Responding to the Challenges of Media Evangelization

I just came from the GMA7 Christian Life Program to give the Orientation Talk. I was glad to see SFC members from a rival network ABS-CBN who committed to help and support. Indeed, if it's for the Lord, there is unity. There is a great need to evangelize the influential media networks and I'm inspired how SFC's in GMA7 stepped up to conduct their first ever CLP.

Media is one of the six sectors that the New Evangelization wants to reach. Media can be considered today's greatest educator. Much of how we think and behave is influenced by the dictates of media. Media popularizes. The challenge is to be able to permeate to media what is right. We must remember that it does not mean when it is popular, it is right. Easily, society develops a "poll mentality", as if what is just and right is defined by what the majority thinks is right. Beware of the following:

1. Popular people who think the world should conform to their set of beliefs, even if it's sinful.

Today's "twitter culture" reflects the kind of influences people are willing to be exposed to. Just look at the number of followers a celebrity has. Popularity should be used to promote righteousness and Christian values. Those who are in the position to influence should take into deep thought and prayer of the kind of society that ought to be built..

 2. Negative Norms in the storylines of sitcoms and movies.

Many western comedies or soaps promote pre-marital sex as normal or even cultural and regard sex as casual as playing tennis. Many movies project violence that border to being sadistic, as if banking on the entertainment value derived from seeing someone being killed. This is very reminiscent to the gladiator days where coliseums were dedicated for "deathtertainment."

3. Irresponsible use of social media.

Some people think that having a youtube, facebook or a twitter account gives them the license to unfiltered expression of hatred, disgust, and hurtful opinion. In my observation, the virtual society is slowly being desensitized to reveal more regardless if it is upbuilding or not, even to the point of endangering themselves and others.In our own way, let us seek to renew the field of media.

In today's advanced technology we are all empowered to have a voice. Use that voice like how John the Baptist would, to prepare the way of the Lord."A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord." Mark 1:3

Questions to ponder before broadcasting:
1. Is my message the truth that honors the Lord?
2. When I post or repost, will it build relationships, help people, and proclaim God's goodness?
3. Am I contributing to God's intent for the gift of media?

 Let us continue to "Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord." Luke 1:46