Recently, I have been catching up on all the episodes from the continuation of the British series Doctor Who.  This most recent batch of seasons was started in 2005 and of the three "Doctors" in this current series, David Tennant is my favorite; however, that is immaterial.  

One of the biggest reasons I enjoy this show is for the wide range of humanity it showcases.  It illustrates some people are smarter than others, some are more compassionate, and, sadly, some have allowed themselves to sink into their own sins and their own despair.  People are not just stereotypes, and while we may all have some qualities taken from the stereotypes others assign to us in their minds, we are more than that stereotype.  Each individual person has value and we can all be redeemed.

That clearly resonates with the teachings of the Catholic Church, as all we have to do is look in the Catechism to see that, "1700 The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God (article 1); it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude (article 2). It is essential to a human being freely to direct himself to this fulfillment (article 3). By his deliberate actions (article 4), the human person does, or does not, conform to the good promised by God and attested by moral conscience (article 5). Human beings make their own contribution to their interior growth; they make their whole sentient and spiritual lives into means of this growth (article 6). With the help of grace they grow in virtue (article 7), avoid sin, and if they sin they entrust themselves as did the prodigal son¹ to the mercy of our Father in heaven (article 8). In this way they attain to the perfection of charity."  (Taken from Part III, "Life in Christ," Section I, "Man's Vocation Life in the Spirit," Section I, The Dignity of the Human Person)

As we were created in the image and likeness of God (by God), we have dignity.  The actions that we take determine how we grow and if we let ourselves grow.  If we sin, we have to confess and repent, therefore entrusting ourselves to God's mercy.  I believe that Doctor Who illustrates this, yet how often do we think about shows that resonate with us?  While there may be something said for entertainment for its' own sake, why settle for that all the time?  Why not choose shows that educate, broaden the appreciation for culture, and make oneself think?  These shows don't have to be boring, they can be quite entertaining and interesting.  We can learn, about ourselves, others, or other things, yet still be entertained.  Hopefully, I think more about that in the future.