Curious Christian

This week I have been reading Nadia Bolz-Weber’s new book, Salvation on the Small Screen: 24 Hours of Christian Television.

I have been finding it enlightening, frightening and funny in equal measure. Enlightening, because my exposure to Televangelism is minimal in Australia (I get most of my exposure from YouTube). Frightening because … well … that world is just scary, damn scary. Funny, because I am enjoying Nadia’s wit and can just imagine sitting alongside her in her lounge room.

The observation that resonated most was one Nadia revisited a couple of times: Just what makes something “Christian”? I wish she had delved into this deeper as I think it goes to the heart of everything. But it is a difficult question to grapple with – as are the implications.

What I appreciated most was Nadia’s efforts to learn from her theological counterparts. To sift some wheat from the chaff. To find some salvation on the small screen. I found that effort doubly impressive as Nadia is obviously more liberal and liturgical than I am. I, too, grapple with the challenges posed by televangelism-style Christianity. It’s admirable to seek wisdom through engagement with traditions very different to your own. Televangelist tradition through, man, that’s a tough gig.