The production quality is a little cheesy, but if you like the ‘Crossfile’ style of point-counterpoint debate, you should check out Faith Under Fire on PAX on Saturday nights. Apologist and former atheist Lee Strobel hosts and moderates the hour long show that deals with issues of interest to the Church. I like that Strobel always gives the opposing view an equal shot to make their case.
Haven’t seen it, but I’ve grown tired of the argument shows. It reminds me of the old Monty Python Argument Clinic – the art of genuine argument appears lost. Well, in that kind of venue, anyway.
My problem is it’s so often so shallow and artificially sliced around commercials. Moreover, nobody ever has to answer a question. Worse, the questions are usually not really questions, but statements that just end with a question mark. What you have are politicos showing up to regurgitate their talking points and try to sound slicker than the opposition.
This says nothing of the fact that the people are just plain rude most of the time – shouting over one another so nobody can hear what’s being said.
Sorry – I realize I’m responding more to the likes of Crossfire and Hannity and Colmes than this show – which again, I’ve not seen.
Anyway, I hope Strobel (hmm, a moderator, that’s a good sign) can corral the guests and redeem a format that could be really powerful if it’s not allowed to degenerate into mere cacophony.
Wow, I love it. I must disagree with Hugh, but I assure you that I am not “disagreeable” – what does that mean anyhow? TV shows like this create a climate for discussion. Sure, sometimes the volume gets high and the emotions run deep, but getting people talking is often a precursor to getting people thinking (NOTICE: I said “often” not always). I enjoy finding out what people think and engaging over spiritual issues that are like electricity – vital to life, but no one really thinks about it until they are without it.
Lee Strobel is thoughtful and has the unique credentials to do a program like this without getting the usual, “he’s an intellectual midget” label slapped on him by those in the media world. Hit the link and check out the trailer – good stuff. I am all over it!
Dan
Hugh, I’d say give it a chance before you toss it out with the proverbial bathwater.
Guests have included Hugh Hewitt, Joni Erickson Tada, William Lane Craig, Cal Thomas, Dr. Stephen Meyer, Michael Medved, and Norm Geisler–just to name a few of the guys on our side. The guys on the other side are always top-notch as well.
Although it is not always easy watching or listening, I feel that it does give “our side” a veneu to be heard. Just think what this election could have been like with out the other side of the story. I agree with Dan, it may ruffle feathers but it can make you start thinking.
Just wanted to ping this thread because this week’s show sounds good.
Now, I’ve only seen one episode since I posted here in February, and it was pretty weak… but those I’ve talked to said I picked a lousy week to tune in. Fair enough.
Anyway, with Eric turning me on to Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason, I’m really looking forward to the “sweeps week” episode of Faith Under Fire (Saturday April 30 at 10 PM in the Atlanta market). Koukl will be debating New Age guru Deepak Chopra.
The show taped back in February, and it was supposed to be a 15-30 minute segment of the show – instead, they’re going to run it for the full hour. Guess they thought it was pretty good stuff.
Sounds like a good show!