Does EWTN Help or Hurt?

[jmcrae]

Since I try to watch EWTN as much as I can, I say it helps a lot. It is not perfect but nothing or no one is besides God. I don’t have time to read all the prior posts but I was appalled when someone suggested the programming on EWTN should be more like the rest of the tv evanglists. That is the most bizarre thing I could think of.

I really wouldn’t like it if they did that.

I have trouble liking it (and I really, really want to like it) but I definitely wouldn’t consider that to be an improvement - I like that it’s kind of amateurish - most of what I like to watch on TV looks like it was done with one camera and no stage set - but like I said earlier, it seems as though on EWTN they just totally ignore the camera, whereas on other shows that I like, they include the camera in the conversation.

 

[Sheeniac]

I owe my reversion into the Church to EWTN. As a former atheist, I was intellectually there, but had no inner love yet of things Catholic or of Christ.

Then one day I was flipping through the channels and came upon a man discussing the differences between Catholicism and Buddhism in terms of there interaction with the higher order. Having flirted with Buddhism, I was interested. By the end of the show, I was enchanted. After catching a few more episodes, I was head over heels in love.

After discovering Bishop Sheen, I found that I was falling in love with His Awesomeness Pope B16.

It was then that I realized that if these 2 distant, but somehow close, men could spark this sort of devotion in me, then how absolutely awe-inspiring Jesus must be.

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away from the Church. I watch EWTN occasionally, but I donate several times a month. In fact, once you start donating, they will send you a TV schedule and give you opportunities to get different items in return for a donation. So now I am picking up some DVDs of Mother’s talks, and donating about 2 or 3 times the suggested amount. We both win.

Since I don’t go door-to-door evangelizing and ministering, it is up to me to support those who do. So I donate. And so should you.

 

[flyersfan1088]

I agree with you. EWTN should not have programs like the televangelists. I think it needs more hosts and programs like Fr. Corapi and less of Mass and devotions.

I can assure you that if EWTN’s programming day was cut to just one hour, it would used to televise the Mass. I am a huge fan of EWTN, even though I don’t personally care for the nightly rosary. But I know other people do, so it’s fine by me. EWTN shows movies and specials all month long. I get a guide every month from them that lists the times for all the special programming.

For all the fans of The Journey Home, how many times have you heard Marcus’ guests refer to EWTN as helping in their conversion? I’d say at least every third one, so it must be doing some good to broadcast shows about old nuns praying in monotone voices.

 

[dessert]

Really Interesting

ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/H_Home.asp

youtube.com/watch?v=qnWg4wvwxpI

Megachurch

youtube.com/watch?v=5uFWvRt-Lc0

Notice the amount of people

youtube.com/watch?v=yXWnQ_UOhds

youtube.com/watch?v=Kfis03MXpec

I have two SIL’s that are deep into this and follow these people around, I didn’t realize how big a crowd they had.
I think it is a true idol worship. It is so sad.
D.

 

[Mr.Ex_Nihilo]

I enjoy EWTN …

Same here. I find it to be very helpful to be honest.

 

[Indyann]

“Pray without ceasing” EWTN helps me immensely to keep this in mind. I find it much easier to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary when it is said with someone else.

I cannot go to daily Mass, so I watch daily to make a spiritual communion and to hear the Gospel. Most of the homilies are informative and inspiring.

Divine Mercy Chaplet—said with someone else, helps keep my mind from wondering.

I have learned so much from the documentaries about the saints.

I love almost everything about EWTN, except the kids shows(never watch them)

So, in answer to your question YES, helps tremendously.

 

[LilyM]

I can assure you that if EWTN’s programming day was cut to just one hour, it would used to televise the Mass.

And rightly so - there are lots of places to learn about the Catholic faith (CAF being a great one ) but so few other places that shut-ins, people with long working hours or people in remote areas can get the opportunity to see Daily Mass.

 

[andrewaa]

Yes, production quality of many of the programs may not be all that great, but what is more important to have, splash, pizzaz, or content. I watch EWTN to learn and to be motivated in my faith. I guess i have never turned in to be “entertained” or to sit watch and vegitate. I can do that watching almost any other channel. Just like I don’t go to Mass to be entertained and wowed with big screens and concerts, I go to offer worship to God and recieve him in the Eucharist.

AMEN!

