Surely, you've seen the ads for
NBC's big new midseason dramedy, The Book of Daniel? The one where the Vicodin-addicted Episcopal priest talks
to a bum-hippie Jesus about his drug dealing daughter and his gay son and the fact that his lesbian secretary is
sleeping with his sister-in-law? You know, the one that looks like a piece of overcooked, self-conciously
"quirky" Ally McBealist crap? As Adam pointed out yesterday morning, the American
Family Association is even more excited about Daniel than I am, although for entirely different reasons; in
fact, they're calling for NBC to cancel the show before it even airs. In a statement sent to their members, AFA said,
"It would be beneficial to all if NBC showed a little more respect for Christians who believe the Bible."
They're asking their members to bombard the network with letters until they get their way. Meanwhile, NBC has fought
back with a statement of their own,
predictably insisting that if we try it, we might like it. "We're confident that once audiences view this quality
drama themselves, they'll appreciate this thought-provoking examination of one American family," the network
says. Hmmmm... an absurdly reactionary organization is trying to get an apparently crap show canceled before it debuts. That's just silly. Then again, it is, by all appearances, a crap show. What side to take?















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
12-29-2005 @ 1:05PM
JT said...
It would be beneficial to all Radical Christians if they showed a little more distance towards TV fictions in general, and if they agreed that it's not the Bible's job to dictate content. And if I want to go to Hell watching Nip/Tuck it's my problem, and more room in paradise for them. Jees', aren't they a pain.
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12-29-2005 @ 1:25PM
Alan said...
The AFA website is interesting (http://www.afa.net/petitions/issuedetail.asp?id=175). They talk a lot about the show, and mention details not on the NBC website. (http://www.nbc.com/The_Book_Of_Daniel/about.shtml). Which makes me wonder where they're getting there facts from. But really the AFA should be thankful for shows like this. Without it they'd be out of a job. I like the plea for money at the bottom of their web page.
"Finally, if you believe we are making a difference, would you consider a small financial gift to AFA? There is so much more we could do if funds were available."
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12-29-2005 @ 1:34PM
Canton said...
If the AFA weren't making an uproar about this, I doubt I'd have ever heard of the show. Now I have, and I want to watch it just to spite them. Silly, annoying, basackwards fundie Christian organizations, experts at shooting themselves in the feet.
Let them.
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12-29-2005 @ 1:35PM
Jamie said...
What's the big deal? Christians think the show is insulting and have said so to NBC. End of story. there is no need to brutalize thm as stupid or intrusive for pursuing their agenda. The hatred people spew against Christians for voicing their concerns is ridiculous and hypocritical.
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12-29-2005 @ 1:35PM
sugar said...
I am so freaking tired of these AFA people...so, I sent NBC an email as well. I wasn't planning on catching this show - doesn't really hit me as must see, but now I am going to make a point of watching it...stupid people.
http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Contact_Us/
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12-29-2005 @ 2:53PM
Vince said...
I'm so damn sure that the only reason the AFA is "complaining" is to make non-Christians say "Oh the AFA hates it lets watch it" but then they feed us with all their religious ideas. lol
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12-29-2005 @ 3:01PM
Lampbane said...
Know what show I really miss that the Catholic League got killed? Nothing Sacred. God, that was a good show about a liberal priest. Yeah.
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12-29-2005 @ 3:02PM
Zarlat Absilok said...
The Book of Daniel was designed to mock Christians. If a show was designed to mock Blacks and Blacks got angry that show would not be produced PERIOD. You can say it is just fiction all you want and that is just a very stupid statement. Are the “Turner Diaries” just fiction? Not to Tim McVie. The “Turner Diaries” were a blue print for evil. Shows like The Book of Daniel more than “just fiction”. They are the creation of hateful anti-Christian bigots.
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12-29-2005 @ 3:39PM
Canton said...
Zarlat - There's a difference between parodying something and mocking something. And, let's face it, there's a lot about the Christian religion and all its sects that can be parodied. Including the fact that a lot of Christians seem to lack a sense of humor, which is at least half the problem here.
Besides, the main character is Episcopalian, right? Please forgive the huge generalization, but Episcopalians are like laid-back Catholics. I mean, it's as serious a sect as any other, but it's also full of people capable of laughing at their own quirks. Ditto with Catholics, actually. At least the ones I've met (and I'm related to a lot of them!)
