Out of all the meaningless television programming that is piped into our homes (though not by force) Extreme Makeover Home Edition has always been one show that has been different from the plethora of self-centered, and celebrity-centered content that is out there. It is refreshing to see an hour of prime time television devoted to a story of charity and, in a sense, redemption. Though I am not convinced that the brains behind the show are doing it out of total charity, since for instance Sears gets tons of ad time in the show. Nonetheless, it is a unique show that challenges us.

In many episodes the people who are being helped are Christians and their faith is highlighted as the center of their lives. And being a very tolerant bunch of folks, Ty and the rest of the gang become ‘Christians’ for an hour on Sunday night. Yet I suspected that this focus on religion would not remain only in the shows with Christian beneficiaries. During tonight’s episode I found my suspicions to be warranted. This episode focused on helping a Hindu family. The father of which was actually a Hindu priest. While I whole heartedly support any charity to anyone without regard to creed, race, or nationality, the analytical side of me wants to scream when I see a group of people who last season sang a heart felt Amazing Grace now worship “Mother Earth” with in a Hindu ritual.

I know I can’t expect religious consistency from such a popular TV show, but come on… can the hosts please refrain from upholding people of mutually exclusive proclamations as both being virtuous and true and right?! Oh well… maybe next time they can rebuild the Branch Davidian Complex in Waco… an excellent candidate for the show if there ever was one.

Posted In: culture philosophy

Bookmark This Article: Del.icio.us, Digg, Reddit, Facebook, Stumbledupon