U.K. believers board reality TV boat

Lutheran, The, Aug 2001

Reality TV took on Christianity in July with a show on England's Independent Television. Filmed Survivor-style, the documentary follows seekers through an Alpha retreat.

During the retreat-an introduction to the faith some call too conservative-seekers discuss religious questions. Churches using Alpha hope the show will boost evangelism programs.

"Less exuberant Christians may shudder at the thought of having nonChristians watch the Alpha retreat and mistake the conservative emphasis on healing and the Holy Spirit for the essence of faith," wrote R. Jonathan Moore, managing editor of Sightings.

But even if episodes of religious ecstasy occur, Moore says, "how many fingers does it take to count the number of occasions people of faith are shown on TV engaging serious religious issues?"