Talking Religion With Debra Mason
Acknowledging Religion
I remember sitting in the classroom of my World Literature course. The class was small and was structured in a way that encouraged debate. My classmates were mostly agnostic or atheist and extremely critical of religion in general. I, as one of the only ones in a practicing faith, listened to everything they had to say without judgement.
Honestly, if the question hadn’t been raised during a class discussion, I would have probably never disclosed my religious beliefs. I have never felt that my religion was better than any other religion, nor tried to argue with anyone on the basis of it. I have always found Religion to be an intriguing subject and have always opened myself to different beliefs and cultures.
I finally spoke up one day, not to defend myself, but believers of all religions. One classmate had remarked about the uselessness of religion. My response was simply, “you may not believe, but there are millions in the world that do, and believe to their core.”
“You may not believe, but there are millions in the world that do, and believe to their core”
Listening to Expert Advice
On Monday, that sentiment was echoed by Journalist, Debra Mason. Mason is a prominent journalist who specializes in Religion.
Okay, that last statement is an extreme understatement.
According to Mason’s biography page on the University of Missouri’s website, “Debra R. Mason is among the leading scholars and trainers of how religion is portrayed in the media, with more than 30 years of professional and scholarly experience working to improve the religious literacy of professionals so they can better serve a multi-faith public.”
Last Monday, I was able to meet Mason via Skype. She graciously shared some of her knowledge on religion and journalism and answered questions.
I was struck instantly by how humble Mason was. Her gentle explanations of complex theological issues made the whole experience more palatable.
Initially a pre-med undergrad, Mason said that a course in quantitative chemistry changed her outlook. She went to seminary school and later received her masters in journalism from Northwestern.
Mason became a state house reporter on politics. Although Mason said she fell in love with daily and breaking news, she says that politics can be really predictable. Her next career move would change the course of her life.
Serendipity and the Religion Beat
Looking for a change, Mason would apply at a news organization that was looking for something specific. The editor was searching for a reporter with a background in religion. Mason had it. The job was hers and she immersed herself into her new beat.
Mason said she was on the cover page all the time. She wasn’t the only one who loved the beat, Mason said the photojournalists loved it as well because of the subject matter and beautiful settings of the stories. The job also allowed her to travel all the time.
In addition to a great beat, Mason says her colleagues were good human beings.
Religious Literacy and the Future of Journalism
Mason admits that becoming religiously literate puts the burden on the individual. Mason says it’s not always easy but at the end of the day, it benefits you as a truth-teller in a more complete sense.
“Mason stresses that as journalists, we must get it right when it comes to religion.”
Mason stresses that as journalists, we must get it right when it comes to religion. There have been many errors in the news that Mason says, has caused tensions between the media and communities of faith. With religious organizations operating as private entities, their willingness to speak to issues is a privilege and must be dealt with in a delicate matter in order to promote understanding.
In the end, Mason says that religious writing is highly nuanced. She contrasts religion reporting against political reporting. saying that whereas the latter is more neat-and-clean, reporting on religion is not.
Mason’s journey to becoming an expert in her field is inspiring. My views of reporting on religion have been forever changed.
Sincerely,
Caitlin
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Meet Caitlin
Caitlin is a storyteller and photographer currently based in the coastal city of Wilmington, N.C.
A self-confessed romantic, she is a firm believer that there is good in the world.
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