Spiritual Clutter
Viewer Discretion Advised
Photo By: Flickr/Sarah Ackerman
In our local paper today there is a list of all the new series to begin airing in January and the months ahead. Instantly several warrant our attention. From religious-based web sources and my own understanding I'd like to call your attention to these NON-family-friendly and NON-soul-friendly viewing options:
THE REAL O'NEALS: This is described as based on a religious family who learns 'secrets' about each other. The trailer offensively mocks the Catholic faith in numerous ways...including a clip showing a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on top of the toilet tank in the family's bathroom. The idea of the series came from a columnist who specializes in topics contrary to the Catholic teachings. (I am admitting his name here on purpose to avoid giving him any publicity.) Instead of watching this mess I recommend reading up on the faith teachings, reading a few Catholic365.com articles or spending some valuable time in an adoration chapel.
ANGEL FROM HELL: The description for this series states the main character is a 'brassy' angel---or at least believes she's a guardian angel---to a dermatologist. Trailers are vague on this one, but we all know that guardian angels are pure and far from 'brassy'. Best to skip Hollywood's take on angels and instead read up on this subject from a Catholic approved source. Another activity to occupy your time during this program is to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet or to study saints that actually could see their own guardian angels... OR actually stop, sit in silence and listen to the urges of your particular guardian!
LUCIFER: The series is based on the devil who is bored in hell so comes to L.A. The trailers show him as attractive, charming and humorous. We people of faith know that these characterizations of him could all apply as he lures victims to sin and breaks with God. But we also know that he is truly ugly and wicked, as is sin. Putting a glamourous spin to the devil and making him "approachable" is NOT quality entertainment. Instead read up on St. Michael the Archangel, learn his prayer....and if it's been awhile since your last confession make an effort to go.
FULL FRONTAL WITH SAMANTHA BEE: This is a late night show with a vulgar title so we can only imagine what the content will be like. As they say in Downton Abbey "Vulgarity is no substitute for wit." Too bad Hollywood hasn't figured this out as well. Better options for your time and for your soul would be to tune in to EWTN, dust off your Bible or pray the rosary.
A sidenote: I highly recommend the book "ANGELS AND DEVILS" by Joan Carroll Cruz. The angel portion gave me great comfort, whereas the demon parts terrified me. If you're 'tempted' to make light of these shows and your interest is peaked, read this book first. Especially disturbing is a part of the text describing demons claiming the body of an assumed damned soul.
In short: Don't let Hollywood influence the direction of your path to the afterlife.
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About the Author
I was born a cradle Catholic and was blessed to attend parochial elementary and high schools. My professional career started in the field of architecture. My only regret about that profession was that I never got the chance to design a Catholic church or chapel. Wanting to fulfill a desire to work closer with people, I eventually transitioned to the education field to work as a para-professional, primarily assisting with special education students. Working with those children proved to be extremely rewarding!
I enjoy time with family as well as attending Mass, gardening, photography, crafting and reading. I also enjoy learning more about our faith and promote causes for the Poor Souls in Purgatory and for the protection of the unborn, elderly and infirmed.
