Christianity and Media. Use of Media by Christians and the Effects of Religion on Media

Essay , 14 Pages

Theology - Biblical Theology

The media sector is an integral aspect of the lives of human beings, mainly for individuals in the pursuit of employment, fulfillment of dreams, visions, passion, and entertainment. The media industry is diverse, with complex religious, social, and cultural dynamics that build the foundation on which ideas, projects, and professions are built.

The typical human will devote close to three-quarters of his/her waking lifetime to work. Several Christians do not engage in full-time vocational ministry. It is essential to know how to join our faith into one of the enormous percentages of our lives -work. Since the beginning of time, work has existed. God worked and determined that human beings would work in part of their fellowship with Him. The fall between God and humankind corrupted and broke the perfect fellowship, but it did not fatally destroy God's relationship, work, and worship. God's command to Adam to engage in the world He had created, cultivate it, and fill it with God's glory is a cultural mandate.

The importance of work is not lost on us and is echoed throughout the scriptures. Christians are advised to do all labour in the magnificence of the Lord. It is difficult to excel in the workplace and live solely in the glory of God. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance of the reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. "It is important to remember that God is part of our work and exists in our activities as he is at church. Tim Keller, in his book, writes, "Work of all kinds, whether with the hand or the mind, is evidence of our dignity as human beings -because it reflects the image of God, the creator in us."

Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Integration of faith at work

3. Integration by following the actions of Jesus

4. Service on a Biblical foundation

5. Roles of Christians in media
a) Use of Media by Christians
b) Effects of religion on media

1. Introduction

The typical human will devote close to three-quarters of his / Her waking lifetime at work. Several Christians do not engage in full-time vocational ministry. It is essential to know how to join in our faith into one of the enormous percentages of our lives -work. Since the beginning of time, work has existed. God worked, and he determined that human beings would work in part of their fellowship with Him¹. The fall between God and humankind corrupted and broke the perfect fellowship, but it did not fatally destroy God's relationship, work, and worship. God's command to Adam to engage in the world He had created, cultivate it, and fill it with God's glory is a cultural mandate.

The importance of work is not lost to us and is echoed throughout the scriptures. Christians are advised to do all labor in the magnificence of the Lord. It is difficult to excel in the workplace and live solely in the glory of God². Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance of the reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. "It is important to remember that God is part of the work we do and existing in our activities as he is at church. Tim Keller, in his book, writes, "Work of all kinds, whether with the hand or the mind, is evidence of our dignity as human beings -because it reflects the image of God, the creator in us."

The media sector is an integral aspect of the lives of human beings, mainly for individuals in the pursuit of employment, fulfillment of dreams, visions, passion, and entertainment. The media industry is diverse, with complex religious, social, and cultural dynamics that build the foundation on which ideas, projects, and professions are built.

2. Integration of faith at work

The trust a person has in the ability of God is a game-changer, especially in a career. The most significant benefit of trusting and believing in God is that people are less stressed and at peace with the world. An average person has to undergo hardship in his career because not everything will work out fine; when such happens, it is okay to worry, but trusting In God and taking your problems to God in prayer helps lift the heavyweight from one's shoulders. The professional will now spend less time worrying as he/she bathes in the peace of God. Isaiah 23:6 states that "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you."³ Many Christians have abandoned their faith since they lack trust in God.⁴ The individuals could not bank on God to create a means of them, and hence they went their ways into careers in pursuit of professional prosperity. God is faithful; we should trust him in our careers.

As a Christian employee in the media industry, my actions are founded on biblical principles. We should use our skills and technical know-how to carry out business for good. Ephesians 2:10 statuses that "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God ready before, that we should walk in them."⁵ A career is more or less a business, and below is a couple of ways through which an individual can integrate their career and faith:

- Perform work that helps the people. One should not just be working for the sake of it. We should all work to make the world a better place.
- A Christian professional should value people over profit. The primary aim of being in business is to make money, which cannot be disputed. This does not mean that a professional should not put the welfare of people first because it is right in the eyes of the Lord.
- Endeavors should support a worthy cause. Some issues are areas of interest for certain professionals. This might be because of an experience or interest. It is essential to support the development of these ideas either through time or even money to create solutions and impact people's lives.

Book of Philippians 2:3 states, "Do not be selfish; do not try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." The bible is very vocal on leadership and what it takes to become a good leader. As a Christian leader and a member of an organization, I will lead the way and demonstrate to peers and subordinates how career paths and ethics are connected. The role of Christianity in the world is to create a roadmap for actions and decisions. Some attributes of good leaders include but are not limited to the willingness to learn, self-effacement, integrity, compassion, purpose, faithfulness, accountability, fortitude, purpose, and resilience. Every organization needs a solid able leader who is capable of considering the needs of everyone before themselves. Many business leaders do not live up to their responsibilities, and hence it becomes difficult to identify authentic leadership. I am not shy of stepping up when the need arises to lead and offer direction. I will instruct those below me with love and kindness and not lose sight of servant leadership's actual job.

