little on journalists changing their ways.
That could happen if they’re made aware
of the findings of my book. Journalists
don’t want to be seen as unobjective.
Their professional credibility is at stake.
However, I think Evangelicals
themselves are in the best posi-
tion to effect lasting perceptional
change. If Evangelicals acted a lot
more like Christ and lot less like
“those in the world,” it would be
hard for the media to find an audi-
ence for negative coverage.
ft: Why should we care about
how the media portray us?
dh: It’s like a farmer preparing a
field. The media prepare people’s
hearts, making it easier for some
ideas to grow and other ideas to
be rejected. If Evangelicals are con-
cerned about sowing and grow-
ing the seeds of the gospel in the
hearts of others, they should be
concerned.
ft: You have worked as a journ-
alist. What’s the most important
thing Evangelicals should know
before interacting with the media?
dh: Be aware the perception is
you are intolerant and arrogant.
Don’t be. That doesn’t mean you
compromise your beliefs, but you
need to lead with compassion.
ft: Anything else?
dh: It’s important to use language
journalists will understand. Words like
“saved,” “backslide,” “witness” and
“testimony” should be avoided. Trans-
late them into everyday language. Also,
if you’re advocating for a certain posi-
tion, try to give reasons beyond “the
Bible says so.” Give reasons even a non-
Evangelical would find compelling, if
not convincing.
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Patricia Paddey of Mississauga, Ont.,
is a contributing writer at Faith Today.
David Haskell is associate professor of
journalism and contemporary studies at
the Brantford, Ont., campus of Wilfrid
Laurier University.
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