotyped preaching of a God who will do all that to my poor soul for a sin I am already struggling to overcome
Christianity is more enjoyable when we bring the stories in the Bible to our time and make it clear what Christ stands for in the world. afterall who doesnt like a free gift such as this one of Eternal Grace
Child of God.
~ Ontario
I don’t have a problem with Christian Televsion, except ****** ****** and His patronizing preachings and those 21st Century Hollywood—type Preachers. I can’t stand the fact when they go around and say…. “Name you seed” “Water you seed” ” The lord told me for you to give $58 so you will have that breakthrough you been praying for in 58 days. etc etc.pfffffffffff
People are tired of been riped-off (mostly poor people, single mothers and etc.) That is why they are criticals
Musenga Simwawa
~ Saskatoon
Pastor Peter, first of all congratulations on the purchase of the Christian channel, I must admit this is the finger of God at work. For sure the sow a seed for a miracle has dominated christian TV portraying that really a miracle can be bought with money. I believe that some of these TV preachers are better off running private businesses to support the work than asking people to sow a seed for a miracle. Of course seed sowing is a legitimate teaching in the bible but it has been manipulated. Jesus never asked people to give something in form of material possesion in exchange for their healing, unless i have not read and I stand to be corrected. God is not broke, He owns the cattle over a thousand hills, gold and silver are his. Go ahead and bring some sanity to christian TV. Jesus said, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’
Julie
~ Ontario
Both of my parents shudder and quickly flip through the Christian Channels on their TV. A week or so ago, I was watching The Encounter, and they both ACTUALLY sat there and watched the whole thing with me! Afterwards we had a great conversation about the topics addressed on the program, and the question the street talk people were asked. It was so great to see the both of them actually discussing and considering rather than being discusted and condemmed.
Please continue to speak to the “untouched” rather than to the “church choir”. Feeding fat sheeps is done far too often.
Your shows are SO refreshing!
Thanks so much!
Louise Plamondon
~ Edmonton, Alberta
Hello Pastor Peter,
My husband (Barry Plamondon) and I appreciate your show very much and we are partners with your ministry. We were very thrilled to discover God had given you this awesome opportunity with the Christian Channel. I just wanted to mention one thing which you may already be aware of.
My husband and I found many of the commercials on the Christian Channel offensive. Their was some of the same commercials that are shown on non-Christian TV, which are part of the reason we don’t watch those channels. The women are scantily clad in their underwear and this should not be shown on televission. We have seen less of these commercials since you took over the channel and are thankful that you are improving this and hope that you continue to monitor the commercials that are aired, very carefully/prayerfully.
Thank-you that you want to glorify God with all that you do. God Bless you. This is meant to be a private email please, not a public one.
Thank-you for your ministry
Louise
Judith Sexton
~ Amarillo, Texas
I Agree with you on your article . I beleve that each of us has a personal walk with Jesus as he did it all that we might be saved and go on to be with God. If we have the Holy Spirit living within us then we can do all and our purpose is to spread the word and lead others to Jesus our savior. I watch a lot of Christian Tv and also attend my Church for Sunday School and Church services. these Christian services help me get more of the word and to grow in my faith. I support my church first and then if I can I help where i can in other ministries.
Helene Skidmore
~ St-Constant, Quebec
Right on, Pastor Peter….With God’s Holy Spirit, you always have the good argument and give the right answer to the disputers.
Bravo!
PS: By the way, I became a partner on your web site: Peter Youngren.org. Will I be entitled to the documents you are offering on Grace TV for people who become partners? Best Regards.
Helene
Roman von Tiesenhausen
~ Grande Prairie, Alberta
Dear Pastor Youngren,
I appreciate your enthusiasm in reaching the lost, particularly overseas. The Lord is praying for more labourers to enter his harvest fields.
I personally like most Christian television since Jesus is lifted up, souls are saved and people are spiritually and physically healed.
At the end of the day God is only concerned about whether we have represented him properly according to his holy written word, and we present his holy word in such a way that unbelievers such as moslems, hindus, buddhists, atheists, mormons and other non christian beliefs recognize that the Jesus Christ was crucified, died, was buried for three days, then rose form the dead and is sitting now at the right hand of God waiting until his enemies be made his footstool.
