NBC’s recent decision to air musical pop legend Madonna’s 2006 concert tour has raised disapproving responses from the Christian community.

The part of the Confessions concert stirring the most controversy is at the point in her performance when Madonna, adorned with a crown of thorns, hangs from a mirrored cross. Though the television network is in the process of deciding whether to edit out this portion of the special, the Associated Press reported that NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said the crucifixion scene will probably be in the NBC special because Madonna “felt strongly about it.” Airing Madonna’s disrespectful, provocative song may be disheartening and possibly offensive to believers, but the inconsistency of religious content in the media is the weightiest issue at hand.

This fall, NBC began airing the educational tape series, Veggie Tales, as part of its Saturday morning lineup. Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer agreed to the editing of particular Christian remarks made to his religiously oriented program, but he didn’t know until just weeks before the shows were to begin airing that all non-historical references to God and the Bible would have to be removed, the Associated Press reported.

It’s ironic that telling children God loves them is problematic but singing a song and making fun of the crucifixion is OK.

NBC said they were committed to reaching a broad audience with a positive message without advocating any religious point of view, the Associated Press reported.

This commitment is good if it consistent across the board, but NBC’s recent Madonna incident has proven that the media will bend the rules to cater to big name celebrities who can bring them publicity and revenue.

Let this controversy encourage you to stay informed about what is going on in the media

Observe how newspapers, websites, radio and broadcast stations deal with touchy issues like religion and developed a skepticism for situations that are not handled with sensativity.

The media’s job is to serve and inform the public. If you have a problem with a particular issue, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion through letters and blogs, and remember that you are not subjected to watch anything you find offensive.

A lack of response communicates to the media what viewers find important.