Wednesday, July 22, 2009

in front of the television (Gerry Straub)



Photo by Gerry Straub

Gerrry Straub is a documentary filmmaker and writer who uses his talents to “celebrate the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan concern for the poor, social justice, peace, non-violence, prayer and the integrity of creation.”

His is one of the blogs that I subscribe to. Every day he offers a reflection or quote, each with a unique insight, that help me navigate my way through life. There is a Mertonesque quality to today’s:

In Front of the Television

"Spend one week watching TV, thoughtfully observing what is being presented, and you will see how we have evolved into a culture of violence, how we have sunk into a sea of hopelessness, how quick and easy gratification, no matter how fleeting its pleasure, has become acceptable, how gratuitous sex and explicit nudity has become commonplace, how infidelity is a strictly private affair, how any relationship is disposable, how politicians offer expedient solutions to difficult problems and how preachers of all faiths offer shallow answers to deep questions. One week in front of the television will illustrate how far our society has drifted from the innate dignity God endows to every human being."
- Gerry Straub

2 comments:

  1. Hi Beth,
    Thanks for this, so true. Sometimes I feel like I'm in an un-winnable struggle against my damn TV! (actually tv's) My wife can't fall asleep without it. Thank god for earphones and Gregorian chant! Or, just good ear plugs.
    I think I'll check out Gerry's blog.
    Peace to you.
    Sean

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  2. Good to hear from you, Sean.
    My husband and your wife should get together :-) ... actually, my husband falls asleep on the couch in front of the tv. At least it's putting him asleep!

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