Little Church on the Prairie
Twenty-seven years ago (October 30, 1978) a network (NBC) TV series (Little House on the Prairie) portrayed some cut-to-the bone preaching we all need to hear. I need to hear. Last night the message made a return visit on cable TV (TVLand).
The series: Little House on the Prairie. The episode: “Harriet’s Happenings.” The extra-condensed recap:
Harriet Oleson’s cousin starts the newspaper, The Pen and the Plow, featuring the column “Harriet’s Happenings.” At first everyone welcomes the paper, until they realize Harriet’s column is little more than slanted misrepresentation of fact and juicy gossip.
The Ingalls raise their concerns, but Harriet’s column grows increasingly inaccurate and spiteful. And popular. Among the attacks, Harriet labels a German immigrant family illiterate for being unable to read and write English.
Filling in for Rev. Alden at the Sunday service, Charles decides enough is enough and selects
He asks Harriet to read the lesson, and she is only too happy to comply. Her ego is soon slapped down, because she can’t read the German bible Charles borrowed. Charles asks if it’s because she is illiterate, and then points out the German immigrants are probably more literate than anyone in town.
Charles then focuses the lesson on the ninth commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16 KJV) Charles chastises Harriet and her cousin for all the misrepresentations and outright lies in the paper. He then holds the rest of congregation equally guilty due to their overwhelming support of the paper.
Finally, he reminds everyone to live the Christian values they claim to live inside the church outside the church.
After the episode was over, I could’t help but feel embarassed and guilty at how far short I fall when it comes to living my Christian values outside of church.
Thanks for the reminder, Charles.
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