To Watch or Not to Watch
by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin on 03/25/2009 at 4:00 PM
Last night I watched Bolt. After scrolling through the movie choices at my local grocery store, it seemed like Bolt would be the cleanest and most enjoyable. Plus, I like kids movies.
I wish I could say my media choices were always so innocent. While I try my best to stay away from anything trashy, I get into trouble when I go to see a popular chick flick without checking out the Plugged In Online review. Or even sometimes when I let my radio dial stay on a certain station with sketchy lyrics for days.
Today's featured Boundless article conveys a message that is not entirely comfortable to the modern Christian. While I try to avoid overtly "un-Christian" movies, music and TV shows, I relish my freedom in Christ and right to choose. In "What You Watch," author Bob Waliszewski starts with some familiar ground:
A lot has been made of the concept "garbage in equals garbage out." Occasionally we hear warnings about desensitization. Sometimes even the culture worries about media influence (cigarette advertising, for instance). Although these concerns are valid, I think it's more than that. I believe that during repeated exposure to problematic media, a follower of Christ could find his or her fervor for God dwindling.
I have an e-mail from a young adult who explained how this happened in his life, dampening his spiritual excitement and stunting his spiritual growth. His lack of passion wasn't due to dabbling in drugs. It wasn't because of sexual compromises. It wasn't rebellion. But for him, it was his poor entertainment decisions. Sadly, this is the story for many Christians.
The cumulative spiritual effect of poor media choices is something to consider. Here's a weird example. A few years ago, I watched the first three seasons of Gilmore Girls on DVD. (The content in seasons one through three is generally clean, but read the review!) In the series, the mother, Lorelai, 32, and her daughter, Rory, 16, eat sweets and junk food incessantly (and somehow remain perfectly thin). During the months when I was consuming the show, I found myself snacking more and more. The junk food culture of the Gilmore's world began invading my real life.
Think of this in terms of moral values. Watching one movie with questionable content may or may not be damaging to your spiritual life. However, a constant media diet of characters and scenarios that conflict with God's way cannot help but invade your thinking. What about being culturally relevant? Waliszewski writes:
Sadly, I believe we have many among us who use the excuse of becoming culturally relevant to justify their unhealthy media consumption. These are Christians who claim that their knowledge about movies, TV shows, albums, and so on, helps them to witness. But does the exposure to pollution really enhance witnessing abilities?
In my experience, no. I've watched a few movies I shouldn't have, and they've never provided a single opportunity to share Christ's love with someone. In fact, I believe those who do not know Christ sometimes feel comforted by the innocence of a Christ-follower. It is a position on life that stands out. What do you think? How have your media decisions shaped you?
1. BDB said the following at 4:14 PM on Mar 25:
Yes, this is an interesting phenomenon. Listening to Country music for a few months, then going back to listen to a Top 40 station, I was shocked at how worldly the lyrics were. Some were pretty dark break-up music, too.
Then listening to the local family-friendly Christian station for a few months, and switching back to Country for a day. Wow, even though Country is better than a lot of other things, it's still pretty darn worldly.
It used to be you could watch Discovery and History channels and be more-or-less protected from the raunchiest TV ads, like what you see in sports programming. Sadly, in this economic downturn, that's no longer true. When the TV ads start to sound like e-mail SPAM, I find myself checking, "Am I still watching Discovery or did I select Spike on accident?"
I can't wait for the car ads to come back. Heck, I'd be happy with the talking lizard beer ads for a change. Perhaps we should encourage more GEICO commercials...
2. Melissa said the following at 4:34 PM on Mar 25:
In agreement with the last comment, I've found that as God's led me to cut more and more stuff out, that when I am exposed to the kind of stuff I used to listen to/watch, I am more sensitive to the content.
And honestly I don't desire to watch/listen to that stuff like I used to when I start taking in "clean" media. Also, my spiritual walk has improved. I would encourage all Christians to carefully pray and consider what they are going to watch. From my own experience, it really can make a difference!
Also, remember if you pay to go see a movie or buy a CD, you are in effect endorsing that product for the people who decide the future of the entertainment industry. Hollywood execs look at sales numbers for movies to see what was successful and that helps them decide what kinds of movies to fund next. If movies filled with filth started to take a hit because Christians stop going to see them, and then "clean" movies started to see an increase in ticket sales because Christians were going to see those instead, then perhaps Hollywood would be more motivated to make more clean movies.
3. Rachael said the following at 6:00 PM on Mar 25:
I radio hop all the time. It's a habit and I enjoy songs with a catchy tune, good words, or songs that are sung with heart. But I think often the words go into me subconsciously, if they go into me (not sure they always do)- if you were to ask me what I like about a particular song on the radio, it would often be the tune, if it were on a secular station.
Yet I should be more tuned into the lyrics, or at least more attentive and watchful - er, listenful.
