(Pardon for coming in so late to this forum, but I have just found the show and am still in the first season in catching up.) Allow me to preface these comments by stating that I am a 54 year old Christian, of the Southern Baptist denomination, and a licensed minister to families to boot. I am enjoying the show and I'm excited about the prospect of learning more about Muslims in daily life. Of course, I realize that the Muslims portrayed here are not entirely accurate, as is nothing portrayed on television, but I'm hoping for some insight!
I do have some "insider" thoughts on this program, particularly the episode which depicted a high church minister - an arch-deacon I think, if you'll allow me. As I said, I've been Christian for over half a century and have lived in close contact with similar beings throughout. And yes, I've run across a few Christians - and Christian ministers - who are represented by the Anglican arch-deacon and a few other "Christians" on the program.
HOWEVER, these are NOT the majority in Christian churches. And yes, there are subtle-to-huge variances within the Christian ranks. But like I said, 50 years, lots of experience... I was disturbed with these characters' whole attitudes, from condescension toward a fellow minister (the church pastor), to their near-alcoholism passion for wine and their greed (i.e. the arch-deacon touching the full collection plate with joy and insisting on a "take" of the offering).
Please understand that the average Christian is much like I imagine the average Muslim to be: loving God, revering the faith, respecting the religion, but living in the world realistically. Yes, some "Christians" (note the quotes) as they call themselves are just fakers and takers. But I hope to see the show develop some decent real Christian characters who will represent more real-life examples of us.
We, by the way, respect Islam (when we take time to learn about it) and the devotion and love of God as felt by true Muslims. Our faiths share so very, very much - history, the Talmud/Old Testament, Jewish roots and prophets, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ... Jesus/Isa even! Ignorance, in my humble opinion, is what harms both our families. I hope this program can serve to quench fires of ignorance and bigotry by helping both faiths see our similarities.
I do have some "insider" thoughts on this program, particularly the episode which depicted a high church minister - an arch-deacon I think, if you'll allow me. As I said, I've been Christian for over half a century and have lived in close contact with similar beings throughout. And yes, I've run across a few Christians - and Christian ministers - who are represented by the Anglican arch-deacon and a few other "Christians" on the program.
HOWEVER, these are NOT the majority in Christian churches. And yes, there are subtle-to-huge variances within the Christian ranks. But like I said, 50 years, lots of experience... I was disturbed with these characters' whole attitudes, from condescension toward a fellow minister (the church pastor), to their near-alcoholism passion for wine and their greed (i.e. the arch-deacon touching the full collection plate with joy and insisting on a "take" of the offering).
Please understand that the average Christian is much like I imagine the average Muslim to be: loving God, revering the faith, respecting the religion, but living in the world realistically. Yes, some "Christians" (note the quotes) as they call themselves are just fakers and takers. But I hope to see the show develop some decent real Christian characters who will represent more real-life examples of us.
We, by the way, respect Islam (when we take time to learn about it) and the devotion and love of God as felt by true Muslims. Our faiths share so very, very much - history, the Talmud/Old Testament, Jewish roots and prophets, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ... Jesus/Isa even! Ignorance, in my humble opinion, is what harms both our families. I hope this program can serve to quench fires of ignorance and bigotry by helping both faiths see our similarities.