The success of any professional heavily relies on the said person's ability to get work done. It is vital to ensure that we build solid and stable relationships with our colleagues since it is difficult to inspire people when you do not connect with them. The word of God reaches more individuals when we concentrate on getting to them and constructing relationships with people. One of the most excellent hallmarks of a good leader is knowing how to serve others. If I desire to become a great leader, I should learn to build relationships and serve others. The need to learn how to communicate appropriately is not lost to us. For a successful career, one should be flexible, empathetic, and genuine⁶. The service of others is gratifying, and things can only get better because the positive vibes brought about by helping people and noticing the growth is a motivational factor.

Standing up for what you believe is the proper way of doing things is another important attribute that I will master. At times, things will not go according to plan; I will face challenges but the need to do what is right, maintain standards, and resist conformity. When a professional fails to stand for what is right then, they put their faith in jeopardy. A good worker will find a way to love and create fruitful relationships while at the same time standing up for what is right. Individuals should not become something they are not just in order to be accepted or to please others. The truth will always set you free; stay faithful to your convictions and beliefs regardless of the kind of pressure you are facing. No one said that upholding Christian values in the workforce is going to be easy. One can stand for what they believe in by running your affairs according to biblical principles, placing a high value on integrity, minding the company we are keen and always doing the right thing no matter what everyone around you is doing.

As Christians in the media field, we should hold ourselves to the highest level of ethical behavior in our work, knowing that we work not just for our human bosses but the Lord (Colossians 1:21). This verse shows that we should not take shortcuts to harm the environment, customers, or employees. The contents of this verse also uphold that no professional should take advantage of customers by overpromising or overcharging. Doing work with excellence is part of the benefits of integrating work with faith. Doing work with excellence plays an essential role in establishing relationships with other professionals and coworkers. When Martin Luther was famously asked by a cobbler who has found his way to Christ what he should do with his life, Luther King responded by saying, "make a good shoe and sell it at a fair price." The theory of specialization has ensured that people can perform specific tasks with finesse. Andy Crouch once said that "We should ask the same question about our cultural creativity and cultivating. Are we cultivating and creating things that have a chance of furnishing the new Jerusalem?" This theory is in the book of revelations about creating a new heaven and earth, a city descending from the sky, the new Jerusalem where all people will reside together with God⁷. The best of this world we live in will be reincarnated in the new city.

3. Integration by following the actions of Jesus.

I can integrate faith in my media career by imitating the practical exercises of Jesus Christ. Jesus intentionally saw, paying close attention to specific things that everybody else failed to see. Jesus was able to identify injustice and suffering. He was fully aware of the places where the agenda of his Kingdom clashed with the agenda of this world. As a professional in the workplace, you should have a third eye for identifying negativity and ensuring that everything is done with the best interests at heart. Jesus deliberately sought to form relationships with marginalized people. He reached out to people of different ethnic, religious, socio-economic, and cultural divides to form a new community. As an employee, when my actions are guided by the urge to form relations with people, their work becomes easier because you can mobilize people to get work done. Good results ensure that an employee progresses to a higher stage of his/her career characterized by more resources and pay.

Jesus tackles systems of injustice.⁸ Jesus came to set both individuals and institutions right. The Kingdom of God envisioned wholeness, peace, harmony, and justice instead of the system of humankind characterized by unrighteous economic behavior. Our careers develop as an employer/employee when we practice sighting, breaching, and confronting traits. These traits alter how we interact with our customers, coworkers, and other members of our business organizations. These traits can be implemented through simple acts like sharing a meal with a person, for example, a no-believer or somebody different from us in a way, e.g., religion, gender, race, or ethnicity. Implementation can also be done through more complicated acts like researching of organization's core values and intentionally assessing how well the day-to-day activities and the office subculture measure up. As soon as shortcomings are spotted, we speak out respectfully and gently with a steadfast resolve to see justice done.

