NBC to Air Series About Dysfunctional Christian Family

(CNSNews.com) - A conservative advocacy group is urging its supporters to protest an upcoming NBC television series that portrays a "completely dysfunctional family" as models of the Christian faith.

NBC's "The Book of Daniel" is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 6, and even before the public sees it, the American Family Association is complaining about the series.

The main character, Daniel Webster, "is a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis," the AFA said in a message to its supporters.

"Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus," AFA said, adding that the Webster family also includes "a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his (Webster's) lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law."

AFA noted that the series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being "in Catholic recovery," and who is quoted as saying that he doesn't know if "all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true."

Various media reports have noted the adult nature of the program, which is expected to air in the 10 p.m. time slot.

According to the American Family Association, NBC considers "The Book of Daniel" a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.

On its website, NBC describes the Reverend Daniel Webster as "an unconventional Episcopalian minister who not only believes in Jesus -- he actually sees him and discusses life with him. Webster is challenged on many levels as he struggles to be a good husband, father and minister, while trying to control a nagging addiction to prescription painkillers, and an often rocky relationship with the church hierarchy..."

NBC says the Jesus character's "frequent chats with Daniel serve to remind him of his strengths and weaknesses."

In a press release issued Tuesday, AFA urged concerned citizens to call their local NBC affiliate and ask that the program not be aired.

AFA is also urging Christians to spread the word about the series through announcements from the pulpit and in church bulletins and newsletters.

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