An interesting topic, comprehensively researched by reporter/presenter Charles Lane, which makes obvious sense for Sunday programming. However, I'm not convinced the 59 minute version I listened to would hold the interest of the unconverted, so to speak. There was a wide range of issues discussed by a large cast of interesting voices... traditional theology versus American culture, missionary versus economic incentives, language & the us versus them mentality.
However the first half of the program is heavily driven by the narration which is often repetitive and sometimes intrusive. The second half allows some of the speakers more time, but by then it feels as if they are being stretched a bit to fill the hour. I would've liked to hear more from the foreign priests, instead of others relating their difficulties or feelings for them. Also, the use of sound was not so well-balanced throughout the hour - short, merely illustrative use in the beginning and longer, but not more interesting stretches toward the end. And he must have collected more music than the one hymn which seemed to be used over and over.
I particularly like the sequences about the "Aculturation School" foreign priests attend and the power of the holy dollar (my view) to attract priests from developing countries. I like long-form work, but for some reason I think this subject might better be served in segments for a broader listening public. For stations with religious programming, the whole hour would probably interest listeners. Personally, I think a great half-hour documentary is hidden in there somewhere.
Comments for Foreign Priests in America (59 and 54 minute versions)
Produced by Charles Lane
Other pieces by Charles Lane
Rating Summary
1 comment
David Swatling
Posted on April 07, 2006 at 01:36 AM | Permalink
Review of Foreign Priests in America (59 and 54 minute versions)
An interesting topic, comprehensively researched by reporter/presenter Charles Lane, which makes obvious sense for Sunday programming. However, I'm not convinced the 59 minute version I listened to would hold the interest of the unconverted, so to speak. There was a wide range of issues discussed by a large cast of interesting voices... traditional theology versus American culture, missionary versus economic incentives, language & the us versus them mentality.
However the first half of the program is heavily driven by the narration which is often repetitive and sometimes intrusive. The second half allows some of the speakers more time, but by then it feels as if they are being stretched a bit to fill the hour. I would've liked to hear more from the foreign priests, instead of others relating their difficulties or feelings for them. Also, the use of sound was not so well-balanced throughout the hour - short, merely illustrative use in the beginning and longer, but not more interesting stretches toward the end. And he must have collected more music than the one hymn which seemed to be used over and over.
I particularly like the sequences about the "Aculturation School" foreign priests attend and the power of the holy dollar (my view) to attract priests from developing countries. I like long-form work, but for some reason I think this subject might better be served in segments for a broader listening public. For stations with religious programming, the whole hour would probably interest listeners. Personally, I think a great half-hour documentary is hidden in there somewhere.