Jesus is love. We have all preached this including all television evangelists. One topic which has not been preached a lot is about the judgment of God. It says that the beginning of wisdom is to “fear God and keep his Commandments”.
If we do not fear God and keep all his commandments including the 10 commandments we will reap the consequences. It says “the soul that sinneth shall surely die.”
God is not going to wink at the sin in our nation Canada forever. Especially the “gay parades in Toronto”. God has his prophets and if you are one of those then I hope you will remind those people who are participating in this that their fate is sealed unless they repent and turn from their ungodly ways. You have an excellent chance now with you new Christian television channel I personally believe that 9-11 and the Hurricane Katrina were wakeup calls for the western world to repent of their blatant sins. And if you do not agree with this just watch what our Lord Jesus Christ will allow to happen next.
The reason that God allows certain judgments to happen is that he reminds us people to turn from our sins, repent of them, accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, and begin a new life with Jesus at the center. That is why the Lord is allowing things to happen to our nations and as individuals. You have an excellent opportunity to portray our “Lord Jesus Christ” as a loving kind and generous God, but also as a God who will chastise a Nation, a continent, a family or an individual if his commandments are not kept.
The Lord bless
Roman von Tiesenhausen
Angela Hjertstedt
~ Phoenix
Dear Peter,
I agree that Christian tv is pretty corny. I am not looking for an action movie but… I do want to hear about the grace and love of Jesus. So far that is pretty difficult to find! I am not receving your tv program in phoenix but I did see you at a small church here. I bought several of your tapes and books and have been giving them to friends in CA. People are so tired of judgmental Preachers! We are hungry for Grace and Love and Jesus !! Why is America so in the dark? We need more preachers like youself, Joseph Prince and TL Osborne!
Now that would be fabulouse!! I really love you guys because you all really lift up Jesus and his finished work!! Most of my secular friends and a lot of christian friends get blown away when you tell them that Jesus loves them point blank!
Well Peter keep up the wonderful work! You are a blessing!
Your Sister in Christ
Angela
Kevin L Hodge
~ Red Deer, AB, Canada
I could not agree more. This is a profound statement on the state of affairs of the mainstream preachers. I applaud Peter for speaking the truth about so many preachers that obtain moneys from people by promising “X” for “$N”.
Joe B.
~ Delray Beach, Florida
Funny how everyone agrees with Peter and there is not one single dissenting voice on this blog. Methinks the moderator is on a pretty short leash here. Can anyone say “censorship”?
Child of God.
~ Ontario
Good obeservation JoeB! I thought about that too many times .=:)
Child of God.
~ Ontario
Btw, those fat preachers who preach that Homesxualls are goona go to hell whatever, How about gluttony, over eating, don’t they think that is a SIN?
Gigi Hagey
~ Toronto
Perhaps, my Lord and Savior can’t come back for His Bride yet because we criticize one another so much! Yes, he wants us to love the sinner into His Kingdom but perhaps the real challenge is to love one another and realize He is our only perfect example! Love and Prayers Pastor Peter ! Gigi Hagey
grace
~ cambridge, ontario
thankyou for sharing truth, it’s what set me free
cosmas dzuda
~ kitchener
Imay not have a degree in bible , but I agree.We need better preachers.
Lyle Hodge
I agree with Peter as well but I am finding that for the most part the television preachers are money grabbers from the less fortunate that are looking for a way out. Most of the people cannot afford the fees that these guys charge.
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Comments:
John
~ Toronto
Hi Peter
I agree with you. We have the greatest message in the universe. I think the main problem with most Christian T.V. is that they don’t preach pure grace like Paul did. Many of the t.v. preachers are very legalistic and they don’t seem all that happy. The joy of the Lord seems absent in most t.v. preachers. Trying to follow laws will do that to a person. The joy is in them because Jesus is their joy but they are so busy following all these rules that you can’t see the joy. I find that most Christian t.v. looks more like they are talking about some religion than a loving relationship with the creator. I don’t see much grace taught. You and a few others are doing a great job. May you grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus daily. Keep preaching pure grace. I know that you can’t just drop all the legalistic programs right away. Bills to pay. Also if you did that they may be turned off the message of grace. I pray for God’s continual abundant wisdom for you in Jesus’ name Amen.