 

[debraran]

I
For all the fans of The Journey Home, how many times have you heard Marcus’ guests refer to EWTN as helping in their conversion? I’d say at least every third one, so it must be doing some good to broadcast shows about old nuns praying in monotone voices.

That is true…so many people, especially sick or elderly will say they just leave EWTN on to keep them company and surround them with holiness. For others, they can’t seem to say the rosary without someone, they get too distracted. I like to be alone, but I’m glad it’s there for others. (I actually get distracted looking at the nuns and seeing where they “looped the tape” to help Mother Angelica get through it.)
I actually have gotten many stories to tell my children from Mother and other guests, my 15 year olds LOVE Fr. Groechel (you never knew where a connection will be made) but they don’t like the programs aimed at their age. I’m just glad it was there to help me come home…it took years but the nagging and compulsion to watch had to have come from above. : )

 

[Janet_S]

I can assure you that if EWTN’s programming day was cut to just one hour, it would used to televise the Mass.

I agree. The Mass is the most important evangelization tool we Catholics have. We encounter God there.

 

[Janet_S]

Well I will get my husband to order the series Father Brown for me as it is an old series from 1974 british and has seven episodes, never seen it and I used to even like all creatures and some of the other old Catholic shows but most were from britian so we don’t see that anymore or you have to get public tv to put them on.
Thanks you are a wealth of info and sites.
D.

Fr Brown is a good idea too. I’ve never seen the series, but I would like to.

Dale Ahlquist’s series “G K Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense” is one of my favorites.

 

[Janet_S]

Really Interesting

ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/H_Home.asp

youtube.com/watch?v=qnWg4wvwxpI

Megachurch

youtube.com/watch?v=5uFWvRt-Lc0

Notice the amount of people

youtube.com/watch?v=yXWnQ_UOhds

youtube.com/watch?v=Kfis03MXpec

I just don’t get it. How do they get people to give them all their money? I do like Joyce Meyer, but the rest of these people are way over the top.

I used to be an atheist, and none of these “mega-church” shows would have convinced me of the truth of Christianity. They don’t seem to be in it for the right reasons, and their extravagant lifestyles are in direct contrast to the Gospel message. I would have made fun of them for sure.

But the balanced approach and sincerity of EWTN probably would have touched me. I’ll never know for sure whether EWTN would have influenced me as an atheist since I didn’t discover it until after I returned to the Church.

 

[mikeledes]

I love to watch the Journey Home, Father Corapi, Life on the Rock, and the Mass. I believe EWTN should have more apologetics and programs centered on catechesis and Bible study. I’m not saying they shouldn’t televise the Rosary or the Divine Chaplet, but once a day at a good hour is enough. I don’t mind if a program may appear amateurish as long as the content is good. Expensive production values are not necessary.

God Bless,
Michael

 

[30miller]

I only watch Fr. Corapi and “Life on the Rock”. If I wish to say the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, I can do that on my own. I do not care to watch either being said. I also go to Mass, so I have no interest in watching Mass the same day I’ve gone to Mass. The endless repetition of devotions and Mass is not something I watch. Fr. Corapi is great, though!

You’re right about Fr. Corapi. He is a gift to us from God as well. I went and saw him 1 1/2 years ago at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown. All day. Four sessions. Ended with him saying the Mass. I’d go again in a heartbeat. Watch his website for when he might schedule something in your area.
You’re off the mark on the Mass on EWTN, however. These priests, both Mother’s Friars and all the visiting priests and bishops, are well aware that their sermons will be heard around the world and really step up to the plate in that regard. In particular the visiting ones who may get that opportunity only once or twice to be heard around the world. Some of the best sermons I’ve heard anywhere. You might try tuning in to the Mass at the time of the sermons for a while and listen to them. They are truly inspiring. As good as our parish pastors are - it’s nice to hear others give their homilies. I’ve been at my own parish for 15 years now with the same pastor and no assistants. The variety and insights of those on EWTN is priceless.

 

[JRKH]

Really Interesting

ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/H_Home.asp

youtube.com/watch?v=qnWg4wvwxpI

Megachurch

youtube.com/watch?v=5uFWvRt-Lc0

Notice the amount of people

youtube.com/watch?v=yXWnQ_UOhds

youtube.com/watch?v=Kfis03MXpec

The Ministry watch is sure an interesting site, and the 20/20 interview with the founder of it.
Boy-oh-Boy I be he’s real popular with some of these TV-Evan-jokers.

