'Nothing Sacred' nothing scary

A lot of controversy has been brewing over ABC's new fall series, "Nothing Sacred," about a priest with doubts about his vocation, some Church teachings and even the existence of God.

"Nothing Sacred" arrives Sept. 18 amid much turmoil. It airs on ABC, owned by Disney, the company being boycotted by some religious groups and the company that distributed "Priest," widely scorned as one of the worst examples of anti-Catholicism on film.

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has launched a petition drive asking Michael Eisner, chairman of Disney, to "withdraw 'Nothing Sacred' from the fall lineup [because priests] do not...question the existence of God. Nor do they violate their duties as a confessor while rejecting Church teachings on sexuality."

Positive light

While all of that bubbles, I thought I would tell you about a new fall series that presents the Church in a positive light. It contains images of priests as committed individuals who seriously struggle to bring God more fully into their own lives and into the lives of the people they serve. The first episode also demonstrates how strongly the Church is involved in social justice for the poor, as called for by recent popes, including John Paul II.

This new series celebrates the sacraments, showing beautiful scenes of a marriage and Baptism. It even manages to dramatically portray the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as a means of healing people both physically and spiritually.

The show also displays the wonderful diversity of Catholics in a Church that nevertheless remains one. There are liberals and conservatives, old people and young, whites and Hispanics and blacks, men and women. As for the main character, he is a priest who is severely tempted to leave his vocation but resists and emerges a happier man.

Sound like a series you want to watch? It's called "Nothing Sacred," and it will air on ABC on Sept. 18.

Dramatic form

There's no doubt that the pilot episode of this series (the only segment available for previewing) contains material that might offend some Catholics. But what else can we expect from a show that is supposed to be dramatic? Of course, it will include tension, conflict and doubt. That's what dramas do, whether they concern lawyers, doctors, cops or priests.

Some years ago, a producer-writer who routinely includes religion in his three network series reminded me that "I am not writing 'The Catholic Hour.'" In other words, it was not his job to promote the Church, to present everything as wonderful or to edify audiences with stained-glass scenes. It was his job to challenge, question and disturb.

"Nothing Sacred" has its drawbacks, to be sure. The main character, Father Ray (played by Kevin Anderson), seems too immature to be a pastor and too weak to sustain a series; he has so many flaws that he doesn't present the strong central character most TV dramas require. That may change as the series proceeds.

The writers also took the easy route of making him a liberal on sexual issues; what a surprise from Hollywood, which is given to creating heroes by looking in the mirror! More imagination would have reversed that stereotype and put the priest in conflict with society.

Positives

But there are also many good things about the show. What other series features characters who talk comfortably about God, faith and prayer? Where else can you find a plot about the plight of the inner-city poor amid gentrification or see the crisis of a family resolved through the use of holy oil?

And if Father Ray's antics annoy you, focus on Father Leo (played by Brad Sullivan), whose experience in life and the Church has given him a deep perspective on the meaning of life, the importance of belief and the love of God for His creatures.

The pilot of "Nothing Sacred" is not anti-Catholic. It sometimes celebrates the Church and it sometimes pokes the Church in the eye, but it takes the Church seriously. Catholic viewers, who probably do the same, will find a lot to like, a little to dislike and something to talk about when the final scene fades.

(09-11-97) [[In-content Ad]]