Schultze: Chapter 9: Prophet, Priest or Demon?

In this chapter of the text, Schultze analysizes mass media in four main sections, including creating myths, priestly propaganda, demonizing our neighbor, and finding prophetic media voices. On page 124, Schultze comments on storytelling contexts. From what used to be storiest old by mouth around a fire or around the dinner table, has converted to stories told online via the Internet, magazines, television, and radio.

I have grown up going to my family's lake house near Eugene, Oregon. While there, we do various activities, but nothing compares to our time spent as a family (my whole Dad's side), circled around the campfire in our chairs, and talking until the moon is high in the sky and the fire has burned down to coals.

We share and hear stories from our personal lives, stories from growing up, and stories from my grandfather's adventures. It is time I cherish, and look forward to it every year.

On a recent trip to the lake, my uncle loaded up the car with David, five of our cousins, and myself and headed down the road to find blackberries. One of my cousins, Joey, brought along his Ninendto DS. When my uncle saw Joey was playing on it, my uncle told him we were going on an adventure, and electronics were not to be used.

I admire him for saying that.

Media and electronic devices that can access the Internet and such distract us. They take us away from playing outside, reading books, and enjoying the company of our families and friends. I love the accessibility of the Internet, but interpersonal relationships that are NOT online are more important to me.

Schultze goes on to say mass media, and the stories shared within the mass media realm, reflect how and what we believe.

Is this true all of the time? Of course not. But our society has become obsessed with learning the latest celebrity gossip, the new scandles, and the newest break-ups or hook-ups. We look at the media for guidance on what to wear, how to talk, how to walk, and how to act.

Schultze implies our society views these celebrities as saints.

When was it okay, as Christians, to devote so much time watching, reading, listening to, or acting like these people? Shouldn't our time be spent pouring over the pages of our Bible, serving others, and sharing the Word?

Media is not bad, and I will be the first to admit, I enjoy reading magazines and keeping up with Hollywood. However, the problem comes when my, or our priorities shift and God becomes second in our lives.

Where does God fall in your list of priorities? Are there areas you should cut back to make room for Him?