Should Preachers Preach on Television?

As a long-time Christian who has gone through different stages of faith, from believing to doubting and back to believing, I understand the complexity of the question: should preachers be allowed to preach on television? There are indeed many morally corrupt individuals who use televised platforms only to ask for money or incorporate politics into their religious discourse, detracting from the core message of God and Jesus.

Understanding the Diversity in Preachers’ Motives

It is true that there are a significant number of preachers who prioritize their financial gain or political influence over the dissemination of genuine religious teachings. However, it would be a mistake to generalize and assume that all preachers fall into this category. Just as we recognize not all politicians are corrupt or not all teachers are abusive, it is important to understand the diversity in motivations among preachers.

The story of Jesus is a beautiful narrative of hope and redemption. When taught in its purest form, Christianity offers a profound message of love and service. While I no longer belong to most religious organizations, I still participate in worship and strive to serve others. We human beings are flawed and prone to making mistakes, which is precisely why we need Jesus. The complexity of human nature means that we cannot simply remove all preachers from the airwaves, as doing so would go beyond the realm of reason and fall into censorship.

Censorship and Its Limitations

The decision of who should be allowed to preach on television should not be solely based on personal opinions. Who gets to decide what is permissible, whether through networks, sponsors, or government? These are complex questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Censorship, whether it targets religious or non-religious content, is a double-edged sword that can suppress valuable and relevant voices.

I believe that Christians should work harder to improve the quality of religious broadcasting. We need to focus on educating people on the true teachings of Jesus, rather than letting unscrupulous individuals misrepresent them. Trying to legislate morality is not the solution, as it is impossible to define morality without a source of higher moral authority. Whether you choose to disallow certain preachers or encourage more ethical ones, the choice should be informed by your values and the impact on society.

The Reality of Television Ownership

To understand the current situation, let’s consider the reality of television ownership. Television networks, sponsors, and governments have the ultimate say in who can and cannot appear on TV. ANY of these three entities can disallow preachers from broadcasting. Those who claim otherwise are either misinformed or biased.

Whether you believe that preachers should be disallowed depends on your personal values. If you believe in teaching by example, then preachers who focus on the God and the Bible should be allowed to preach, and no one else. For those who do not have a strong stance, simply using the remote control to disallow unwanted preachers is a straightforward solution.

In conclusion, the issue of who should preach on television is multifaceted and complex. While there are certainly aspects of the current landscape that need improvement, it is crucial to approach this topic with a balanced and informed perspective. By working together to promote true Christian values and ethical broadcasting, we can create a more positive and uplifting media environment.