Why Does the Media Not Support the Church?

It’s impossible not to have a bias. Whether it comes from language, culture, background, or faith, we all see the world differently. There is some real beauty in it, but at the same time it does present an interesting challenge for Christians. 

Whenever incorrect information about the faith or the Church is on the minds and mouths of society, we quickly point our blame to the secular media. The media has become one of the automatic symbols of the bad guy out to get us. Most Christians today have no problem labeling the media the enemy, and still are surprised when they’re not promoting and upholding Truth.

As easy as it is, secular media shouldn’t be generalized into one lump group that only exists only to promote liberal agendas, focus on evil, and attack all that is good. As someone that works for a large media company, I know what really drives the heart of these organizations – it’s all about the money.

Media organizations are made of a group of random people that cannot agree on much, especially religion. There are no collective conspiracies to ruin the world. It comes down to which topics stimulate emotion, because if an audience will pay attention long enough funding advertisers can get their message in too.

Some media groups may decided to air important Catholic events, or on the contrary, focus on anti-Christian news but it wasn’t because they were converting or trying to take down the Church as an organization. It is simply because there was a guaranteed audience. Sometimes there are individuals that have personal agendas, but Judas can be found everywhere. Businesses don’t have souls, people do.

Whether the media supports us or not, we shouldn’t expect it. As happy as it sounds and as good as it would be, it’s not what Jesus promised us. There is no easy ride to heaven; Jesus told us to pick up our crosses and follow Him. If the world made it easy to follow Him, then everyone would be in the Church already.

2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials,  so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Instead of wasting energy complaining about the lack of Christianity in the media, I think that our energy if better spent trying to create work to promote His message. Our voice may always be small among the fruitless noise in the world, but we will work tirelessly to lead as many souls as we can to Christ.