Monthly Archives: February 2009

When Journalists Don’t Get Religion

Posted on by
Reply

This week has seen an increased focus on the success – and failure – of the media’s coverage of religion. A BBC poll published on Wednesday showed that while 45% of people in this country think that the UK media report religion accurately, 35% think there is room for improvement.

On the one hand, this is heartening news for the many hard-working journalists and broadcasters out there. Much coverage of religion deserves commendation for its innovation and balance. However, if a third of media coverage on religion is deemed to be inaccurate, then something is wrong. And what’s wrong, as argued by a new book launched this week, is that many journalists have a ‘blind spot’ when it comes to God. (Photo: Adam Tinworth)

That blind spot involves overlooking, ignoring or misrepresenting the role of religion in major news stories. Often this is completely unintentional. A lack of religious literacy is often part of the problem. As staff numbers dwindle at major newspapers and broadcasters, dedicated religion correspondents are a becoming a dying breed.

It would be unthinkable to hire a sports reporter who had no knowledge of the sports their role required them to report on. Yet, many generalist reporters find themselves shoved in at the deep end when it comes to covering news stories relating to religion. Unfamiliar with the terrain, they often unwittingly make mistakes that can mar their output.

Fortunately, help is at hand. The Bible Style Guide, launched last September, is available free of charge to working journalists and broadcasters. As an introductory guide to reporting the Bible, it has been both warmly welcomed and actively requested by newsdesks across the media industry.

Threescore Years and Ten? Then You Know Your Bible Best

Posted on by
Reply

A fascinating follow-up to Andrew Motion’s clarion call last week for students to improve their biblical literacy. It turns out from The Guardian’s – admitttedly unscientific – biblical knowledge test that Motion has been vindicated. It seems that the younger you are, the less you know about the Bible. The average score for those under 15 was 5/10; those who were three score years and ten – 70 or above – achieved an average of 8/10.

A couple of points worth noting. Firstly, this test was on prompted awareness. Respondents were presented with multiple-choice answers. Undoubtedly, if people were asked to answer the questions without help, the scores would have been a lot lower. Secondly, over 5,000 people took part in this little test. The equivalent test on the BBC was, at one stage, the most emailed story that day. Editors take note; readers are interested in content of the Bible – if it’s creatively presented. Photo: Samson captured by the Philistines - wallyg

Jade and Jeremiah

Posted on by
Reply

I think it’s safe to say that cancer-stricken Jade Goody has now become almost emblematic of Britain’s well-meaning, if muddled, spirituality. The reality TV star has turned to God in her last days,finding comfort in the Bible, planning a christening for her kids and receiving visits from a clergyman.

Her favourite passage, from which she is drawing strength, is from the book of Jeremiah (33:3): “Call to me and I will answer you. I will tell you wonderful marvellous things that you know nothing about” (Good News Bible). Perhaps fittingly for poor Jade, the verse forms part of what’s known as ‘The Book of Consolation’ because of its message of hope – an upbeat section in what’s otherwise quite a downbeat book.

Jade’s sudden recourse to the Bible, however, says a lot about how we Brits relate to God. She is almost the very definition of ‘believing without belonging’.

Jade intends to marry this weekend – not in a church, but at sumptuous Down Hall in Essex. And during her very public life to date, she has shown little sign of religious fervour. Nevertheless, it was not to the Qu’ran or the Bhagavad-Gita to which she turned in her hour of need. It was to the sacred text of Christianity. Jade might not have been in the pew each Sunday, but like the majority of the population, still views herself in some sense as Christian.Despite her chequered past, the poor woman deserves our prayers - rather than some of the vitriol that has been heaped upon her for allegedly ’cashing in’ on her cancer. And it’s worth noting, for any journalists who still think that Britain is essentially a godless nation, that prayer is exactly what people seem to be offering Jade at this time. Sceptics, read the comments in this News of the Worldpiece and see for yourself.