March 29, Christian Journalism Response

A Christian who is a journalist does not always have to explicitly nor subtlety incorporate Christian messages or themes into their work. A Christian who is a journalist may write articles or create media that is void of any Christian message but at the same time a Christian journalist should not create media that is in opposition to Biblical principles. While there may be times and opportunities for a Christian journalist to share their faith through their work there are other ways and means by which their work can do God's work.

A Christian journalist can bring glory to God simply by doing excellent work and by setting an example in their workplace and in the market. In using their writing and journalistic abilities to the fullest a Christian journalist will inevitably attract positive attention of some form and with that they are using their God given gifts as they were intended. 

With that said a Christian journalist may certainly incorporate elements of their faith into their work in order to share God's truth. The level to which the journalist may do this could be dependent upon where they work however subtle uses of Christian views might be used in more hostile environments. This is all to say that it is not a sin for a Christian journalist to omit Biblical influence in any of their work but that if they are a Christian Biblical truths would inherently be a part of how they cover issues in the news or elsewhere. 

Where the line should be drawn for how a Christian journalist operates is in the area of ethics. Christian journalists, like any good journalist, should maintain the highest level of journalistic ethics and practices. By doing this they not only glorify God but they serve as a testimony to those around them to the character of those who follow Christ. A Christian journalist will let the truths of the Bible come through in their work naturally if they are living by the commands of Christ and their work will be an extension of their own life testimony. 

I believe the key to being a Christian journalist is balance. To find a line between overtly preaching through an article and omitting all Biblical influence just short of what is prohibited in the Bible. To think carefully and write on a case by case basis is the best way for a Christian to approach journalism. A Christian journalist should first and foremost always seek to serve and glorify God and "Christian" journalism will be a natural extension.