No. No, I'm not a "hateful anti-Christian bigot." Rather, I'm an agnostic who's a mite bit scared of the hardcore humourless fundies who actively seek censorship of anything and everything that MIGHT go against their religion. Okay?
I am SO watching this show now.
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12-29-2005 @ 3:47PM
Jay said...
Zarlat said: "The Book of Daniel was designed to mock Christians."
Oh get a grip. I'm a Christian (progressive, evangelical, and Episcopalian in fact!), and my take is that the show will be more honest than the AFA blowhards pretends to be. Christians are real people. Christians have problems in this life. Those who put on the moral superiority act are just insecure in their faith, and in denial.
The AFA said: "It would be beneficial to all if NBC showed a little more respect for Christians who believe the Bible."
Which is why they made it about Episcopalians! (inside joke for Episcopalians).
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12-29-2005 @ 4:01PM
Jay said...
Right on, Canton!
Actually, the reason the AFA is so upset is because the gay son character is a Republican. Everyone (well at least all Republicans) knows that isn't possible!
Well, except for Mary Cheney. And Maya Keyes. And Jamiel Terry. And (etc. etc. etc.)
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12-29-2005 @ 10:56PM
Bernie bragg said...
I will watch the show and send emails to the network telling them how much I like the show.I will get family and friends to send emails also.
I am sick of the christian crackpots.They are trying to tell us all how to live our lives.They are the second bigest threat to america and to freedom.
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12-30-2005 @ 7:18PM
AL said...
AFA, no doubt, has taken radical steps on various issues in the name of Christianity. Some were agreeable, others were less agreeable.
Now, I have yet to actually SEE the show. But I've heard about it. So I'm only aware of the characters and their respective "shortcomings".
I'm a Christian, and have my own shortcomings.... which is important to admit AND work towards fixing if you're a true Christian. However, these shortcomings aren't meant for parody. They're meant to overcome and give me experience to help others through similar shortcomings (like a successful ex-alcoholic leading an AA meeting...he/she knows what its like to depend on alcohol and how to overcome it). This show (which, again, I haven't seen yet..of course), SOUNDS like it will not show this aspect of Christianity...but rather make a mockery thereof. This, in turn, may be amusing to watch... but will be destructive for anyone searching for/or stuggling with their faith. How so? Lets face it, society is stupid and stereotypical (okay..maybe YOU aren't). Soceity will get attached to fictional tv shows based on SERIOUS issues (like Christianity), and will accept the 'reality' of the show...not real life. So, parodies of Jesus (which I, personally, find to be a dangerous move) will only cause those who don't yet know His importance to view him as they see him on tv. No? Well many people already think Jesus has blond hair and blue eyes due to merely drawn PICTURES they've seen. Although it doesn't matter what He looks like, the man was born in Bethlehem; where it is least likely for a blond haired, blue-eyed baby to pop up (and interracial relationships were against the law at that time.) So if perception and ideas are influenced by just artwork, imagine the power a weekly television show will have.
Also, I am upset (yet not surprised) at the fact that the show "Touched by an Angel" was canceled due to it continual use of the word "God" and references to the Christian faith. Now comes this controversial show...about God, about Jesus, and about a "Christian" family. Perhaps it, too, will be canceled for its 'christian language'. Yes? No? If this show is what AFA feared it to be, the real hypocrites are the television networks responsible.
Again, I haven't SEEN the show. But if what I've 'heard' and read about it IS true, then as a Christian, I'm going to have a problem watching my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be made fun of for the sake of entertainment. However, as the Bible says, these types of things are going to happen (things that insult the Christian faith)...and will INCREASE. It is our job as Christians to continue to make sure the faith reaches those who want and need it. (The Bible also talks predicts an all-out attack against Israel by its adversaries...a conflict we are presently watching develop.) This stuff isn't a mystical joke people...its serious and real. And forgive AFA for their 'in your face' radical methods. Because although they do things that get on our nerves at times (sometimes prematurely), they understand whats at stake. Soon, everybody will realize whats at stake (its not going to be "entertaining"). But for now, lets watch "Book of Daniel" and SEE just how much of a joke it really is.
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12-30-2005 @ 7:26PM
AL said...
