Congressman Echoes Outrage over Christian-Mocking TV Show

Keep up the pressure on NBC about the show "The Book of Daniel" that is scheduled to air this coming Friday.

(CNSNews.com) - A North Carolina congressman Wednesday called on NBC executives to dump a television show that "mocks religion and portrays Christians in a negative light" following public outcry from his constituents. Rep. Walter B. Jones said the show "The Book of Daniel," which is set to premiere at 9pm Eastern time Friday, should not be aired or should be aired "at a time as far removed from the family hour as possible." "These constituent concerns undoubtedly stem from press reports indicating that the show contains offensive content - including profanity, crude language, ethnic stereotypes, sexual scenes and innuendo, and a tacit approval of premarital sex," Jones wrote in a letter to NBC Universal Chairman CEO, Bob Wright.
But what makes the show especially objectionable are indications that the show portrays religious leaders as people who ignore Biblical teachings by giving some manner of approval to such vices as an addiction to prescription painkillers, adultery, selling drugs, alcohol abuse, embezzlement and sexual promiscuity," wrote Jones.The Republican congressman also took issue with the show's portrayal of Jesus Christ "as a kind of blas_ moral authority who reacts to a teenage daughter selling drugs by stating, 'She'll be fine, she's a good girl,' and to a high school boy engaging in premarital sex by remarking differently, 'He's a kid, let him be a kid.'
"The network wouldn't dare give the same treatment to Islam as it is to Christianity, Jones said "My constituents, understandably, view this portrayal as an example of bigotry toward those espousing traditional Christian beliefs. I suspect that a similar portrayal of, say, Muslim imams as confused in their faith or adhering only casually to religious teachings would have very little chance of being aired on NBC," Jones wrote.
"Press reports emphasize that the show is destined to 'push a whole lot of buttons.' Since it is unlikely that NBC would be so quick to delight in 'pushing the buttons' of adherents of Islam, one can be forgiven for observing that it seems NBC believes the only acceptable bigotry is bigotry against traditional Christian beliefs," Jones added.
"On behalf of those citizens who believe this show is an assault on their faith and their values, I am requesting that you please reconsider the decision to air 'The Book of Daniel,' or at the very least, assure that the show only airs at a time as far removed from the family hour as possible," Jones concluded. As Cybercast News Service reported earlier, the American Family Association is also urging its supporters to protest the series.