TV is the New Reading

‘Beyond Theology’ worth a

look, but perhaps too idealistic

Probably a show that isn’t going to set the world on fire intellectually, emotionally or spiritually but may be well worth a look is a new series on PBS called “Beyond Theology.”

The series, hosted by Rev. Charles Atkins, explores the nature of religion in a world environment. Commentary by theologians, spiritual leaders and contemporary authors and philosophers are brought to bear on such topics as the relationship between church and state, science, pluralism, the meaning of Scripture, violence and interfaith communication.

The show’s debut was called “A Finger Pointing at the Moon,” an evocative title suggesting that religion is only a guide to faith and spirituality. Different commentators explained their view that religion is useful as a means and providing a narrative for humanity’s relationship with the divine. But if religion becomes an end in itself, it constricts the connection between God and man to a human construct and too severely limits the relationship.

In the analogy used in the show, therefore, the relationship between religion and faith is a finger pointing at the moon. The finger is not, itself, the moon, and religion is not, itself, spirituality.

Tuning in, tuning out

One reason why I suspect that this series will not raise the kinds of discussion it seems so badly to want to is that its audience is self-selected. People will tune in because they already agree with the general points that are being explored, or have at least already developed the comfort level in their personal faith required for such exploration. Or they will take offense at the discussion itself or the way that it is framed and they will tune it out because they disagree with it.

Just as one example raised in the debut installment, spiritualists discussed the notion that there is one God and all religions are a means to spiritual communion with this divine presence.

Personally, I’m intrigued by such discussions because my own studies have indicated remarkable similarities in the core philosophies of several spiritual traditions. Quite a large number of devout, spiritual and entirely well-meaning adherents of many world faiths would reject that concept, however. They would point to doctrine forming the bedrock of their personal faith that insists, just as one example, that there is no God but God and Muhammed is his prophet. Or, as one other example, that Christ is the way, the truth and the life and no one may enter the Kingdom of Heaven except by him.

What discussion can anyone raise to make these elements less true? For some believers, there isn’t any. For some, there is only one means of worship and one way of looking at the world. Is it necessarily wrong? Who among us is in any position to say? However, the fact that in a world where loud voices prevail against one another in absolutes, it’s certainly pleasant to encounter a small, earnest collection of voices attempting to seek greater understanding and to bridge gaps among believers.

Even if it does seem hopelessly idealistic.

Features Editor Terry J. Aman compiles the Best Bets for The Minot Daily News.

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