Age Quote by Susan Jacoby
“It is hard to think of conversion as a blinding light on the road to Damascus, or as a highly spiritual or intellectual process, when the light comes from a flickering television; the voice of the deity is Bishop Sheen and you have drilled your father on his catechism answers...I was troubled at a young age by the idea that pouring water over someone's head could change both his relationship to God.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Religion and Media, Susan Jacoby, 1998
The quote critiques treating conversion as a dramatic, spiritual event while it is often mediated by superficial media influences, reducing deep faith to TV spectacle.
In simple terms: Conversion is often shown as a TV drama, not a true spiritual change.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic, personal spiritual experiences over media portrayals.
Themes
faith
media
authenticity
spirituality
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- religious education
- media literacy
Key Concepts
conversion
media influence
religious experience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media shape your view of spirituality?
- Can true conversion occur without media influence?
A Different Perspective
Media can oversimplify complex faith journeys.
