Religion in the media

Religion is a controversial topic that comes up in the media. But I think the society and the culture we live in today has an effect on our lives today as well. Media looks for different issues or problems that are common and happening in the world around us. Today, there are many types of media such as television shows that pertain to religion like worship shows, the news, documentaries, Christian music radio stations, Bible study, magazines and etc. I think many times religion in the media is shown to be something completely different then what it really is. I found in a magazine a couple living together before they were married. Today, society has made things like living together, not having abstinence and having kids before your married be part of the norm. I think this is wrong toward many religions and my belief. I think living together takes away from the idea of abstinences. I know that the Catholic religion sees theses as something that should not be done until you are married. In magazines you find many couples getting a divorce but not only one but more than one. I think that thing is another idea that is becoming a norm. I think that it is fine to get a divorce if you are really not that happy together, but it is being portrayed as okay in today’s society. I know the Catholic Church looks down on getting a divorce and so does my belief. I think that you should find someone and marry them with the mind set of them being with you the rest of your life. These views have been altered from the changes of one generation to the next generation.
In the movie, Dogma, religion is the main topic that is focused on in the media. At Cardinal Glick’s campaign “Catholicism Wow”, the media is gathered around and waiting for what new issue is being brought to the community. The Cardinal says, “Catholicism seems to be viewed by the majority and the media as a passé or archaic institution, so the Catholic Church is making an effort to disprove all of what the media is saying by making it a time of renewal of both faith and of style.” Religion is viewed in the media as old fashion almost out of date for the time, so Cardinal Glick wants to use his campaign to change the way people and media view of the Catholic religion. He uses the crucifix of Christ and says “that this church has decided to retire, this highly recognizable but holy depressing image of our Lord crucified.” Cardinal Glick comes up with, in his words “a new and more inspiring Buddy Christ.” Cardinal Glick comes up with a newer symbol of our Lord because he wanted it to more modern and something that “pops”. I think this it to draw attention to the media. I think this image of the new Buddy Christ is wrong. It portrays him as a simple childish God and not someone that did something great for us. I think that the Cardinal change the way Christ looked because not enough people were going to church anymore and many people are straying from the faith. I think the Cardinal should have never changed the symbol of Christ because it doesn’t help explain their religion, Catholicism. By changing the image of Christ it now does not resemble the really meaning behind it. The crucifix told us a story and we use it as a remembrance of what Christ did for us. I think he used this new image to get the media, not only, to pay attention but help direct more people in coming to the Catholic Church.
In the movie, the Cardinal also draws attention to the fact that people will be able to get their sins forgiven by walking through the arch way which will draw more people into the church. I think this is the wrong approach to getting people to come into the church or even know of the faith because if people think all you have to do is go through the arch way, they are going to do it just like the two angels in the movie. It makes religion simple and makes it seem like you can do more harsh sins and you’ll be forgiven just by walking through the arch way. I think he should have used a different means of getting people to come to church and being involved in the faith. Even though the media often portrays how the churches are, people who are actually believers of the faith know the truth of their religion.