Gotta love it when the Lord brings someone like this forward with a bright light and the guilty run like roaches.

Boy-oh-Boy I be he’s real popular with some of these TV-Evan-jokers.

Looked up EWTN on his site and, while I’m no great shakes at reading financial stuff, it sure looks like a good deal. A for transparency, less than 7% spent on fundraising.

If you want to check it out for yourself try this link:

ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/F_SumRpt.asp?EIN=630801391

Not sure what the point of the rest of the list is, other than to make us thankful, but I did check them out - - excuse me while I get the Pepto.
I pray to the Lord that EWTN never becomes anything like these folks.

James

 

[iamscifimike]

Another aspect of EWTN that I love is that we have an access to the universal teachings of the church. We can move from city to city and still have this resource that keeps us strong and doesn’t lead us astray. I’d expect that even our local radio stations are very similar in their airplay.

My 100th post!! :extrahappy: dance with me - doo dooo da doo doo doo doo :grouphug:

How many people only have access to teachings that may contradict their views but, are slowly convinced of these other views, because they do not have catholicity, or how many recieve conflicting teachings because of access to too much (Michael Maher - champion of the run-on sentence).

 

[chewchoo]

You’re right about Fr. Corapi. He is a gift to us from God as well. I went and saw him 1 1/2 years ago at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown. All day. Four sessions. Ended with him saying the Mass. I’d go again in a heartbeat. Watch his website for when he might schedule something in your area.
You’re off the mark on the Mass on EWTN, however. These priests, both Mother’s Friars and all the visiting priests and bishops, are well aware that their sermons will be heard around the world and really step up to the plate in that regard. In particular the visiting ones who may get that opportunity only once or twice to be heard around the world. Some of the best sermons I’ve heard anywhere. You might try tuning in to the Mass at the time of the sermons for a while and listen to them. They are truly inspiring. As good as our parish pastors are - it’s nice to hear others give their homilies. I’ve been at my own parish for 15 years now with the same pastor and no assistants. The variety and insights of those on EWTN is priceless.

you can get the readings and the sermons on podcast daily.
some of the sermons are truly gifts from God.

 

[MariaS]

I LOVE to watch Fr. Corapi and Journey Home.

True, the grahics and such are not that great, but like it was said before, it’s the content that’s important. All the other flowery, feel-good Christian channels just are not as good to me, and don’t soothe me like EWTN does. They’re nice and I like them, but nothing can compare to EWTN in my opinion. EWTN has really helped me with my faith. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be.(Especially with Fr. Corapi and his lesson on the Catecism of the Catholic Church. )

Maria S

 

[m134e5]

Daily mass.

I agree- that is shown too often- especially since it is an hour long. Here, it is shown at 7am (live), 11am, 6pm, and 11pm. I wouldn’t be hurt if they dropped one or two of those showings.

A very aged Mother Angelica struggling through the rosary with a chorus of nuns monotoning their responses.

I actually prefer that rosary to some of the other ones they have. The international rosary overlaps with other languages, so I can’t follow it. The rosary from the holy land has a very loud, harsh instrument playing at the beginning, and I can’t stand it.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet. Over and over and over again throughout the broadcast day.

I could do without the older one- it is sooooooo depressing. The newer version is good though.

Or aged monks and priests on an empty set talking directly to the camera. An elderly couple wandering through a church talking about saints. All obviously very low-budget productions.

I think this is a matter of taste. I am very critical, but I don’t mind these things.

Compared with Pat Robertson’s 700 Club and the productions of other Protestant broadcasters, EWTN is amateurish at best.

When it comes to the important things- like orthodoxy, charity, and compassion, EWTN has many of the protestant broadcasters beat by a VERY wide margin.

Is this really the best that Catholic Television has to offer? Does EWTN’s programming portray the Catholic Church in its best light?

Nobody is perfect. No ministry is perfect. EWTN is not perfect, and it probably won’t be around forever- but the programming let faithful Catholics know there were others who thought like they did. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to hear one of Fr. Corapi’s talks or some of the other regulars on EWTN talk after I heard endless mushy talk about social justice and tolerance and diversity (before we got Bishop Finn).

Finally, is it time for Mother Angelica to step aside and let television professionals take EWTN to the next level?

She pretty much has. She is admired by many many people. She can’t just vanish. She will probably be involved with it somehow- if only through prayer- for the rest of her life.

 

[LSG]

**I love EWTN! **
:extrahappy: