Torch, Summer 1982

7 August, 1982 Cedarville, Ohio UENCE PERVASIVE. dWhy. drinking , chain-smoking reporter or editor has long been passe , but the hard-bitten attitudes of the past are as prevalent as they have ever been . Only a relative handful of newspeople are born again . They operate in newsrooms across the country dominated by nominal churchgoers , agnostics, and atheists . Christian journalists work in an environment in which the Lord ' s name frequently is taken in vain , and in which cynicism abounds. Because they so often deal with life' s bitterness, journalists fail to see God ' s love . Those who have found Christ hesitate to become bold witnesses in the newsroom because, they fear, they will be mocked and their effectiveness will be hampered . A precious few win respect for their stand for Christ , but more often they are regarded - privately, if not openly - as Bible thumpers who should be avoided if at all possible. In those situations, it helps for the believer to be as wise as a serpent while as harmless as a dove. One Christian, who served as city editor of a major metropolitan newspaper, used to endure "playful" barbs about being God-fearing and about refusing to drink liquor. Only his ability to do the job kept superiors and subordinates from making a more serious issue of his faith . Every Christian journalist must be competent. There is nothing more detrimental to an effective witness for the Lord than a so-so work performance . One cannot hide behind the Bible as an excuse for failing to get the job done. In rare instances , a Christian journalist working for a secular newspaper will have the opportunity to say a word on behalf of the Lord . Those occasions must be treasured and used wisely. An editorial writer for a midwest newspaper skillfully weaves a God– centered perspective into discussion of issues such as alcohol and drug abuse. He avoids preaching, but his message comes through clearly and boldly . A publisher of another newspaper has been able to share his personal testimony in a signed column and to comment on some public issues from a Christian point of view. It has helped him to establish for the community what is important in his life . Again, he has tried to avoid sermonizing . But most Christian journalists labor in the field without such opportunities . They often face pressure to compromise ideals , and even to renounce their reliance on Christ. Many eventually leave secular newspapering for other pursuits rather than stay on to wage the good fight. Christian colleges and universities should offer communica– tions courses geared to preparing young people for secular journalism. They should strive to develop the strongest possible programs so that the graduates they tum out will be able to compete for jobs on the major newspapers throughout the country. They also should tum out graduates whose dedication to the Lord can withstand the assaults they will face in potentially hostile newsroom environments. This is not to downgrade the role of the Christian media. But, it speaks primarily to a saved and committed audience, for the most part, and not to those who need Christ. One way , among others, to reach the millions who have not been saved is through the daily news media - newspapers , radio , and television . Obviously, though , for that to come to pass requires one of two things to happen . Either the secular media must permit a more active Christian witness, or more people who staff those publications must be willing - and have the influence - to spread the Good News. Most do not see the role of newspapers generally changing so that they might become more evangelical. But bright, committed Christian journalists can bring to the secular newsroom a fresh and positive perspective on the world because they have the discernment that comes with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Even then, the pages in the newspaper where journalists may say something on behalf of the Lord may continue to be limited to church pages , or special inspirational spots elsewhere in the paper (along the lines of Billy Graham ' s short daily articles) . Church pages need dynamic columns written by Christians . One of the most effective Christ-centered syndicated columns is being produced by a former Time writer. He addresses society ' s problems through a Biblical context. But the effort, again , must be done with great care. One born-again religion writer lost his job in part because he became too zealous in promoting Christianity . For that reason, editors usually prefer to assign writers to the religion beat who do not espouse a strong faith. That way , the thinking goes , they will approach each topic objectively or without any preconceived notions . My observation is that churches do not do an effective job of witnessing through the opportunities available to them through advertising in newspapers. Religious ads do not effectively portray the church' s mission or God's love . Unfortunately , most churches do not seem to have the communications skills necessary to effectively write or illustrate their advertising messages . This , too , may be a field for more budding Christian journalists to explore. There is a need to do a better job using all media. With the exception of the Christian "heavy hitters" like Graham and the PTL Club, most who use television as an evangelistic tool do so inadequately. Most often they tum viewers off, not on, to Christ. Yet, today , I believe there is an unparalleled opportunity for Christians whose calling is journalism to have a major impact on the conduct of the nation's secular news organizations . It will not be easy. It will require being willing to be vulnerable , while at the same time being strong enough - in the Lord - to withstand the pressures of the pace, the natural cynicism of the newsroom, and the critical skepticism of lost colleagues . The successful Christian journalist must not only strive for excellence, but he or she must perform in such a manner that God is glorified. It must be clear there is something special and marvelous about one' s faith. When that happens, the Christian journalist's professional responsibility and opportunity can extend into a ministry as well .