Home/Engage/Article

Nov 02, 2020 1118 Michelle Harold
Engage

All That Glitters

Quick: What’s your favorite show? Does it really entice you?

Binge watching TV: a pastime that today sits comfortably high on our list of go-to activities. The only strenuous part is picking that perfect show amidst the plethora of options across multiple streaming platforms. Cross that hurdle and then a single click on “Play” whirls us away to worlds outside our own, far removed from our daily cares.

When hit with the first pandemic lockdown, my husband and I found a show that ticked most of our boxes. Fast-paced and with a great plot, the series was gripping enough to fill the weekends. It was not hard to see how the show had garnered a huge fan base along with high ratings by critics.

As we progressed through the seasons however, we noticed a disturbing trend in the storyline. Practice of the Catholic faith was dissected and twisted and became the activity mainly of the villains, not the good guys. It seemed the underlying intent was to convey this malicious misrepresentation bit by bit, as viewers got more engrossed.

Such attempts to make viewers question their belief in a higher power may not always be obvious. Some content might try to desensitize us slowly to the most basic of vices. A popular comedy I started watching seemed to treat crimes with too much humor. Another trending show centred on human desire to live forever through a virtual avatar, an alternative to the perceived end by death.

Thankfully, we also have those creations that continue to inspire and motivate us—superheroes, love stories, triumphant victories against all odds, valiant struggles for peace and more. Isn’t it incredible how much of an impact can be made by that TV screen? I was happy to find one such show recently only to learn it had not drawn enough viewers to be developed further. Not the first time this has occurred with programmes of this nature.

Perhaps shows that break the norm fare better at sustaining interest. A good old fashioned rom-com or family movie is seldom something we recommend when discussing our latest streaming finds.

Watching thought-provoking content can have its benefits, but the doubts they trigger around our core beliefs can go two ways. Either we draw from our life experiences and Christian teachings to stand firmer in our faith, or we can be drawn to even more questionable content that intensifies our new doubts. The latter can be quite dangerous where youngsters are concerned. All it takes is an appealing and seemingly intelligent character who in the name of social consciousness speaks casual dialogue that derides religion. This can confuse young minds who value social responsibility and might be made to wonder if the Church shares those values.

So how do we become aware of all that’s around us without letting anything shake our core? How do we take only the good from what we watch and discard the evil? Let us pray to our Lord for the gift of discernment. Being mindful that we don’t have to get used to the way we feel after watching something. Inviting family members to share views at the dinner table can lead to a healthier understanding of what supports Christian values and what doesn’t. If something doesn’t, let’s be aware and take appropriate action.

And while we continue enjoying the creativity the entertainment industry has to offer, let’s also focus on and enjoy the sublime knowledge found on the pages of our Bible, the all-inclusive love of our Father, the ultimate hero Jesus, the superpowers of the Saints and the wonder of the everlasting Kingdom. Let us help each other realize how awesome it is to know a God who loves us, died for us, and wants us to be with Him forever. And let nothing come in the way of holding that faith till the end.

“So, let us be rid of every encumbrance, and especially of sin, to persevere in running the race marked out before us. Let us look to Jesus, the founder of our faith, who will bring it to completion” (Hebrews 12: 1-2).

Share:

Michelle Harold

Michelle Harold is an IT professional who finds great joy in living the Catholic faith. She resides with her husband in Melbourne, Australia.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles