2008 Woodie Awards
Christian voters should have no friends
Ben Nielsen
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Forum
In the early 1900's, Joseph Pulitzer owned a newspaper named the "New York World." A banner hanging on the wall of the newsroom of the World read as follows: The "World" has no friends. By being "friendless," Pulitzer argued it would help his reports uncover scandals, injustices and corruption because his journalists would not be slaves to higher powers. David Mindich argues in his book "Tuned Out: Why Americans Under 40 don't Follow the News" that good journalism seeks truth. My question is, can a news organization that "represents the views of God" truly operate without friends? Doesn't Christian media have an inherent bias that could cloud viewers from making educated decisions? What if truth is contrary to Evangelicals' political beliefs?
It concerns me when Christians have separated themselves from society to such a degree that they have their own news, media and entertainment. Secular news along with its commentary has become liberal and evil according to Christian leaders, despite research that claims news is more balanced than critics suggest.
Additionally, leaders of these programs have ignored balance and constructive criticism to each side of an issue in their own news shows. One host suggested liberals were determined to "bring about our literal annihilation" and that "a vote for the conservative cause ... is a vote to ... reverse America's decline and restore her to the path of morality, conscience and strength of character. It's a vote to continue America's return to her rightful place as the strongest beacon of hope in a terrified world." In what way do statements like these educate the evangelical base and encourage people to dissect each side of an issue? Remember, the evangelical base is the same base Karl Rove called the "key" to the election of President Bush.
These leaders have gone so far out of the stratosphere Arizona's Republican Senator John McCain said they were "agents of intolerance."
What is sad is we, as Christians and evangelicals, have done nothing to overcome such bias. We judge one's candidacy by their political affiliation, their denomination and whether or not they are pro-life. We have reached a point where a candidate could grade high in foreign issues, domestic issues and the economy, but if he or she is a Democrat or is pro-choice then he or she is no longer an option.
It concerns me when Christians have separated themselves from society to such a degree that they have their own news, media and entertainment. Secular news along with its commentary has become liberal and evil according to Christian leaders, despite research that claims news is more balanced than critics suggest.
Additionally, leaders of these programs have ignored balance and constructive criticism to each side of an issue in their own news shows. One host suggested liberals were determined to "bring about our literal annihilation" and that "a vote for the conservative cause ... is a vote to ... reverse America's decline and restore her to the path of morality, conscience and strength of character. It's a vote to continue America's return to her rightful place as the strongest beacon of hope in a terrified world." In what way do statements like these educate the evangelical base and encourage people to dissect each side of an issue? Remember, the evangelical base is the same base Karl Rove called the "key" to the election of President Bush.
These leaders have gone so far out of the stratosphere Arizona's Republican Senator John McCain said they were "agents of intolerance."
What is sad is we, as Christians and evangelicals, have done nothing to overcome such bias. We judge one's candidacy by their political affiliation, their denomination and whether or not they are pro-life. We have reached a point where a candidate could grade high in foreign issues, domestic issues and the economy, but if he or she is a Democrat or is pro-choice then he or she is no longer an option.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jennifer H.
posted 9/26/07 @ 4:39 PM CST
Fabulous story, Ben. Jim Wallis and Tony Campolo would add that when we "become friends" -- or align ourselves with a particular political party, we lose our ability to "speak truth to power. (Continued…)
LibertySilver
posted 10/08/07 @ 9:55 PM CST
As a christian, you should be looking at Dr. Ron Paul.
I think many Christians are waking up to that.
Dr. Paul, transends party lines and his philosophies,
most closedly represent the Christian poplulation. (Continued…)
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