Two Christian groups have joined in with others to condemn the latest television program offered by Channel Ten, known as Californication, saying it was offensive to both society and the Church.
Roslyn Phillips, the National Research Officer from the Festival of Light (FOL) Australia, said the show was demeaning to women, men and children. She continued, saying the comedy program was degrading the beautiful act of sex and warned that young people who were watching it would have a distorted view of life.
"We are deeply disappointed here at FOL Australia that Channel 10 is further demeaning women, men, and children by this show, Californication. This show is reducing the beautiful act of sex … and degrading it for all of us. And any young people who are watching this show are getting a very distorted view on what life is all about," she said.
Peter Stokes, the Executive Officer from Salt Shakers, also voiced his objection to the show, saying the church has become a frontline for ridicule. Mr. Stokes was referring to the opening scene of the new sitcom where a Catholic nun performed oral sex on the main actor in the church, though the viewer could not see it given the actor realised it was a dream and then woke up next to a different woman.
The television program was bad enough that a lot of people had complained, he added. However, he cautioned that people should not response with anger but rather proclaim the TV program was degrading to women.
"…Clearly it was bad enough that a lot of people have complained and to start off with the whole issue of sex in the church … the church becomes frontline for ridicule."
"…I think we should simply make level statement about the indecency of the TV program that … degrades women."
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) had also expressed its outrage, saying it was against family values.