The Church on TV: Portrayals of Priests, Pastors and Nuns on American Television Series
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.81 (664 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1441157972 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 240 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-02-18 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
– Eileen McMahon, Lewis University, American Studies Journal . --Jamey Heit, author of The Springfield ReformationRichard Wolff’s study of The Church on TV is a thorough, well-written analysis of how the television medium has explored the relevance of religious institutions to contemporary social challenges through various prime time serial programs. Interested readers in the fields of communication and the media, religious studies, sociology, and the history of religion will find this book interesting and useful. --Professor Joe Morris, Lecturer in the Religious Studies Department at Santa Clara UniversityWolff's engaging and critical study recognizes that the Church is a fixture in television's version of America's cultural landscape. As he traces the Church's evolving role on TV, Wolff argues persuasively that when a show presents the Church as a stable social presence, the show is successful For scholars and fans alike, this is a valuable addition to the literature on
"Five Stars" according to Amazon Customer. Awesome book. T. Richard Williams said EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC. I really enjoyed this book very much. It's well written and engaging--and a great introduction for anyone interested in the topic of Christian clergy as lead characters in American television series over the years. I'm familiar with most of the shows Mr. Wolff writes about, so it was a delightful experience to re-visit "old friends."As a challenge to Mr. Wolff, how about a sequel: I would be fascinated to see what he would do with the broader topic of the presentation of religion and religious themes . Weeze said Great read. What a great find! This book is fun, nostalgic, informative and surprising! The book provides a comprehensive look at the church as it is represented in the television programs we have all enjoyed since TV first hit the air waves. Great programs like The Flying Nun, Father Dowling Mysteries, 7th Heaven, Amen, and so many others are meticulously researched and discussed. Wolff examines how these programs reflect what was going on in the church at the time. For example, The Flying Nun is about a young g
Along the way, the book discusses the programs' depiction of various issues facing the church of their times, including: the role of women in the church; clerics reconsidering their call; the sexuality of clerics; the ecumenical movement; and the church's response to abortion, homosexuality, racial injustice and illegal immigration. What trends emerged? Why? How accurate was the portrayal? What does the depiction say about American popular culture and its view of religion in American society? It's these probing questions and answers that bring the current research up to date.. "The Church on TV" looks at American broadcast network programs that focused regularly and principally on church leaders. Sister Bertrille, Father Dowling, and Reverend Camden - these three characters span the history of television's depiction of c