Before my wife and I canceled our cable, we were BIG fans of America’s Got Talent (AGT). Having watched every episode since its inception, I’d consider myself a pro when it comes to judging talent from my sofa. In fact, I’m one mouse click away from sending in my application to replace Howie Mandel, but I’m hesitant because I fear I would be a terrible judge because of one reason- I’m Catholic.
You see, the most successful contestants on shows like America’s Got Talent are always described as having a certain quality about them that makes them interesting. The judges call it the “Wow” factor, and I have indeed been “wowed” by the likes of Jackie Evnacho, Terry Fador and many other acts that have found success on the show.
However, since I’m Catholic, I find that the talents exhibited on AGT are merely faint echoes of a more profound wow that envelops all that I am, all that we are. This wow is the Church and it astonishes me that I can be so emotionally peaked when I watch shows like AGT and so incredibly indifferent when I am at Mass.
I shouldn’t find it surprising, though. After all, the devil is also a master artist. His ability to wow us with shadows and darkness are incredible. Knowing this, it is a difficult task to discern if shows like AGT or other forms of entertainment that appeal to our emotions are actually good for our souls.
To shed some light on this this quandary, C.S. Lewis’ demon character from The Screwtape Letters responds:
“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s (God’s) ground…He made the pleasure: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. ”
The “wow” factor surrounds us in the media and in the beauty of nature. That’s why we stay up late watching the DVR playback of our favorite shows, fast for hours before getting our money’s worth at the Chinese buffet and walk around with Beats by Dre covering our ears making us ignorant to the philosophical thoughts that may have occurred as we mosey along.
When do these practices become harmful to our souls?
How do I know when I am binging on my emotional highs?
Again, Mr. Screwtape:
“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.”
Discovering Christ’s Bride, the Church and all of her teachings was the best-kept secret that I ever discovered. She wows me on a daily basis and, even when I think Mass is boring, I still find it more captivating than all of the AGT winners’ talents combined. I could never be a judge on America’s Got Talent simply because I’ve been wow’d by Jesus and His Bride, the Church.
“Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him.” ~1 Corinthians 2:9
Wow.
2 thoughts on “The “Wow” Factor”
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I can`t help but be afraid for these little ones like Jackie. As they get into their teenage years and beyond, they can get sucked into the world of immodest dresses, fame and money. I`m thinking of Charlotte Church – she was such a sweet little girl. Sadly, she has been caught up with “the world, the flesh and the devil.”