(ThyBlackMan.com) I came across an article in The Christian Post that talked about a new reality TV show coming out soon: “Preachers of L.A.” Apparently (via a press release from Oxygen), the new show is supposed to:
“…give viewers a candid and revealing look at six boldly different and world renowned mega-pastors in Southern California, who are willing to share diverse aspects of their lives, from their work in the community and with their parishioners to the very large and sometimes provocative lives they lead away from the pulpit.”
The cast? Well, let’s see, there is Bishop Clarence McClendon, senior pastor of Full Harvest International Church; Pastor Wayne Chaney of Antioch Church of
Long Beach; Bishop Ron M. Gibson of Life Church of God In Christ; Jay Haizlip, lead pastor at the Sanctuary Church; and the “two big ones” Bishop Noel Jones and Deitrick Haddon.
Besides the fact that this new trend of ‘religious reality tv’ irks me to the core, I was completely taken back by this particular “purpose” of the show: to the very large and sometimes provocative lives they lead away from the pulpit.
Provocative? Let’s see what our good friend Merriam Webster has to say about this.
Provocative: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate. Another definition I found was “arousing sexual desire or interest, especially deliberately.”
Hmm, this is interesting. I say this because this “provocative” aspect of the show is exactly what I find so disheartening not only with this new addition, but with the many others out there as well.
I do not watch “regular” reality tv shows because they are ridiculous. Reality TV is simply a bunch of drama—name calling, back stabbing, table throwing, acting-like-we-are-our-children’s ages, worthless television. The images shows like this housewives and that basketball wives and wish-I-really-were-a-wife display are not images to be proud of….at all.
And although I’m not judging any of these so-called religious reality shows (as I’ve not watched any anyway), my point is this: Reality shows are successful because they’re centered around conflict and drama. Take away the drama and you take away the show.
Many supporters of gospel reality tv try to highlight the seemingly good of the show, just like that Oxygen press release did. These shows show the “real lives” of gospel artists; no one is perfect. Religious reality tv brings God into this arena, demonstrating you can have a reality show that’s different than the norm.
How’d the press release put it? The show is following six different pastors “who are willing to share diverse aspects of their lives, from their work in the community and with their parishioners.”
Like the supporting comments, that sounds good until the “real deal” is exposed, i.e. provocative lives they lead away from the pulpit.
Okay, we’re going to follow around some high-profile pastors and musicians, highlight their good deeds. But what’s making this a reality show? Their provocative lives….drama.
I know pastors, the church and everyone (for that matter) are not perfect, and no one is saying they should “hide” their shortcomings and act all “high n’ mighty.” But, no one is saying they need to put them on display either.
Christians need to be cautious about how we present ourselves because the bible tells us we are not to look like the world.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life: That certainly sums up what attracts viewers to many of today’s reality TV. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ trying to do your best to please Him and live your life accordingly, why would you want to be associated with something that you know is deemed valuable, attractive and appealing because it proudly displays lust, pride, greed, drama, materialism, etc.?
Christians are not keeping up with the joneses; we don’t have to do everything the world does and then justify it by saying “oh we brought God in it” or “we’re doing this for Jesus.” Providing an alternative music genre to praise and honor God through worship, sure. Putting the lives of “saints” on display and having them be in an environment that can potentially breed actions Jesus is against? Not so much. Remember, 1 Cor. 10:23 says, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive (NIV).”
God wants his children to be able to enjoy life as a Christian and to certainly have alternatives to worldly practices. But, I’m sure he knows Christians will be okay if they miss a daily dosage of “good” reality TV.
We’re living in a lukewarm church society, folks. A lot of people have one hand on the bible and the other swaying in the air at the club. It’s no wonder so many laugh at Christians and refuse to believe the Gospel; look at Christ’s “supposed” followers. We are to be an example of Jesus Christ and reflect Him and His message in everything we do. If Christ turned on one of these religious reality shows, would He say, “Well done my good and faithful servants”? And would he utter the same praise, only this time if you or I were the person holding the remote?
Staff Writer; Shala Marks
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/shala.marks
Service is her passion, writing is her platform, women and the Black Community are her avenues. Shala Marks is a writer, editor and soon-to-be author. Through her work, Marks aspires to demonstrate “The Craft of Writing, and the Art of Efficacy.” She has a B.A. in journalism from ArizonaStateUniversity. Connect with her at http://www.sisterscanwespeak.tumblr.com.