Touched by an Angel

To my knowledge, the Oct. 19, 2002 episode of "Touched By An Angel" (CBS) is the first time there's been a reference (albeit a subtle reference) to Jesus. In the episode, the angel Monica says to the illiterate Rolando: "In the beginning was the Word, Rolando, and now it's time for you to begin." […the reference to Jesus will be apparent to any viewer familiar with the book of John.] John 1:1-3 states: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." Two years ago a Christmas episode contained the phrase: "God didn't come to the rich man's house; God came to the manger." was used. Also, in another episode, there was a baptism; the pastor doing the baptism did so "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen." Then there was the episode where Elvis Presley's version of the hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" was heard near the close of the program, as a little girl died—the girl was a big Elvis fan.

Usually Okay—This is mainly an educational for those Christians who have reservations or do not like TBAA. First off lets clear something up. Fact - This show is written by a Christian. Fact - This show is produced and operated by a secular company. This company asked Martha Williamson a Christian writer who is very annointed to write a TV show. And they gave her limitations to write the show. The lack of mention of Jesus Christ is not her choice, but she does a very good job of portraying the gospel with all of her constraints. I have heard Christ mentioned in one episode, she took a liberty because of Christmas. Tess said "Lets put a little Christ back in X-mas!" That's not much granted, however, this women (Martha W.) Tries very hard to minister to anyone she can and does a great job. I even saw Andrew step over someone because it was implied that they would not accept Christ. Unles you follow the program and know about the people involved, please do not make judgments. (Bit of trivia: Tess and Andrew in real life are both very involved with ministry outside the show.)

Caution—This show has a mixed, semi-Christian message which often borders on New Age. The "I'm ok, you're ok, a good God will not let ANYONE go to Hell" message is very dangerous to already confused youth with poorly formed consciences. There is sometimes a hint of re-incarnation. Worst of all, the angels have human faults and failings and the Bible is clear that the angels made a one-time, forever decision to follow God or Satan and the good angels cannot sin. Also, their will is fixed eternally FOR GOD, and their intellect is NOT CONFUSED, as these "earthbound angels" on this tv show suffer confusion and weak wills and moral dilemmas. This is a lie and youth need to know of the purity and holiness of angelic wills and intellects which are eternally united to God's own Glory! This is most disturbing, because this false impression given is within very attractive parameters of lovely and loving angels. Another form of Satan appearing AS an Angel of Light, his former name before his great Fall being Lucifer - Being of Light. But it is a FALSE light. Parents beware. This is adult Christian fare - if at all… Or at least watch it WITH YOUR CHILDREN SO YOU CAN USE IT AS A CATECHISM LESSON OF CORRECTING THE CONTINUAL FALSE VIEWS OF THE WRITERS OF THIS PROGRAM. God be Praised, in His angels and in His saints.

Usually Okay—Frankly, I think TBAA is one of the finest shows ever to grace the television market. I know a lot of people complain that Jesus is never mentioned… that is not entirely true. If you watch each episode, you will find that the angels often quote scripture… mainly the words of Jesus Christ. As Martha Williamson (the show's own little savior and producer - you should have seen what it was going to be *before* she stepped in!) says that prime time television doesn't want to be a "Christ-pusher." But the show still gets across many profound elements. It leans toward definite Christian lines. In a recent episode (aired Nov. 3rd, 2001), a prison inmate on death row asks how to be given salvation and forgiveness. If that isn't an opening for Christian salvation, I don't know what is. I'm proud to be a Touched by an Angel supporter. I've been a loyal fan for five years. Martha manages to get across excellent messages without being "preachy." The show about the woman suffering from post-abortion syndrome. The season finale about justice and speaking up for truth despite the consequences. The shows that reveal truth, honestly, and love. God's love. Honestly? I think God smiles on this one.

Usually Okay—Touched By An Angel is the only show on TV today that is worth watching. However, there are some episodes that I would be cautious about letting very young children watch. It is a wonderful show and you do need to have some Kleenex handy when you watch it. 'Touched' is not afraid to deal with some of the heavy issues that society is faced with today. While I am disappointed that the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is not mentioned, I understand the reasons behind this. Touched By An Angel isn't a religious show - it is a spiritual show. Therefore, it doesn't just focus on Christianity, so the name Jesus Christ isn't mentioned. The show doesn't just appeal to Christians like myself, so the show doesn't give the show a 'preachy' feel. I actually have friends who aren't Christians, but love 'Touched' because of the morals raised in each episode. The show doesn't give the impression that 'if you believe in God, angels will appear and make everything alright'. The angels appear to help people on the crossroads in their lives and allow them to consider involving God in their situations. While basically, in every episode the people involved do allow God to be involved, we see the struggle that they have leading up to this decision. If you are sick of all the sex, foul language and violence that is on TV today, I strongly recommend 'Touched By An Angel'!

Usually Okay—Definitely, the best show of its kind. This program handles “heavy” themes with great dignity, sensitivity and care, without being "churchy." These qualities encourage many to watch who otherwise never entertain the thought of this type program, were it presented the other way. This is a program which will last through the future, in rerun-ville, possibly in movies. Most of all, this is a program any age child may be allowed to see, without fear something offensive will be said or appear on screen.

Usually Okay—"Touched by an Angel" succeeds where no other show has. It has managed to speak to an audience that is starving for a decent alternative to the likes of the current crop of sitcoms, news magazines, medical dramas and cop shows. Sorry, as the current American society stands today you're not very likely at all to find a big budget, prime time network series lifting up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You'll have to go to Trinity Broadcasting or the 700 Club for that. Give these people a break! I have no problem with the theology on "Touched by an Angel", though some of it may sound a bit liberal. Scripture is always reverently quoted in the proper context. However, I'm afraid that the message is often "Believe in God, and angels will appear supernaturally to you and everything will turn out the way you want it to." The plots are sometimes a bit shallow. I'd like to see the show take on really tough issues. And Tess often sounds like a few old bosses I used to work for. Do angels really relate to each other like that? I don't imagine so.

