PressEthic

Flipping through The New York Times last week, I came across a rather jarring full-page advertisement within the national section. I went on to read a lengthy and informative sermon from the Good News NY Church. I learned that I was inherently evil. I learned that anyone who appeared good was a hypocrite, and if I strove for goodness, everything would just fall apart. Hmm. Why was this in The New York Times again?

Most newspapers and magazines depend on advertising to fund their publications, pay their rent and employee salaries, and hopefully turn a profit. Yet shouldn’t there be some sort of line drawn in the sand to differentiate between what should and should not be printed? When was the last time you saw advertisements for cigarettes or pornography grace the pages of the Times? (I would have found those ads much less offensive.)

According to the September 25 sermon:

“Man, in the eyes of God, is not sometimes good and sometimes evil, but the thoughts of his heart are only evil continually. Hence, no good can come from us.”

Other choice tidbits included:

“God said that there is no good inside of man. Perhaps you feel full of complaints about this, but if God says that there is no good in you, then there is none. If He says there is no righteousness in you, then you do not have righteousness. Yet, Satan says, “No, you are good. You helped that person last time. You provided relief for those other people. If that’s not good, then what is? Just try a little harder. Then all will be well,” and deceives you. Therefore, people try and labor to do good.”

Now I’m confused. Here is the Devil encouraging people to help one another. Huh. He really doesn’t sound that satanic within this context.

It continued:

“You have committed filthy, dirty, sins, but you say that you are righteous and holy through Him because your sins have gone onto Jesus and His righteousness has come upon you.”

Oooh. Filthy, dirty sins, now I’m hooked. Tell me more….

“Everyone, the goodness that you have done: your own greatness, your faithfulness, to God, your keeping the Ten Commandments, your fasting and praying, your good deeds—throw them all away. Receive into your heart the work Jesus has accomplished.”

I kind of feel like since I’m damned anyway, I might as well rob a liquor store.

All kidding aside, I expected more from the Times. I don't have a problem with the Good News Church or religion, organized or otherwise. I just believe there is a time and a place for it. (Preferably not in my newspaper.) In the future, I believe the Times advertising board should exercise a little more discretion.