Every wonder why TV news presenters are always smartly dressed, and these days have a laptop on their desk? Especially as they never use the laptop!
I believe it has to do with a key principle noted by social commentator McLuhan in the 60s, who coined the phrase "the medium is the message". You trust the news because of the way it is presented - the laptop in our culture subconsciously confirms the credibility.
What do we communicate in our churches? Jesus is Lord, we hope! Yet looking at the medium typically used, with its emphasis on the gifted preacher broadcasting a monologue, might we be communicating that only a few, special, properly qualified experts have what it takes to do God's work. With such a weekly diet might you end up believing God can't speak through others, e.g. someone who is not so eloquent, someone not trained, or a woman, or a young person ...
God was 2000 years ahead of McLuhan: 'He so loved the world that He gave His only Son ...'
Jesus came in person: the medium is the message!
What is the medium later in the New Testament? 1 Cor 14:26 (with echoes in Eph 5:18-19 and Col 3:16) suggests that as well as obvious preachers like Paul or Peter, it is spirit-filled community. 'When you meet each has different things to offer ...'. The medium is 'each other', conveying the message of 'Christ at work in you'.
That's much more healthy!
No comments:
Post a Comment