I'll be examining how media and religious teachings influence perceptions and exploring the ways in which these narratives can shape public attitudes, fuel division, and reinforce stereotypes.
Religious programming plays a powerful role in shaping how people perceive other belief systems, particularly within Christianity. As a Christian, I recognize how the teachings and values shared through online platforms and daily videos I watch on TikTok about the Bible deeply influence our perspectives. The Bible, regarded as the “Word of God,” holds profound significance, and every word is treated as divine truth. This belief challenges the validity of other religions, especially when verses like “You shall have no other gods before me” in Exodus 20:3 reinforce the idea of one true God. Christian teachings often clash with modern norms, particularly in areas like sexuality. conservative Christian groups view sex outside of marriage and homosexuality as sinful, citing different verses from the Bible. However, different interpretations of scripture vary, which is why you will find that some Christians view it as sinful, while others don't. In 2013, Pope Francis made headlines when he said, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”. His approach has been seen as progressive by some and controversial by others. The diversity of views within Christianity itself highlights how religious programming can either reinforce traditional beliefs or open the door to more inclusive interpretations.
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In Western media, Islam is often linked with terrorism, which affects how people understand and view the religion. This portrayal can create a narrow view and reinforce stereotypes about Muslims. Similarly, Judaism and Christianity often emphasize that their faith is the true path, which can lead to judgments against those with different beliefs. Christian evangelism can sometimes focus on converting others, which may contribute to a view that other religions are less valid. In Judaism, the concept of being “chosen people” can create an exclusive sense of spiritual superiority. Many religions teach that their way is the only correct one, creating an “us versus them” mentality where followers may see others as wrong or threatening.
Different news platforms tell different stories about what caused the Israel-Palestine conflict. Some blame one side, while others focus on different reasons, often based on political or religious views. By claiming to present “the truth,” these news outlets can influence opinions and even fuel anger or misunderstandings, making it harder to find common ground. This can shape how people see the conflict, sometimes justifying actions that might be seen as wrong. What the Israelites are doing to the Palestinians is no secret; it is inhumane. The video presented illustrates just one of the many brutal actions committed, and at this point, it is no longer a war but rather a case of crimes against humanity.
