E-mail Fallout
My series “Keeping the Faith” has popped up in our “most read”, “most commented”, and “most watched” categories on 11Alive.com. It’s the online “trifecta” for news at 11 Alive (at least among the web geeks… and me). Obviously, some of the comments will be negative. In response to Tuesday’s story, I received a viewer e-mail that read:
I was sickened by your “Faith-Based” story this morning concerning the way that muslims are directed by the koran to live within their means. Your reporter actually quoted chapter and verse from the koran. You have never done the same with Christianity and the Bible. You have turned away from the majority of believers that have supported your station in favor of highlighting a minority cult. Shame on you. I’ll find another station to watch.
I sent this viewer the following response:
This morning’s story focusing on an Islamic Mosque in Alpharetta is part of a series all this week called “Keeping the Faith”. We’re looking at how various religious organizations are responding to the economic slowdown, including specific religious teachings that influence the way they spend money.
Of the five part series, two of them are Christian churches (Baptist and Methodist), one is Muslim, one is Jewish, and the fifth is a wide-view that will include all of the above.
Monday’s story focused on a Baptist church in Atlanta. The pastor cited Jesus as his example. I did not cite a specific text in that because the pastor did not; he instead talked about Jesus’ overall example. In that story, I clearly referred to both God and Jesus, because that’s what drives Pastor Eddie Love to do what he does for his community.
Also, Thursday’s story will focus on a mission in one of Georgia’s hardest hit areas, Rome. It is supported by the United Methodist Church. The volunteers there DO quote a specific text in the Bible, and so that text will be included in my story.
I agree that the majority of our viewers are Christian. It’s one reason we’ve devoted more time to Christian organizations than any other in this week’s series. In your e-mail you wrote: “You have turned away from the majority of believers that have supported your station in favor of highlighting a minority cult.”
I don’t believe we’ve “turned away” from our Christian viewers since the positive feedback I’ve received this morning has come from Christian and non-Christian viewers alike.
Also, my research suggests characterizing Islam as “a minority” is incorrect. According to a 2005 Encyclopedia Britannica survey, 33% of the world’s population is Christian; 20% is Muslim (the second largest religion).
Robert, thank you for e-mailing us. Your e-mail implies a sense of passion for God that I admire and respect. In that same way, I respect the beliefs of our entire community, including those that hold views different from my own.
Instead of the shame you suggest I feel; I am proud. Proud of the amazing things our churches, synagogues, and mosques are doing to help people through this time (including those from other faiths). Proud I get to share their stories, and proud I work at a station that allows me to do it.
9. April 2009 at 12:40 pm :
Great story. Unfortunately you are going to have to deal with narrow minded people who can only see one point of view, I think it is important to see every aspect of a religion and am glad for once not to have to watch the news and see murder and mayhem. Keep up the stellar work
10. April 2009 at 5:26 pm :
I was more than impressed with the unbiased attention the station focused on the religions covered in your series. I also found your series to be very educational not only on my Christian religion, but also on the Muslim and Jewish faiths. This particular story on the Muslim religion especially caught my attention. Personally, I thought your work on this topic was amazing – to cover a religion that so many in our area are so fervently against, and to do it in such a positive way, shows that you are a world class reporter. Not to mention, it was the perfect time to focus on all religions with Easter coming up this weekend – perfect time to remind us all to “love our neighbors”. I also enjoyed reading how you handled the not-so-positive responses you have gotten. Keep up your A+ reporting – I always look forward to viewing your work!
11. April 2009 at 6:55 pm :
Great answer to the viewer. Sadly, some people can’t get past their own biases, and seem offended that other religions even exist. Perhaps they forget that our country owes it’s very existence to the religious intolerance of others.
You do a nice job, well shot, well written, well researched-A+
12. April 2009 at 8:17 am :
Awesome reporting Julie. These are difficult times for everyone regardless of faith and personal beliefs. Your entire series is very educational and impressive. Most of all, it shows us how all of the faiths teach believers to deal with such times and caution against unnecessary spending. It is also very interesting to see how muslims live within their means and not overspend. In essence, this is one of the major reasons we are in this crisis. Interest creates artificial buying power that people don’t have. While it creates opportunities for some, it creates money that does not exist. Very interesting, Very powerful.
12. April 2009 at 9:57 pm :
Thank you for this story! As a Muslim-American and member of Masjid Hamzah, it saddens me to think of how little people know about Islam and their Muslim neighbors. There is mostly disdain and fear, and we hope that will change. People should focus more on the similarities that bring folks together, rather than the differences that tear us apart. I personally appreciate the unbiased perspective from which you approached this story, and encourage more such features in the future not only about Islam, but about other faiths so that we may learn about each other. Just because something is different, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t learn about it and respect it!
13. April 2009 at 12:43 pm :
Awsome reporting Julie on this series of “Keeping the Faith”. I personally believe that we should learn good things from each other and also from other religions. It saddens me that some people just don’t want to hear good things about other religions or other beliefs/cultures. I think, if every one is open to learn nice things from other cultures, religions and other beliefs then this world would be a paradise for us in this life.