are associated strongly with religion. With contributions running in the millions, today’s religious television shows have no problem competing with other more popular shows, as they believe they are relaying a more important message. It has been estimated that the total revenue brought in by “electronic churches” is well over $500 million annually (Postman, 120). There is one major problem with television as such a strong method of communication – it is all based on visualization. Religion is meant to be practiced in the mind and soul. This connection however, cannot be properly made through television. If a religious program were to be set up in a small shack with a candles and a wooden table, you would not watch it. This is because on the next channel there is a program with a huge, brightly lit room filled with beautiful flowers and clean-cut, happy looking people. This reaction is natural. Electronic preachers themselves know this, and use it to their advantage. But the question is, who would relay a stronger message. Well, verbally, neither. The words they speak are not what attract the viewer; the appearance is what attracts the viewer. Today on the “700 Club,” Pat Robertson decided he would try to prove religion is the key to longer life and happiness. He persisted in stating facts about frequent churchgoers. For example, he stated that 46% of people who attend church on a weekly basis live 12% longer than one who does not. He continued to emphasize the 46%. This would be fine, except he is trying to get people to join his club. The problem with his club is that its primary focus is to attract more and more members. So once you join, you are no longer important. The important people are the ones who still haven’t joined. With all the concentration on appearance, the show can tend to lack content. However, there is always the possibility that you will one day b...
