Politics and Religious Faith in the Media Essay -- Essays on Politics

Politics and Religious Faith in the MediaOn January 29, 3003, thousands of Americans were sit down in front of their television screens, eagerly and somberly watching the objet dart on the screen. During the macrocosms speech, the words Theres force play, wonder-working power were brought forth, and it was those very words which have turned heads, and incurred opinions, articles, and editorials across the nation. Had this man been a preacher there is no doubt that his rumormongers would have gone un-criticized. However, this man was not a preacher, but rather George furnish, the President of the United States of America. His comment did not escape notice nor criticism, and has become highlighted in the recent media center on politics and religious faith. Just a week ago Newsweek produce a cover story on Bush and immortal, and TIME magazine, USA Today, and The New York Times have all published articles and editorials concerning this theme. In response to the recent media co verage, Americans are sitting up as well, taking more careful notice, and often voicing their own opinions. As the journalists and newscaster are questioning to what extent personal beliefs are affecting policy-making performance and agenda, I find myself questioning the journalists and newscasters themselves. How are they presenting this topic, and how are these presentations influencing the publics judgment of the truth of the situation? Is it possible to report on a topic as controversial and complex as religion and politics in such a way that is not biased or catered to usual opinion? Through my research I have found secular to suggest that the media, specifically magazines, newspapers, and on-line articles, are not clearly delineating surrounded by those who favor Bushs relig... ...nsorship. Mass Politics The Politics of touristed Culture. Ed. Daniel M. Shea. New York Worth Publishers, Inc., 1999Lampman, Jane. New Scrutiny of role of religion in Bushs policies. The Chris tian Science Monitor 17 action 2003 A1+Fineman, Howard. Bush and God. Newsweek 10 March 2003 76-84.Silent Evangelical Support of Bushs Proposed War Against Iraq. Morning Edition. Host Bob Edwards. Natl. Public Radio. WCAL, Northfield. 26 February, 2003.Religion in Politics. 19 & 20 March 2003. The Pew meeting place on Religion and Public Life. http//pewforum.org/issues/display.php?IssueID=6.Gruener, Claude M. Letter. The New York Times. 14 March 2003Delivering the unspoilt News. MSNBC. Yourish, Karen. 19 March, 2003. http//www.msnbc.com/news/878520.aspDr. Gary. Errant Skeptics. 19 March 2003. http//www.errantskeptics.org/Quotes_by_Presidents.htm