NBC's "Book of Daniel"

There is much controversy surrounding the NBC's "Book of Daniel" and for good reason. The show has gotten backlash from critics and conservative groups for its' sheer principle: The showcase of a priest and the perils surrounding his family life, including his 23-year-old gay son.

Ironically, the content of the show and its backlash are true signs of the hypocrisy of our times. It can be debated that NBC is playing the shock for ratings game, but conservative groups continue to attack anything that challenges the ideological norm of society- whether rooted in truth or not. After all, every clergy member has a picture perfect family life and never sees Jesus, right? And that said priest having a gay son is just heretical.

Could it be, the events (and often times drama) of real life are okay as long as it's not brought out of the closet and depicted on TV? In a recent E! Entertainment interview, the cast of "Book of Daniel" spoke up, claiming the show is about family life. I tend to agree, since I have yet to see the perfect pearl of a family the American Family Association so eagerly wants everyone to strive towards.

More About "Book of Daniel":

A provocative, edgy and compelling new drama, "The Book of Daniel" stars Emmy nominee Aidan Quinn ("An Early Frost," "Plainsong," "Legends of the Fall") as the Rev. Daniel Webster, an unconventional Episcopalian priest who not only believes in Jesus – he actually sees him and discusses life with him. `

The limited series premieres on Friday, Jan. 6 at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT with two back-two-back episodes; returning the following week (Jan. 16) at its regularly scheduled time, Fridays at 10-11 p.m. ET/PT.

Webster is challenged on many levels as he struggles to be a good husband, father and minister, while navigating an often rocky relationship with the church hierarchy, led by Bishop Beatrice Congreve (Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Requiem of a Dream") and Roger Paxton, a senior warden of the parish and stalwart churchgoer (Dylan Baker, "Kinsey," "Happiness").

Webster also has loving, but challenging relationships with his three children: Peter (Christian Campbell, "Trick"), his 23-year-old gay son, struggling with the loss of his twin brother; his 16-year-old daughter Grace (Alison Pill, "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen"), a talented Manga artist dealing with typical teenage angst; and Adam (Ivan Shaw, "All My Children"), his 16-year-old adopted Chinese son, a handsome and cocky high school jock with a wicked sense of humor.

Keeping Webster grounded is his strong, loving wife Judith (Susanna Thompson, "Once and Again") – who is also coming to terms with the loss of her son and her own future and ambitions now that her children are nearly grown – and Jesus (Garret Dillahunt, "Deadwood"), his best friend and confidante who serves as a sounding board and encourages Webster to find the answers to his questions within himself.

Creator Jack Kenny ("Titus"), Flody Suarez ("8 Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter," "The Tick") and John Tinker ("The Practice," "Chicago Hope") are the executive producers of this production from NBC Universal Television Studio and Sony Pictures Television.

Source: NBC.com