Prodigal Press: The Anti-Christian Bias of American News Media

by Marvin Olasky

While claiming to be neutral, print and TV journalists often report the news from an anti-Christian point of view. Yet remarkably, in the nineteenth century many leading newspapers were Christian. What went wrong?

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Journalism

246 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

Marvin Olasky is a senior fellow of the Discovery Institute and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute. He also chairs the Zenger House Foundation, serves as a Zenger Prize judge, and is the author of 29 books. From 1992 through 2021, he edited World.

Reviews

[booklady]

This book was first published in 1988. The authors thought the 25th anniversary of the original publication date was a good time to update their findings and re-release the book. Here is a very informative interview with Warren Cole Smith, the co-author.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, it is almost heartbreaking to turn on the news. It seems that everything I was taught as a child is flipped upside down. To be a Christian is labeled as bigoted and hateful. Much of what was taught as evil has now been trumpeted as virtuous. To believe in one God is considered intolerant and arrogant. we are told every belief has the same validity.

Everything from marriage to murder of unborn children has now become a hot button issue that can get you fired from your job, sued, or in some cases even arrested.

In this book Olasky and Smith give us an overview of the situation in today's society. They start with a history of news media and how it was originally dominated by Christians. It was slowly taken over by those who do not just take an approach between Christianity and secularism, but are actually hostel to Christianity.

Even though this is a book about the takeover of the media by unbelievers, the authors do not leave us in despair. Here we have details on how Christians can not only work in the news media, but make an impact.

I have read a few books on the bias of the press, but this one was a little different. The authors have not only shown media bias but they take us through the history of how that bias came about.

They not only delve into the message of the media but also the medium that is used to relay that message. This sets the book apart from others. How has new technology changed the way we understand the world? What difference has the Internet, smart phones, and television made on the news? These are things we rarely think about, but are relevant in how we see the world.

I enjoyed this read. It is interesting and full of information that you would be hard-pressed to find in other Christian books. I felt like I learned a great deal of info. My suggestion is to leave your comfort zone and read this book!

I recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Intended to skim, but the details were too interesting. Helpful perspective on bias, both legitimate and illegitimate. Good section on sensationalism too.

[Gene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book may have been fitting for its time, but in today's media landscape it is a bit off in its aim. Much of the emphasis is on print media, which today is not a very big concern. Also, it seemed to be very concerned about libel law and its implementation, which just doesn't get much attention today.

The strong point is the need for Christian journalists to provide a full view to the reader of a world that includes the seen and the unseen, the material and the spiritual. God is not to be left out of the picture in the news, and it should be acknowledged that God's hand is still active in our world. I liked this forthright approach of asserting that God is present rather than writing as if He is not.

On the other hand, being honest and direct about God and His laws will push all Christians out of mainstream media quicker now than when this book was published. Just being honest about the trans issues of the day in one report will get a reporter fired on the spot if he or she is part of a mainstream media outlet. The good news is that these media are facing wide competition, even to the point where they are not the main provider of news and information. Blogs, and especially podcasts, are not having to filter out such truths, and even non-Christians are often straightforward about these "touchy subjects" without retribution by the public. The advance of communications technology has allowed content providers to do an end-run around those trying to protect the platitudes that the promoters of the sexual revolution would insist we all embrace.

This book also highlights the way the moral focus has shifted over the decades. Abortion is not getting the attention it once did, and the homosexual and trans issues have pushed to center-stage. It is disheartening that abortion continues to be viewed by the culture as something inoffensive and acceptable despite the long-time efforts of the pro-life community. It was a main topic of reporting when this book was published.

[Nate Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of grumbling about the American News Media and their bias. Prodigal Press helps us go deeper than what it seems like and feels like to us. Marvin Olasky and Warren Cole Smith systematically step us through the historical path the press has taken. It is well documented, and it brings the same quality of content that we are used to with World Magazine.

[AnnaRose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Olasky covers the history of Christian and secular journalism while adding his thoughts on how Christians should view the media and interact with it. Although he makes some good points and interesting suggestions, he is far too inclined to go off on rants about silly issues such as public schools. His points of view were very strong and he left no room for anyone doubting him. Everyone was against him or must agree completely. Still, this book was educational and though-provoking.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love all the historical stuff. It's fascinating to see how journalists have seen themselves and their craft over the years.