First of its kind on SAT-7’s Turkish channel, the new live show Worldview analyses relevant news topics with a Christian perspective.
Co-hosts Senem Ekener and Pastor Volkan Er offer a Christian angle on current events, and are keen to promote a culture of healthy and respectful discussions as viewers share their differing opinions.
“By analysing a specific matter from a biblical perspective, we can explore how God sees it in the overall history of events – showing the big picture,” explains Ekener.
Encouraging healthy discussion
Each week’s episode is decided by the topics most requested by the audience on social media. “We create specific hashtags so that the audience can follow trending topics and comment their opinions,” says Ekener. “We try to read as many as we can, highlighting those that create contradiction and discussion.”
In the wake of the failed coup of 2016 and an ever-shifting political climate in Turkey, Ekener says that one of her prayers is to be able to navigate particularly sensitive topics that will inevitably arise.
“Of course, subjects like these will come to the table,” Ekener said. “We want to set a healthy example of how you do not have to agree with an opinion but still maintain a respectful approach to others. Unfortunately, this is not part of our culture, so we make it a matter of great importance.”
“As Christians, we have a socio-political responsibility of showing the biblical worldview,” she added. “Humans are fallen which is why there are issues. We don’t have to agree, but we can be respectful of one another.”
Ekener stressed the importance of praying for Turkey, and seeing the country through God’s eyes.
“The Lord demands us to pray for our leaders and our country,” she said. “I, personally, may not agree with certain actions or decisions taken, but it never forces me to be disrespectful. Instead, I have to see them as God sees them – as a person created in His image.”
Fight evil, not people
As Worldview is not designed to be a biblical teaching programme, Ekener says the focus will not be on specific doctrine. Instead, they will point to what Scripture says about relevant issues.
“Everything we discuss is part of creation. The underlying problem is the sin of human hearts. So, it is important to quote from the Bible to remind us that God is not far away from what’s happening today.”
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Pastor Er has written a book on spiritual warfare, and agrees that a crucial part of Worldview is reminding viewers not to fight against people but against spiritual forces.
“Some Christians remain silent for fear of stepping on people’s toes,” he says. “The desire for justice is something that comes from the Lord, so keep that passion within you but fight against evil, not people.”
PRAY
- Thank God for SAT-7’s Turkish channel, as it makes God’s love visible to the people of Turkey.
- Pray for Senem and Volkan, the presenters of Worldview, that they would be a voice for peace and respect and handle difficult discussions wisely.
- Pray, like Senem, for Turkey’s leaders and government, and pray that the political climate would stabilise.