Lately, I've seen ads for an upcoming NBC improv show called Thank God You're Here. I have to admit that I'm a bit bothered by the title, but here's your chance to tell me if I'm justified in my feelings or if I'm a bit of a prude. Although I have not seen the show yet, and I am not making comment on its content, clearly, this is not a show about religion. Therefore, the use of the term "God" is superfluous.

Here are a few thoughts I have on this kind of subject, and I would appreciate your discussion in the comments.

(1) Contrary to what is often taught from pulpits, the command "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name" (Ex 20:7 TNIV), is about more than mere swearing. What does it mean to misuse the Lord's name? Well, the Hebrew word, ‏נָסָא‎/nasah, translated as "misuse" in the NIV/TNIV/NLT or "take...in vain" in many Tyndale tradition translations is often defined as to lift, carry, take. This is a word that implies action. I once heard it described as having the imagery of carrying a banner or flag into battle--it denotes belonging, allegiance. To carry the name of the Lord in vain can even mean to claim that one belongs to the God of the Bible and then live as if that were not true. So certainly the commandment is against more than simply referring to God without any real intent of meaning, but it would also include this as well.

(2) The use of the term "God" with meaningless intent is (sadly) part of common speech, often even among Christians. Personally, I believe I am standing on solid biblical ground in suggesting that believers should not use it as such. The counter claim could be made that "God" is not actually God's name. This is true, but "God" is used interchangeably not only in our speech, but even in the Bible with the divine name. Certain religious Jews will not even write the generic word, but will offer something such as "G-d."

(3) I can't imagine that this title would have been used in a television show a generation ago. I can still remember hearing the word "God" beeped out of discussions on television many years ago.

(4) What is the proper Christian response toward culture? Granted, we cannot expect non-believers to act or speak like believers. Do we even have any business questioning what television networks choose to call a show? Well, I think we do because I'm certain that NBC would want as many people as possible to watch. NBC doesn't look at this as a show aimed at non-Christians, but a show aimed at as many viewers as will tune in. Therefore, Christians, too, are part of the target audience. There may be a need at least to call the network into question regarding the name of the show. I don't really think they will change it, as it is an American version of an overseas show by the same name. But it might be a good idea to call their attention to such things, that in my opinion, are offensive--even if they don't understand why.

These are my thoughts. I'm not calling for a boycott or anything of that nature. I am asking for feedback to know what you think. Am I making a big deal out of nothing? Should, at the very least, concerned Christians (and religious Jews) make their concerns known to NBC?

Let me know what you think.

Tags: television, 10 Commandments

This video is about two months old, but I just now saw it. So in case you missed it, check out this Stephen Colbert interview with Georgia 8th District Representative Lynn Westmoreland. I think we should make him the posterboy for biblical illiteracy.



Appalling on numerous levels.

If you want to see the entire interview, go here.

Tags: 10 Commandments