I looked back on Postman's novel Amusing Ourselves to Death and thought about his point on how viewers no longer have that consistency of emotion when they are watching something due to commercials. For example, in chapter eight Postman argues how preachers are spreading the word of God through television. But that is not the same when someone attends mass in an actual church. First and foremost, you can not achieve the same sacredness you get from a church if you're viewing the preacher from a television. That just eliminates the point of being in God's house. Furthermore, there are commercial interruptions which does not give the viewer time to reflect on gospels or saying of the preacher. Again, there is not that sense on emotional consistency.
A good analogy to make my point clear is a burger commercial. You can see all of the meals on the screen however, your hunger isn't satisfied. Same goes for preachers on television. You can watch them spread the word of God but you do not receive the blessing because you are not in the presence of the church.
Sometimes I think the media is overpowering what really matters in life. Everything today is moving fast which not only promotes a lack of emotional consistency but it gives people less time to reflect on what matters in life. Do you think religious ceremonies should be held on television? Do you think you would still get the same sacredness as you would in a church?
Thenelle I definitely concur with your statement and I am so happy that you posted something on the impact of God's presence. I can completely agree that viewing say, a live feed from your church, would not be the same as actually being there. I totally and completely respect and honor your religious beliefs, but I am actually a Christian and when I worship with my church family it really leaves an impact on your mind and your heart. I think that religious services can be viewed live if you were unable to make church but I believe that it should be held and experienced in an actual church. To answer your question, you would NOT experience the same sacredness if you were to watch your church service from your couch. Although, I am not saying that church service should NOT be available for viewing at home because sometimes all you need is God when you are experiencing troubled times. It is very possible there are people viewing from home for a certain amount of reasons but I respect both approaches to view church service. Yes I also agree with you that media tends to overshadow what really matters in life but that is up to every individual to follow what is good and make their own decisions. Great Point!
ReplyDeleteThank you Noa, I really like your point. Especially when you stated that sometimes we just need God to be with us during troubled times. And that's beautiful because sometimes those are the times when we need Him most even when we didn't ask Him to be there at those troubled times.
DeleteThenelle I am not a religious person but of course I do respect your religion. I believe it shouldn't matter where you are if you end up still listening to the word of God. Like how Noa said when people are going through rough times getting spiral guidance from anywhere can help out a lot.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a person's presence in church would feel more spiritual because of the atmosphere. However, I agree with Jazmin that it shouldn't matter the location. People do have their reasons for watching church service at home, such as my grandma who can't walk and go to a church. Like Noa said the media can overshadow God with commercials and other distractions, but God's presence doesn't just have to be felt in church. Everyone has a direct connection, so even at home as long as someone is dedicated, they can still feel his presence. I prefer going to church, but it is still amazing that people have access to it on TV. Actually listening and paying attention depends on the person.
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DeleteI agree with Thenelle about the impact of actually being in a church and listening to worship, but that doesn't mean that those who don't get the same feeling. Maybe the person is immobile and can't always physically go to church, watching it on their TV maybe their only option.
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