BERNIE!!! We aren't the threat to human liberty. Nor should anybody be telling you HOW to live your life. Christians, in comparison to you, are going through the same stuff you are....all the heartache of life. What Christianity is about is helping others, NOT JUST OURSELVES (that would be selfish, right?) get THROUGH that heartache and find purpose, vision, and peace with God. Sorry if any of us crackpots made you feel isolated and 'bossed around. (some of us can do that at times..and we shouldn't). True Christians just want to show people like you that we're JUST LIKE YOU...and that life is more than eating, sleeping, working, getting old, and dying. Live your life Bernie. We're just want you to expect more out of it...and that God can help you. That's all.
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1-02-2006 @ 7:02AM
Jason Simmons said...
As a Christian, I find the premise of the show insulting. If it were any other religious group, making a parody of their religious freedoms, then I am sure that they would find it equally offensive. It's ironic that NBC finds it appropriate to air such an absurd show making a mockery out of Christianity and our Christian beliefs. Yet again, it seems that there's an assault in our God-founded country against us as Christians.
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1-04-2006 @ 3:54PM
Christopher A said...
Is there freedom of press and media in America? Yes, but a portrayl of Christians as hypocrites who show no evidence of a life changed by the power and grace of Christ will accomplish nothing positive and would be an abuse of freedom.
The show is not wrong in portraying a Christian family that has problems. The church is full of people with problems, because Christians are still sinners.
If the "dramedy" was done in such a way as to show Webster's reliance upon Christ and his family's struggle to fight their own problems, that would be one thing; but somehow I doubt the show airs with drugs, fornication, gay sex, and drinking only to take off towards showing how the characters are struck with repentance at what they have done and are torn between their sinful desire and their desire to be changed into the image of Christ.
I don't want the censorship in America where no one is allowed to watch something, but I also don't want public television airing something that I do not see benefiting Christianity OR society.
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1-05-2006 @ 11:25PM
Reg Shubert said...
Just the fact that a television show has drawn so much controversy is just another example of what lemmings people can be especially in America. This whole war on Christianity idea is another fable started by people who would probably spit in Jesus' face if he returned today (ahem Pat Robertson). If a TV show of this nature was made to destroy this brand of Christianity then they need to make more. Oh I'm gonna burn for saying that.
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1-06-2006 @ 8:57AM
Sleepy D said...
Let's see - I'm a Baptist who used to work in a youth minstry. I have a felony record, I was drinking and smoking pot while in teh ministry before I quit (because my problems were out of control) and I had an affair with a woman in the church who was also (and still is) active "in the ministries". And to all who saw me, they had no idea about my problems, as I kept up the facade within the church walls.
Yeah - this program hits too close to home for some to watch. Either that or self-righteous fundies (that I attend church with) are too blind to their own sins.
Should be an interesting (if short lived) program.
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1-06-2006 @ 3:59PM
Molly said...
I am a Catholic and have no problem with the shows they want to put on, I just have aproblem that it is always Whites or Christians to mock. If it we blacks, Hispanics or Muslims or Jews there would be a riot and a death contract out on someone end of story it wouldn't hit the air... so get real people who disagree. When a show thats subjest matters to you, you'll be the first in line bitching!
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1-06-2006 @ 7:35PM
wyz1 said...
To anyone who is SO threatened by the new show on NBC, "The Book of Daniel", they have to write to NBC protesting the right to exercise freedom of speech, I can only say a few simple things.
"Drop the remote & step away from the TV."
Are you so simple-minded that you 'forgot' how to turn the damn thing off? Change the channel if you don't like it! If you're THAT insecure in your own
belief system, it's time you consider just exactly where the problem is!
I'll give you a clue... As long as you've finally gotten away from the television, go look in the mirror.
While you should be thankful you live in a country where you can whine & complain to your heart's content you're too busy worrying about what everyone else is doing.
Hey, the upside for the religious nuts, oops, I mean whiners, at least they didn't make the main character a pedophile as well! Perhaps it's not quite as true to life as it could be, huh?
Start acting on the problems of the REAL world & leave television programs alone. Man, I can only WISH that was my biggest situation in life!
And let's not forget. God does have a sense of humor as well. First he makes the problem, then he sits back & waits to see how many "believers" will pray to him to FIX it!
Personally, I hope the show has a long life.
It's in God's hands now!! LOL
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