July 24, 2000
EDITORIAL:
The gospel according to 'Survivor'
___Have you joined the throng of Americans who tune in to "Survivor"? The plot line is simple: Sixteen people are "marooned" on a deserted island. Each week, the castaways vote one of their companions off the island. The last survivor wins $1 million. In the meantime, camera crews film practically every waking moment in order to bring bickering, bugs, struggle with weather, self-absorption, politicking and occasional kindness into our homes.
___Theoretically, the castaways reflect a cross-section of Americana--young, old, male, female, professionals, blue-collar workers, black, white, etc. Practically, they reflect the show's producers' idea of a combustible mix of Americana--strong personalities who will evoke emotional responses from viewers. Realistically, they don't reflect any cross-section of Americana familiar to most folks.
___For example, we all know annoying and irritating people, but thankfully not to the degree evident among the stars of this show. More specifically, any representative cross-section of our society would turn up more than one professing Christian among 16 people. But according to the apparent proclivities of TV producers, Christians are too panty-waist dull to make good drama.
___"Survivor" seems vaguely similar to studies of laboratory animals we used to read in science textbooks. Researchers would fill a cage with mice or monkeys, then systematically change their conditions--decrease the food supply, deprive the animals of sleep, add a dangerous predator--and watch what happens. TV viewers observe how the castaways respond to rats, rain, rancid food and the rankling behavior of strangers in even stranger settings.
___The show is fascinating, but not necessarily for the reasons usually recounted. Elsewhere, I've read "Survivor" appeals to Americans' voyeuristic tendencies; to a wanderlust for exotic locations; to plain-old lust, which explains the abundance of skimpy clothing; to desire for drama built into the show's premise, that one person will fail to survive each week.
___I've watched parts of three episodes, and each time, the people and events on "Survivor" made me wonder what would happen if an authentically Christlike Christian were participating in the weekly drama.
___Of course, the producers placed one born-again Christian in the mix. Unfortunately, he behaved like an unbeliever might expect a Christian to act. While others were working to prepare the campsite and gather food, he was off reading his Bible, which his companions chalked up to loafing. When he discussed his beliefs, he was dogmatic and belligerent, which his companions perceived as uncaring and judgmental.
___But what would happen if a kind, compassionate, likeable, intelligent Christian were to live in such a situation? Imagine how the storyline could change if a Christian among these people declined to wear her faith as a shield but rather adopted the prophet Isaiah's description of Jesus, a "suffering servant," as a model for behavior. Envision what would happen if a Christian were to enact Jesus' moral model from Matthew 25, taking upon himself the burdens and difficulties of the others, granting care and comfort and reconciliation. Consider the impact of such a living example of grace, especially when the bearer of this grace-gift humbly and sensitively explains the source of this lifestyle is the grace and peace received from Christ.
___Of course, we don't have to use our imaginations. We can use our eyes. Each day of our lives is a reality-based episode of "Survivor." To be sure, it's not as exotic, telescoped and dramatic as the TV show, but it is survival in the real world. In our lives and in the lives of others, we encounter joy and heartache, anticipation and disappointment, life and death. How we respond to the episodes of our lives broadcasts a witness that impacts the lives of others.
___We're not competing for $1 million. As Christians, we're already recipients of the Grand Prize--eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. And, thank God, "whosoever will" can survive.
___ Marv Knox
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
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