"Television always presents religious people as out of touch with the modern world". Do you agree? Give reasons.

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Section B – Religion & the Media Coursework

“Television always presents religious people as out of touch with the modern world”. Do you agree? Give reasons.

The recent series of the BBC2 show, Coupling, presented an episode where a very religious Christian, James, was presented. In this episode, James was a presenter for a religious programme at a radio station, and meets Jane, who has an extremely stereotypical view on Christians. Jane is non religious herself, which is assured when she mentions that “I’m Christian too, I just happen to dress well” – which presents the typical outlook of many people nowadays, that believe Christians tend to wear ‘out of fashion’ clothing. James informs Jane that he is anti-premarital sex, which shocks her. Although James is religious, he is shown to be in touch with the modern world.

        Moreover, another programme that portrays a religious character is the Vicar of Dibley, in which Geraldine, the Vicar (played by Dawn French), is conveyed as the only normal person in Dibley. This BBC sitcom is set in a small country village called Dibley, and focuses on the characters’ involvement in church activities. Although a female, Geraldine is portrayed as a respectable down to earth vicar who likes chocolate, sex and music. Geraldine is depicted as a modern character, although religious, she is able to stick by her religious beliefs and live her life to the fullest, and is in touch with the contemporary world.

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        Within the Simpsons, Marge Simpson is portrayed as the typical loving housewife who gathers her family every Sunday to attend Church. She is caring and definitely not unfair, and she is helpful to every other character. Her frustration is most noticeable when Homer informs her one Sunday that he does not believe in God and refuses to go to Church. When alone, God approaches Homer in his dream and confronts him about why he didn’t go to Church.  Homer replies that he isn’t a bad guy, and he takes care of his children, so “Why should I spend half my Sunday ...

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