4. Service on a Biblical foundation.

1. A career is part of God's big picture. God, in his power, formed order started with the flawless Garden of Eden and will be concluded in the faultless city (New Jerusalem).
2. The work we do is essential to God. God decided to form humankind in his image and tended the created order for the betterment of humankind. The effort we make now on earth, done with and for God, will subsist into the New Jerusalem. Work is of intrinsic value. The book of Isaiah 60-66 speaks of the products of work and effort. The work persons put in materialize, and the hard workers have bountiful harvests. A vivid example is on marketplaces and exchange, which included the movement of silver and gold (Is.60:6,9), the transporting of firs, and opening gateways for trade. "Your gates shall always be open; day and night, they shall not be shut, so that nations shall bring you their wealth, with their kings led in procession."
3. God provided us with exceptional talents, gifts, and skills to participate in different actions and roles. The roles might have an outward difference in importance, but that does not matter. The calling is spiritual. There are no second-class callings from God. We are only worthy of this vocation when dedicated to our fellowship with God and look up to him for strength and leadership. Ephesians starts with an appeal on how to live out you are calling. "I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Eph. 4:1).
4. Work should be founded on quality, character, and Ethics. As a Christian in the media industry, I am responsible for my work's quality and character while working. God is eventually accountable for the result and effect of our work. The book of Ezekiel imparts that when we render services to our places of work, we are called to righteous action in exile as we embrace the trials inherent as we await the consummation of God's Kingdom. God necessitates a life characterized by corporate responsibility and individual righteousness suggestive of the forthcoming fulfillment of the promise.
5. Yoking our careers with Christ. Our careers, and the choices we make, should be founded on these ideologies: affiliated with God's ethical standards, always concerned with the need to treat people fairly, and with a vibrant expression of Christ's affection for everyone.
6. Career centered on service to others. As Christians working to integrate their faith into their careers, our work encompasses providing services and equal opportunity for others to exercise their talents and gifts. My career is an opportunity to do great things. Gratitude and humility are the trademarks of my character. Believers should continually recognize God in their work and realize that being an emissary of Christ is heavy but honorable duty. "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12)
7. The importance of rest. God had a deliberate system of regular rest during the creation of heaven and earth; all accounted for in the book of Genesis. The time we spend at rest should be restorative to improve and maintain our performance in the workplace. The period of rest is also ample time to consider our association with Christ.
8. Proper use of wealth and investment. As Christians, we should permit God to chaperon the use of all that he has provided through our careers for the benefit of others. These provisions include finance, time, and influence. Paul instructs the righteous wealthy "to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share" (1 Tim. 6:18)—not to sell everything they have and become poor. They are to be rich in good works so that they might store up for themselves "the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is life" (1 Tim. 6:19)
9. Christian professionals need to be in a relationship with other organization members to provide accountability and support. We should aim at bringing the church into the world of work while at the same time providing mentorship for young talent.
10. In our career endeavors, we ought to always remember that work is a gift from God, just as the capability to be happy. On the other success that comes from the envy of others will on no occasion convey joy and contentment.

5. Roles of Christians in media

Christians are needed in media to ensure that the spread of the gospel occurs under smooth, natural conditions without hindrances will explore the purposes of Christians in the media industry by understanding the relationship between Christians and media, media and religion, and the effects of religion on media.

In order to comprehend the role of Christians in media, it is crucial to understand how media and religion relate and the issues

a) Use of Media by Christians

Nonprint media, on the other hand, has been a less welcoming environment for most religions. When the establishment religious convictions of North America and Europe were challenged with the development of mass media in the twentieth century, a struggle for definition and cultural hegemony erupted. The dualist premise entails a distrust of the "profane" sphere's media.

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¹ Institution For Faith and Learning, "Integrating Faith and Work," Baylor University | A Nationally Ranked Christian University, Undergraduate & Graduate Research Colleges Universities Schools in Texas, last modified 2015, https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/247540.pdf.

² Katy Vanderkwaak, "Integrating Faith in the Workplace," Juicy Ecumenism, last modified December 6, 2018,

³ Theology of Work, "Work’s Ultimate Meaning (Isaiah 60ff.)," Theology of Work | What Does the Bible Say About Faith and Work?, last modified 2020, https://www.theologyofwork.org/old-testament/isaiah/gods-view-of-our-work-isaiah/works-ultimate-meaning-isaiah-60ff.

⁴ Favour, "5 Practical Ways to Integrate Faith and Business," THE BIBLICAL WALLET, last modified April 28, 2021, https://thebiblicalwallet.com/faith-and-business/.

⁵ Theology of Work, "God’s Grand Plan: A Practical Guide (Ephesians 4:1–6:24)," Theology of Work | What Does the Bible Say About Faith and Work?, last modified 2021, https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/galatians-ephesians-philippians/ephesians-and-work/gods-grand-plan-a-practical-guide-eph-41-624

⁶ Mark Spencer, "3 Practical Ways to Integrate Your Faith & Work — Charlotte Fellows," Charlotte Fellows, last modified November 18, 2015, https://www.cltfellows.org/cf-blog/faith-work.

⁷ Bible Gateaway, "Bible Gateway Passage: Revelation 21 - New Century Version," Bible Gateway, last modified 2021, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021&version=NCV.

⁸ Amy Sherman, "Integrating Faith and Work By Dr. Amy L. Sherman," CLA, last modified August 7, 2021, https://christianleadershipalliance.org/blog/2018/09/17/integrating-faith-and-work-by-dr-amy-l-sherman/.

• Author: Trevor Maganda (Author)
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V1288721
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346750402
• Language: English
• Tags: christianity, media, christians, effects, religion