In Amusing Ourselves to Death, Postman states how religious programs do not have the same effect on a person as they would if the person was in a real church. He talks about how preachers put God second since they are mostly concerned with making themselves look better on TV. Postman brings in examples such as sports to make the church more appealing and likable to the people. Also how the meaning is lost on TV since the viewers are most likely in a regular room in their house that does not have a religious aura. This causes religion to be an hour in their daily schedule since they will most likely watch sports after or forget what they learned.
Since this book was published in 1985, maybe this issue with religious programs occurred a bit more then. It may still go on, however, from my personal experience I have not really viewed these programs in that manner. The church I go to is quite modern and looks like pretty regular inside. There are no crosses or decorations on the walls, yet I still receive a strong message. At my church, they also broadcast the service at the same time we receive it. So if I were to watch it at home would I not get the same message? At home I would still be receiving the same service. Even if I am not in the church, if the message is strong enough, it should be able to have the same effect at home, right? I understand that I will not be in a room with others worshiping or listening to the songs live, but there is also a chance that people in the church are not paying attention either. I think it depends on how dedicated someone is to their religion whether they be at home or in a church. Also, I would not say all preachers use sports or politics to make themselves look better or likable, but to give us better understanding and make our daily lives relatable to the message.
Do you think the meaning is really lost on TV?
In my opinion, the message is, in fact, lost when it is sent electronically. This is because of the lack of "feel," or so to speak when someone listens to or sees something on an electronic device. For example, the audience knows for a fact that the priest cannot see them, but they can see him. This causes the audience to pay less attention as the priest's attention is directed not at the television viewers, but the physical audience in front of them. Another example would be watching sports on television versus watching it live. Most people would prefer watching a soccer match, or such, live rather than on television. This is, again, because of the emotions people feel when they are viewing something physically.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't really say that the meaning is completely lost but the feeling is different. As you stand within the walls of the church you can feel the happiness that surrounds you or the vibrations of the music that is sung or played. It's mostly about living in the moment rather than just watching it on television. On television, there is no interaction at all. Unless of course you decide to sing, pray, and read on your own but one would probably feel silly dong so. What I'm trying to get at here is that a person would probably feel more involved while at church because of the environment that they are in.
ReplyDeleteI think that a certain aspect of the message is gone because you are not really communicating with the person and what they are saying if you are watching them through a screen. If you have questions for them about what they are saying there is no way of asking unless you find their contact information. In addition, the message can be portrayed differently on screen rather than in person.
ReplyDeleteI think something that is as personal as religion does lose a lot of its value when it is aired on television. A person can't interact with a television screen, which I think is an essential quality that worship services should have. I agree with Arielle that there is a feeling that comes from being surrounded by other people in church and can't be mimicked through a television screen.
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