| This project deals with three interrelated areas of inquiry---identifying the news that disturbs, developing media literacy, and preaching pastorally and prophetically during crises or when the news disturbs.; Chapter 2 identifies the news that disturbs in a variety of human struggles that often are rooted in an abuse of power resulting in discrimination and neglect. Traditions of patriarchy and tribal exclusivity, as well as centuries of colonialism and imperialism demonstrate how humans have distorted the original plan of their Creator limiting humankind from achieving its full potential.; Chapter 3 discusses the development of mass media and how today's media corporations are influenced by politics and economics. When preachers and their congregations understand the factors that influence news presentations, they will realize that which is revealed, left out, or "spun" in a biased manner.; Chapter 4 provides a method to assess news production and engage the five core concepts and five key questions designed by the Center for Media Literacy.; Chapter 5 builds on the preceding chapters about media literacy and factors in the news that disturbs by offering suggestions for preaching. Preaching to congregations in crisis or when the news disturbs requires much preparation, both for the preacher and for the listeners. The preacher's responsibility is to help listeners find God's presence in the events that disturb by pointing to the faithfulness of God in Scripture.; Chapter 6 describes and evaluates the "Preaching the News that Disturbs" workshop that incorporated media literacy, liberation theology, and pastoral care. |
