Do the secular media address these intricacies? Their portrayals of healing deal more with some topics based on the paranormal, daily horoscopes, placebo effects (Margaret Talbot 2000, New York Times) and their presentation of the different genres in news, comedy, horror, history, and, or romance. Most TV news stories are mere headlines and the tabloids strive on sensationalism. Much of the fare in print and video is based on ratings and popularity contests that are the main determinants of what many people around the world read and see. Despite the facts that the typical American viewer sees over 25,000 commercials per year, some of those ads and documentaries, especially the medical and scientific, contribute to healing.

Ubiquitous Media

Many non-Christians on becoming Christians refer to their change of heart in positive ways. They speak about their eventual fulfillment and a weight being lifted off their shoulders. Their beliefs of what to expect in their lives stimulate them. They obtain these assurances through the mass media. They would stop at nothing but to acknowledge the social significance some select programs and, or treatises with some depth and quality have had on them. They are persuaded to relate with these issues and see their transformation as a catalyst of sorts for their healing. They do research by using search engines like Google and Yahoo and shop for literature on e-bay and Amazon.com.

The Inspirational Channel is alive and well. Some view the endeavors of televangelists with suspicion while others would swear by them. They would openly testify that God is working in their lives. Others report healing of their diseases that were untreatable that have dogged them for years. Their beliefs might extend to exorcisms and in some developing countries indigenous inhabitants put their faith in witchcraft or shamanism.

The mass media have played a crucial role in bringing individuals to inner peace and healing. Through the media one is able to demonstrate how sensory experiences impact the neurological aspects of life. The collective wisdom imparted in the media shows how one’s faith beliefs and perceptions are manifested. With its authority the media have become a source of enlightenment in words and pictures and as a guardian of healing. Used responsibly the media’s outreach to transform and heal would be apparent to many.