Saturday, November 27, 2004

THE SCHULLER LEGACY

Joshua Clayborn reports on a white sepulchre at the Crystal Cathedral:
Yesterday I watched "Episode 108" [of MTV's Laguna Beach] and for the first time realized that one of the show's characters, Christina, is actually the granddaughter of famed minister Dr. Robert H. Schuller and daughter to Dr. Robert H. Schuller II, also a well known minister. The two are ministers at Crystal Cathedral, which has a congregation of over 10,000 members and plays host to the internationally televised "Hour of Power." None of this would seem like a big deal if it weren't for Christina's antics and behavior, both with friends and in relation to the church.

In episode 108, Christina must stay behind from camping with her friends because of a singing engagement at her father's church. But on her way there she listens to rap music filled with profanity and, prior to walking on stage, she mercilessly mocks her father's sermon and delivery style to her sister nearby. But after a heartfelt introduction from her father, Christina walks on stage to sing an angelic, gospel song as her father and grandfather look on in admiration and prayer. The next frame cuts to Christina walking out, eager to leave and exclaiming "Thank God that's over." (You can watch part of the scene on MTV's website.) In other episodes she discusses hooking up, her desire for more sex, and other such things.

With the Schullers' continuing watering down of the Bible message are we really surprised?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

First of all if you actually watched that scene, it's Christina's older sister who pokes fun at a small PORTION of her father's sermon in which he makes a reference to the movie The Karate Kid, a very silly reference by the way, not scripture. Also when she says she's "glad that's over" she's refering to singing in front of the congregation, in the episode she expresses nervousness about singing at the Cathedral that day. I think people are reading too much into the behavior of a teenager in a so-called reality show. Christina Schuller has not done anything on Laguna Beach that her parents should be ashamed of. Plenty of Christian teenagers are able to be faithful and good people even though they listen to rap music and mock their parents every once in a while, which is extremly normal. Also if you have actually been watching the series you would know that Christina has made it a point to extricate herself not only from the more inappropriate activities her peers participate in, but also from them as well.

Anonymous said...

"In other episodes she discusses hooking up, her desire for more sex, and other such things." That statement is completely false. Christina stated that she is a virgin in the series.

Anonymous said...

The dangers of playing judge and jury to our brothers and sisters are often overlooked. The Word instructs in many ways, and in many places that we are not to touch Gods' anointed, and to do no harm to His prophets (IChron 16:22 for example), and this is a command that is as often overlooked as the commands that we judge people over. Just as God handles the things in my life that need to be addressed, I know he does the same for every other believer. Therefore, how dare I point out the problems in someone elses life? I pray that the Schuller's, just I pray for my family and yours, ALL receive, daily, a greater and greater desire to search after God's heart, and to be closer to Him. That's really as far as my commentary on anyone else's Christian walk should ever go. God did not save us to be the reporters on the sins of others, did he? Of course not, we are to be the light of the world, to report on the Good News!

And, as an aside I leave you with these two things: First, even the best of parents, even the best Christians run into problems with their children. Especially in those great teenage years. Ask Billy Graham about his fun years with his son, Franklin! Second, surely you don't believe the moniker "reality tv?" If so, consider the hundreds and hundreds of hours that remain on the cutting room floor. The purpose of these shows is to promote the "reality" that the producers wish to portray. It's not difficult to glean from reality any twisted or distorted view you desire. Do you suppose, just maybe, the producers desire was to put as negative a twist as possible on this particular situation? At the very least this is possible, if not probable. I, therefore, would tend to offer the benefit of the doubt to the entire Schuller family. But maybe that's just me...

Anonymous said...

Who cares whose grandaughter or daughter she is?

Alan said...

Apparently all of you care because you reached this post by doing a web search on Miss Schuller. It seems to mean a great deal to you.

It also matters because she would not have been on the show if she wasn't Schuller's granddaughter. She also appears on the show performing at the Crystal Cathedral in the capacity of his granddaughter.

I also have a hard time believe that Miss Schuller was exploited by MTV (more than one is by definition by appearing there) as she willingly agreed to be followed by their cameras.

Please note, in the above post I am quoting and linking someone else's report on the episode. I did not see it myself, nor do I have a particular desire to.

Anonymous said...

The antics of Christina on Laguna Beach simply show her to be be a vain egomaniacal little Orange County socialite. She wouldn't know Jesus from a hole in the wall. Is this judgmental? Of course. But look at the way the Schuller's live. They are ALL one big joke.... Sad thing is that they are so sadly deceived. I mean, on the opening logo it says "the real O.C" but these kids are are so freaking stupid. They've been given everything yet know absolutely NOTHING!!!!!!!!! Sad Sad Sad.......