Storage Wars: How a TV Show Resembles the Kingdom of Heaven

Courtesy of A&E Channel

This week I submitted a television review to an online publication called The Christian Post, which has a faith-based readership and perspective on the news - as if the pub's title wasn't enough of a giveaway to that fact.

My review takes a look at the genre of "treasure hunting" reality shows - such as Storage Wars, which is pictured here - and draws a parallel between that type of programming and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now that might be a stretch but decide for yourself - here's an excerpt of my published piece.

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With a few exceptions, there is currently very little wholesome and enjoyable programming on network television these days that a Christian family can enjoy. We'll have to see what the new fall lineup offers but I'm not holding my breath. Personally, most of the TV programs that I look forward to seeing are on cable – specifically A&E, Discovery and the History channels respectively.

In particular, there is a genre of reality-based series on those channels that are “must-see-TV” and they are American Pickers, Pawn Stars and Storage Wars where the basic premise is treasure hunting yet it's handled differently on each show.

Interestingly, what each of the shows has in common is that they seem to be a quasi-hybrid between PBS’s Antiques Roadshow and Monty Hall’s Let’s Make a Deal - bottom line it’s great TV.

As a believer, that idea of treasure hunting resonates with me and it has a scriptural basis in the New Testament.

Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

This heavenly vision of buried treasure, which anyone can find if you know what you're looking for, captures the imagination and allows viewers to live vicariously through the programs' various characters. It should be noted that the three aforementioned shows represent some of the most highly-rated programming on cable television. Simply said, there's an audience for treasure.

To read the rest of my review please click the link below at The Christian Post.
http://ipost.christianpost.com/news/storage-wars-how-a-cable-show-resembles-the-kingdom-of-heaven-10181/