Usually Okay—This is one show that we can still watch as a family. I warn you to have Kleenex with you when you watch it. The scenes of people changing their lives and turning to the Lord are tear-jerkers. I would caution parents to record this and watch it first since some of the stories are not appropriate for young children. There have been only a few story lines (sins) that I didn't feel were right for my children to watch, just because of their age, not because it was dealt with wrong. This is a wonderful show. We record them and watch them over and over.

Usually Okay—This show glorifies God and not angels. A must see for any person needing a positive light in their dark world. The humanity of the angels only shows the Biblical truth of us being created beings --only God is perfect. The best thing with angels is that they are near us and near God --good friends, and prayers in our hurting world. This is the only authentically Christian show this century. Keep it up!!!

Usually Okay—Drama about angels who intervene in the lives of people at a crossroad. Although the program isn't always biblical, and the name of Jesus is rarely mentioned, the Word is quoted in almost every episode.

Usually Okay—Offering heart-touching stories dealing with the lives of everyday people, Touched by an Angel shares the abounding love and forgiveness of an almighty God in nearly every episode. While not a show to gain theological insight from, God is praised and portrayed in a positive light.

Caution—I have mixed feelings about this program. While the content of 7th Heaven is predictably moral, I would probably never recommend this program to a non-believer. This program shows the same kind of family profile that we saw portrayed on TV, in the early sixties. A 9-5 professional, who is also a husband and Dad who has achieved the ultimate nirvana of being able to balance work and family and keep them pretty much totally separate. Given the house and other amenities that the family enjoys, Mr. Camden appears to be a pretty good provider. Therein lies the problem, from a biblical perspective Mr. Camden is not the provider, our Lord is. Children often grow up coveting their parent's, possessions, when in fact, what they should covet is their parent's faith in Christ, the source of all material blessings. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb 11:6. The portrayal of Christianity in 7th Heaven is exactly why I remained un-saved until I was 40. You could watch this program endlessly until Christ returns and you would not be ready for him.

Caution—For the non-Christian this is by far one of the MOST dangerous shows on TV. It teaches that good deeds can save ones soul. It preaches there are many ways to God and shows death scenes where people go to heaven without Christ. This is a VERY damaging show to our cause as believers. Especially since so many Christians put their support behind this misleading show!

Avoid—I fell that this show is a tremendous stumbling block to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nonbeliever. This is another attempt for the secular media to bombard the people with mushy feel-good religion rather than the truth expressed in the word of God. No matter how positive the “moral” message of the show, it leads people into a false reality of who God is and we can find Him. As true followers of Jesus Christ we can not settle for half-truths or misleading New Age doctrine that gives us and others a fuzzy feeling and a false sense of security. God will settle for nothing less!

Avoid—While this show may express good morals and tug at our emotions from time to time, it is in reality an utter rejection of Jesus Christ and the truth of God's word. Never is the glory given to Christ, nor is it ever expressed that He is the ONLY way to be redeemed and go to Heaven. Someone here said that Jesus isn't mentioned because this show is a spiritual show and not a religious show. That is backwards! True spirituality is only found in Christ and in exalting who He is. Religion is a meaningless institution set up by man. But Christianity is THE essence of true spirituality through the glory of Christ - It is not a religion, it is a way of Life! This show caters to those who live by their emotions instead of living by His spirit, while at the same time seeking to please a secular audience by incorporating the illusion of "being good will get you to Heaven" and hiding the truth of Christ. This show is a poison if not carefully viewed. Therefore I agree with the wisdom of Adam Parker and say avoid it.

Avoid—This show, though so readily embraced by many Christians, is in certain respects more troublesome than other shows that make no pretense about being moral or spiritual. TBAA is ashamed of proclaiming Jesus Christ (Mark 8:38) and manufactures its own angelology that is far from scriptural, even potentially spiritually harmful. The church should be embarrassed for accepting such a watered-down, distorted presentation of the Lord's work in this world.

Avoid—I am surprised at my own rating frankly. I always watched the show and saw Jesus in it; but the new season has presented the Mormon Tabernacle choir on a Christmas special, hummm… that seems like an endorsement to me that to be a Mormon you can be saved, when the Bible clearly prohibits there doctrine by the book of Mormon. I get concerned this misleads people. I saw they focused on Jewish families a lot, which is good, but not when you portray salvation without Jesus. Futhermore, why are these other religions OK to address and not Jesus the Christ. What also recently bothered me was that when a character was presented as gay they "practically said that is OK with God". Since God removed me from that lifestyle years ago, I can say first hand that I couldn't bare to watch them explain its OK with God. I believe God has told me directly "See, you have been made well, sin no more lest a worst thing come upon you". Anyone slipping in permissibility in to the Body of Christ, needs to carefully monitor [what they watch]…

Avoid—It should be said that “Touched” is a secular television show written by secular writers produced by a secular company. That said, of all the episodes I've seen I've never heard Jesus mentioned. Typical script: 1. Man is drunk (or messed up). 2. Angels tell him God will help. 3. Man experiences moment of enlightenment and changes. No Jesus. No salvation. No sins. Just a moment of enlightenment. That's always troubled me that the Christian community just scoops this up like it's the best show ever. Watching the show's a great feel-good experience, but then again, isn't Buddhism and New Age?