Questions and Answers: Desperate Housewives Speaks on Theology


I don't know if you watch Desperate Housewives? I'm not a big fan, but I follow along with my wife. She's not a fanatic about it, but enjoys the comedic edge. Anyway, last Sunday evening, I was drifting along, half paying attention when things got religious. In fact, Lynnette (Felicity Huffman), having dealt with cancer, a tornado, a rough spot in her marriage, job issues, and more gets the inspiration to go to church.


Looking out the window she spies Bree and her husband heading off to church. Getting inspired, Lynnette tells her husband to get ready because they're going to church. His response: "Why? What did I do?" But, Lynnette persists, gets them ready to go, and then runs after Bree, asking her where they would be going to church? Bree is a bit surprised but informs them that they would be Presbyterians (how surprising?).


The key moment in all of this is during the sermon. Now, in most churches a sermon is a monologue, not a dialogue, but in this case, the "unchurched" Lynnette, not knowing the proper protocol, stands up and challenges the preacher.


Bree, who is in running for an important social office in the church, is horrified at Lynnette's audacity, and later informs the erstwhile spiritual seeker, that this simply isn't done. You don't ask questions during sermons. Church is, she informs Lynnette for "Answers not Questions." Bree will later get this phrase turned on her by her own pastor, who found Lynnette's questioning refreshing. By this time, however, Lynette has taken off for the Catholics, the childhood faith of her husband.


Tia Lynn's blog -- Abandon Image has a nice run down on the episode, which you might want to consult.


What this episode does in a really wonderful way is unmask our superficial spirituality. It raises the question of how we deal with questions that people have. Too often we respond in platitudes when something more is required. Lynnette is a serious seeker. She's not going to be entertained or to have her social needs met, she has deep theological questions and seeks real answers. The episode reminds us that too often we become insulated from reality. Did I need DW to remind of this? Probably not, but that a show like this would deal with an issue like this in such a dynamic manner is startling. The writers should be commended for taking religion seriously!

As Bree finally realizes: "Faith shouldn't be blind. You don't threaten it by asking questions, you make it stronger." Indeed!

Comments

Tim said…
Neat find from DH - the writers are clearly onto something. It would be great if there were more opportunities for Q&A in church, I know I'd love it.

Popular Posts