I am praying for Fox News.
Many of us who are Christians and who hold conservative
moral and social views thank God that Fox News often shares stories we care
about which are far less commonly found on any of the other major news
networks. We are also glad that you
treat conservative, Bible believing Christians more fairly than other networks
do. Every news reporter and commentator
and editor has a worldview. This world
view colors the tone of interviews, and influences which stories to emphasize
and which to can. The world view at some other major networks seems to be very
hostile to Biblical Christianity. For
this reason, we are thankful that Fox has brought some alternatives and some
balance.
It is precisely because there are some things about Fox
which I value that it disturbs me deeply that there has long been a glaring
inconsistency. In several ways, Fox News
promotes and encourages sexual immorality.
Specifically:
·
The way Fox News consistently has attractive
female reporters wear very short skirts and then sit facing the camera, often
with no table or anything else in front of them, is simply inappropriate and inexcusable. It does not honor the ladies, many of whom
seem to be excellent reporters and speakers.
They do not deserve to be treated like eye candy.
·
On the Fox News website there are a large amount
of “sexually tantalizing” stories about women being topless, or posing nude, or
similar stories. Like most stories,
these stories are accompanied by a little photo, and while the little photos
are “PG rated”, they are still immoral and encourage men to think of women as
sex objects.
The truth is, I was not at all surprised when I heard
that multiple allegations of serious sexual harassment had led to the
resignation of the CEO of Fox News, Roger Ailes. I would not have known his name two weeks
ago, but I know that the character of a leader influences those under him in
many ways. If the allegations are true,
it explains a lot.
Now that Ailes has resigned, Fox News has an opportunity
to make some changes. I hope and pray
that leaders there will work to change the culture in a way that models and
encourages greater respect for women. I
honestly don’t know how such changes will affect Fox News ratings or their financial
bottom line. There is a real possibility
that littering Fox News with “eye candy” is financially beneficial in the short
run. But I hope there are some leaders
at Fox News who truly fear God. Such
leaders will give more weight to God’s blessing than to whatever temporary and
deceitful gains immorality may seem to bring.
Making the needed changes will require moral courage and
inner strength. Such changes, whether in
our individual lives or in an organization, are always opposed by the world,
our own sinful desires, and the devil. If
any Fox News leader ever reads this, know that in addition to writing this blog
post, I have gotten down on my knees and prayed for you. May God bless Fox News and make you a
blessing to others.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .
Well said, Mark.
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