Friday, January 24, 2014

The implications of religion in hit television series The Big Bang Theory


The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular current television shows, and is in its seventh season on CBS. The plot revolves around four male characters that become friends through their work in science-related occupations. While the plots of the show usually revolve around science, (and trying to get dates with women) the plots often include aspects of religion.

Lots of jokes on the show are making fun of the way each of the characters practice and view their religion as the characters tend to disobey their religious traditions.  Howard’s mother is portrayed as the stereotypical, absolutely crazy, and overbearing, Jewish mother. Howard does celebrate some of the Jewish holidays and it was very important to him to marry a nice Jewish girl. Raj, practices Hinduism like the rest of his family but will break dietary laws eating a whopper.

While all of the characters were raised with religion, due to their knowledge of science and understanding of evolution, the characters mock those that deny the presence of science by believing in stories of creationism. In this clip, Sheldon and his mother are disagreeing on the point of creationism versus evolution. It is interesting that viewers enjoy this light-hearted interpretation of religion and embrace that logic and reason should nullify traditional religious values. The Big Bang Theory is a witty and comical show that can engage all audiences—believers and agnostics alike.


1 comment:

  1. again, the video should be embedded, which would enhance your comments. Here I'd like to see you make more connections to broad notions of technology. In this case it would be interesting to see you reflect on how TV as a medium connects to religious identify. Can we imagine religious people following the show? Or is the appeal to young and non-believing types?

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