Is the media coverage of the Church really fair and unbiased?

[-Peacemaker-]

Why is it seem like the vast majority of "news" that secular media seems to cover in regards to the Church (Christianity) seems to revolve are sex scandals and queers? Is that really the extent of the Church's relevancy in the 21st Century? Do people realize that the Church is on the forefront when it comes to caring for sick and the homeless? Why does the media seem to shy away from covering stories in which people's lives improved because of what the Church provided? Which leads to another question, is the term "secular" in America often a code word for a "religion", one who's tenets are built on rationalism (ie. worship of the self), and sexual "freedom"? In other words, is "secularism" in America another name for a movement which opposes everything that Jesus stands for and is indeed anti-Christian? Is the media actively trying to promote its "values"?

 

[Gjallarhorn]

In order they were asked: because news likes sensationalism, quite possibly, I doubt that, because it's not interesting, and no, no matter how much you wish it was.

 

[Revoltingest]

You want fair & unbiased news coverage?
Impossible...for any issue.

 

[-Peacemaker-]

You want fair & unbiased news coverage?
Impossible...for any issue.

I'm suggesting that there is an anti-Christian slant to it

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm suggesting that there is an anti-Christian slant to it

I'm inclined to agree that there generally is, but variation between different sources is great.
We just can't expect unbiased, objective & fair coverage of any issue, be it guns, economics,
politics, religion, etc, etc. If anything, I'd say the bias against Xtian churches is less.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

As far as I can tell, some of the most anti-Christian movements (certainly un-Christian) are probably various flavors of Christianity itself. Particularly the ones focused on hate, discrimination, judgement, and division (all things specifically un-Christ-like).

 

[Skwim]

Why is it seem like the vast majority of "news" that secular media seems to cover in regards to the Church (Christianity) seems to revolve are sex scandals and queers?

"Queers"? FYI:

Queer is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities that are not heterosexual, heteronormative, or gender-binary.
The term is generally controversial because it was reappropriated to an extent in the 1990s from its use as an anti-gay epithet. Furthermore, some LGBT people disapprove of using queer as a catch-all because they consider it offensive, derisive or self-deprecating given its continuous use as a form of hate speech.
Source: Wikipedia
​

I think you can do better than "queer."

Is that really the extent of the Church's relevancy in the 21st Century? Do people realize that the Church is on the forefront when it comes to caring for sick and the homeless?

Really! Care to back up that statement? Also, just what is this "Church" you speak of? Does it include the Mormon church and the Westboro Baptist church? How about the church of Satan and the church of Scientology, or the Church of Euthanasia ?

Why does the media seem to shy away from covering stories in which people's lives improved because of what the Church provided?

Ain't news worthy. Lots of other people and organizations do the very same thing.

Which leads to another question, is the term "secular" in America often a code word for a "religion", one who's tenets are built on rationalism (ie. worship of the self), and sexual "freedom"?

Here, maybe this will clear it up.

sec·u·lar

[sek-yuh-ler]
adjective 1. of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests.

2. not pertaining to or connected with religion ( opposed to sacred ): secular music.

3. (of education, a school, etc.) concerned with nonreligious subjects.

4. (of members of the clergy) not belonging to a religious order; not bound by monastic vows ( opposed to regular ).

5. occurring or celebrated once in an age or century: the secular games of Rome.


re·li·gion

[ri-lij-uh

n]
noun 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

Source: Dictionary.com


​

In other words, is "secularism" in America another name for a movement which opposes everything that Jesus stands for and is indeed anti-Christian?

Does it fit the definition above?

 

[Me Myself]

First thing you need to learn about communication and sources:

NOTHING is unbiased.

 

[Revoltingest]

First thing you need to learn about communication and sources:
NOTHING is unbiased.

....especially anyone claiming to be unbiased.

Ya know, the church (I know this is a very broad brush) brought on much of their trouble.
If they weren't covering up child sexual abuse & otherwise enabling heinous crimes, their
stock wouldn't have fallen so low.

 

[Me Myself]

As far as I can tell, some of the most anti-Christian movements (certainly un-Christian) are probably various flavors of Christianity itself. Particularly the ones focused on hate, discrimination, judgement, and division (all things specifically un-Christ-like).

Heh... Ironically true.

 

[Me Myself]

....especially anyone claiming to be unbiased.

Yes and no. They may just honestly trying to be unbias. The idea is to try.

 

[Revoltingest]

Yes and no. They may just honestly trying to be unbias. The idea is to try.

I agree. But I distrust those who trumpet that they've succeeded.

 

[Skwim]

First thing you need to learn about communication and sources:

NOTHING is unbiased.

Second thing, Peacemaker, is to be weary of gross generalizations.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

....especially anyone claiming to be unbiased.

In other words, fair and balanced.

 

[LuisDantas]

Is it even possible to know whether someone is unbiased?

It is of course good practice to try and avoid being too biased, but it is not always possible, reasonable or healthy to avoid strong opinions.

That said, I'm not sure an anti-Christian bias, even if clearly established to exist, would be something to avoid. The Church does after all enjoy a lot of privilege.

 

[ChristineES]

I don't think there is any news media that isn't biased against something or another. News is sensationalized on all fronts- which is why I've switched from just reading the headlines in various different sources online and have steered away from TV news.

I don't really see any discrimination against Christians in The US- I see criticism- I see criticism for just about everything nowadays, but criticism is hardly the same thing as persecution or discrimination. People don't treat me any differently than anyone else even when they know I'm a Christian- probably because I don't preach to them. Some people who are not religious may even engage me in talking about my faith- doesn't normally happen, but once in a blue moon. In turn, I listen to them, too.

I just think people are more outspoken these days- about everything, not just religions.

 

[-Peacemaker-]

Skwim: here's another definition.

code word

noun 1. code name.

2. a euphemistic or politically acceptable catchword or phrase used instead of a blunter or less acceptable term: The official report said the diplomats had a “frank and serious discussion”—code words for “angry argument.”




Here's some common examples used in the media:

inner city/ghetto = black community

In football when they describe a white guy as: lacking the athleticism of some of his peers but has intangibles such as being "heady",a "team player", and "instinctive"= they're claiming he is smarter and is more well-adjusted than his predominantly black counterparts.



The point is that these aren't just figments of the imagination.

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

Ah, this must be about that huge anti-Christian, mass conspiracy I keep hearing about, but never seeing. Of course the media is biased against Christianity, it's biased against all religion, especially if it's something that goes against religious teaching. Why? Because it sells.

 

[Falvlun]

The media must also be biased against almost every single other religion, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status since they seem to predominately only report about them when they do bad stuff too.

 

[Katzpur]

Also, just what is this "Church" you speak of? Does it include the Mormon church and the Westboro Baptist church? How about the church of Satan and the church of Scientology, or the Church of Euthanasia ?

Wow. That's quite an interesting list you've compiled. I can't help but wonder how much thought you put into it and to what degree you consider these five churches similar to each other...

Mormon Church
Westboro Baptist Church
Church of Satan
Church of Scientology
Church of Euthanasia

I'm not going to speak on behalf of the last four churches on your list, but I will definitely say that media coverage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, in most cases, unfair, biased, and perhaps most important of all, inaccurate.