By Isaac Asabor
Journalism, much like pastoral work, is a vocation that can be seen as a divine calling. Both roles share a fundamental commitment to truth, guidance, and the betterment of society. The foregoing view cannot be dismissed with mere wave of the hands or making snake-like hisses as there are plethora of examples to show that journalism parallels the sacred calling of a pastor.
For instance, Pastors are known for their quest for spiritual truths, guiding their congregations towards enlightenment and understanding. Journalists, in a similar vein, pursue factual truths, striving to inform the public and shed light on matters that affect our lives and communities. Both are tasked with revealing truths that can often be uncomfortable but are necessary for growth and progress.
Just as pastors shepherd their flock, guiding them through life’s moral and ethical dilemmas, journalists marshal the public discourse, steering it towards issues of importance and relevance. They hold a lantern to the path of public consciousness, highlighting stories that might otherwise remain in darkness.
Pastors serve their community by providing support, counsel, and a sense of belonging. Journalists serve the community by acting as watchdogs for democracy, holding those in power accountable, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Both roles are essential in fostering a healthy, vibrant community.
Pastors often advocate for justice from the pulpit, calling for actions that reflect the moral teachings of their faith. In a similar vein, Journalists advocate for justice through their reporting, exposing wrongdoing and advocating for change. Their work can lead to tangible improvements in laws, policies, and societal standards.
In times of crisis, pastors provide comfort and hope to those who are struggling. Journalists also provide comfort by informing the public, which can help people make sense of the world around them. In fact, knowledge can be a source of comfort, and by providing it, Journalists offer a beacon of hope.
In a similar vein, Pastors provide moral and ethical guidance based on religious teachings. Journalists provide guidance by reporting on the consequences of actions, both good and bad, thus helping the public discern right from wrong based on societal norms and values.
In essence, both pastors and journalists are called to serve, enlighten, and lead. They are both guardians of their respective truths, spiritual and factual, and their respective works is vital to the well-being and advancement of society. While their methods and platforms may differ, the essence of their callings is aligned with a higher purpose: to serve humanity and uphold the principles of truth and justice.
Without any scintilla of hyperbole, Journalists are by each passing day always seen exploring every nooks and crannies of the society as in the course of duty they deploy the ink of truth to weave God’s narrative in their own way. To aptly put it, Journalists are literarily bettering the world to be a better place to live, just like the way Pastors do.
In a world where information flows like a mighty river, Journalists wield their pens as vessels of truth. If I may ask, “Is there a deeper purpose to their craft? Yes! This is as journalism is more of ink on paper, pixels on screens, or sound waves in the air.
In fact, exploring how journalism aligns with God’s work and calling, weaving a tapestry of revelation and responsibility reveals that Journalism is a call to illuminate darkness.
For instance, God said, “Let there be light”. Given the foregoing scriptural injunction, there is no denying the fact that the words echo through the ages, resonating with journalists who seek to uncover hidden truths. Just as God separated light from darkness, Journalists illuminate the shadows of corruption, injustice, and deceit. Their pursuit of facts mirrors the divine quest for clarity. Each exposé, each headline, becomes a beacon, guiding humanity toward righteousness.
To further buttress the fact that Journalists are called by God, and that they are like Pastors, it is germane to opine that prophets were messengers, their words etched into scrolls, proclaiming divine will. In a similar vein, Journalists, too, carry a prophetic mantle. Their bylines echo across time, challenging the status quo, demanding change. Whether reporting on political scandals or environmental crises, they channel God’s call for justice. Their pens write not mere stories but revelations, which is invariably invitations to transformation.
Against the backdrop of the scriptural phrase that says, “In the beginning was the Word…” Journalism, at its core, is storytelling. From breaking news to feature articles, Journalists weave narratives that shape our understanding of the world. Like parables, these stories convey deeper truths. Whether it is a tale of resilience after disaster or a profile of a community leader, Journalism mirrors God’s storytelling, a reminder that every life is a chapter in the grand narrative.
Also, opining from the backdrop of the saying that “To whom much is given, much will be required”, Journalists bear a weighty responsibility. Their words hold power as they are inherent with the clout to expose, to heal, or to harm. Just as God entrusted humanity with stewardship over creation, Journalists steward information. Their integrity, accuracy, and empathy matter. In the crucible of deadlines, they choose whether to honor their calling or compromise their purpose.
Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.
