The team at The Chaser has been declaring war all over the place, and that is precisely their problem.

First, watch this video of The Chaser's War on the Shore School. Shown last week, the Chaser asks Somalians to contribute to Shore's new rowing shed. Shore, of course, is one of our very own Anglican Schools, and I greatly value my friends who serve there. Even so, I have to say that it was impossible not to chuckle, and be struck by their point.

Second, if you haven't already, you may choose not to watch this video of The Chaser's War on the Make a Wish Foundation. It is at the same time disturbing and un-funny. It has been well and truly lambasted in the media this week, and for good reason. It has lead to an apology by The Chaser team, and a ban on the show for two weeks.

What's the difference between the two? Both sketches pushed moral boundaries; both are at points uncomfortable; both embarrass their targets.

But one was pretty funny (unless you are on the council of Shore!), and the other disturbing. 

Why?

Jesus knew more than anyone that all are on a level playing field: 'Out of men's hearts comes evil', and that is true no matter what age or stage or ailment or tragedy we find ourselves in. All have sinned, and all need to repent.

And yet Jesus treated people differently: he allowed the kiddoes to clamber all over him, and yet he drove out sellers in the temple. The religiously unacceptable were brought in by Jesus and the religiously acceptable were left outside. The lepers were loved, and the religious were rejected. In the cross and resurrection, the humble poor were lifted up and the haughty brought down.

There is a famous quote (taken out of context) about journalists last century, and their power to agitate for change. Newspapers, it was said: “comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable”.  Some television shows, like The Chaser are now able to do the same. 

Now, I make no comment on the Shore School. They are doing what schools do. But these two videos, watched side by side show me that it is acceptable to "afflict the comfortable". But, rightly, you will never get away with ‘afflicting the afflicted’.

It is painfully uncomfortable.

Discuss (with reference to responsibilities of the media).