4. Rachael said the following at 6:09 PM on Mar 25:
PS. Interesting how with the first couple of commenters being exposed to more clean stuff creates more sensitivity when returning to the ex-consumed stuff.
I wonder if it would be that way for me and TV, or at least with regard to the commericals, if I started watching it regularly again. I haven't followed certain TV shows in 2-3 years or so, and it's fine. TV for me is give up-able, even though we have one. In Japan the second time around I used to love watching Japanese dramas, though, and in at least one year of grad school I liked certain shows...
But it's okay to not watch it much.
5. Emma said the following at 7:00 PM on Mar 25:
I'm feeling extremely convicted by all of this! It is producing some avoidance in my heart about these issues. I know I watch too much TV and I have noticed it affecting my faith, and my position on conservative issues. I am becoming very worldly and I am finding it hard to break these bad habits.
6. Jill said the following at 7:14 PM on Mar 25:
This can be a rather touchy subject because people often accuse those who make more conservative entertainment choices than their own as being legalistic. Bob Waliszewski's article alluded to it, but I want to state it explicitly. Limiting entertainment choices is not primarily about adding another DON'T to a long list of things that Christians shouldn't do. It is about developing a heart that values the things that God values and is grieved by the things He is grieved by. It's about becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives and exposing the dark places in our hearts that we would rather keep hidden.
7. Charlotte C. said the following at 9:37 PM on Mar 25:
Hmmmm.... now that has me thinking.
It's funny since I never liked how the movies distorted my view and went against my beliefs so I avoided anything that tried to. It was a natural part of me to not watch sit-coms, etc because I just.. didn't like them. I thought I was weird because everyone seemed to be enjoying those stuff and not me.
Thanks to this article, I feel much better. Now I don't feel like an outsider and I hope I'm making God happier instead.
But my mom is the total opposite. She LOVES dramas, sit-coms, movies, whatever is on TV. She never ever misses out on anything even the ones that have storylines with stuff about divorce, cheating, martial unfaithfulness, etc that really overrides the beliefs we Christians should have. I know she works hard at work and she told me she deserves a break by watching TV and of course, I agree with all that but something felt wrong. She tells me 'you gotta understand the world'... but ya know, if those characters were really Christian, then there wouldn't be all those kinda problems and mess. They'd all be at peace in their souls and have happy families. Why does media have to romanticize martial unfaithfulness..... I wonder.
8. BDB said the following at 10:16 PM on Mar 25:
In extending Melissa's comments (#2), remember that Expanded Basic cable (ESPN, TBS, TNT) tends to follow the rules for broadcasters, even though they don't legally need to. That means they edit out the worst stuff on rated R movies when they show them.
If there's a movie I know I shouldn't watch, I can wait until TBS shows the edited version. It's a long wait, but it's a way to put my money towards networks like TBS and TNT that do focus on more family-friendly fare than either NBC or HBO. And then there's Discovery and Hallmark, too.
9. Carol said the following at 10:59 PM on Mar 25:
This is so true.
My experience with this was with books, not movies. When I was a teenager, I decided that I would not kiss a guy until my wedding day. However, I used to read a lot of Christian romance novels in which the female characters were described kissing their boyfriends in sometimes graphic detail. I credit my breakdown in that area partially to those books' influence.
I realized through that experience that I can rationalize actions much less benign than kissing if I don't carefully monitor my book/TV/movie intake.
10. brx said the following at 1:03 AM on Mar 26:
How have my media decisions shaped me?
A good number of years ago, I decided I wanted a change and would try two weeks of Christian music radio. For the first week and a half, I was VERY tempted to change the station! Confidently, I can say that after about two weeks, I noticed a significant softening of my attitude and a shift in the themes of thought that permeated my mind. Many years later, I still listen to Christian audio programming the vast majority of times I have a stereo system on. (I just wish the stations could afford less repetition!)
I've also been shaped positively by media many Christians might initially reject. For example, the film "Hellboy" has a particularly appropriate theme and line "Remember who you are!!" - of which I have been frequently reminded lately.
Grace, peace & adventure!
11. Erin said the following at 1:14 AM on Mar 26:
I can relate to the eating and Gilmore Girls - when ever I watch it I always crave Pop-tarts (which is annoying becasue pop-tarts are no longer avaliable in Australia).
But on a more serious note I do believe Christians should be more careful about what we watch. I am generally very careful about what I watch, but even within my 'safe' movies I realised I had become desensitised. I wanted to have some of the younger girls from church over for a girly night and was trying to find a movie which we could watch. When I rewatched some of my favourite movies with a more critical eye all of them fell short. I ended up not showing a movie and we did craft instead.
It's not just the normal 'inappropriate' scenes I'm worried about but also violence, language and themes which promote greed, bad relationships and selfishness.
Of course it's hard to turn off the TV, or get rid of a favourite movie. But I believe we are called to make challenging choices to further our spiritual growth. I am concerned that each time I let my guard down a little then I am paving the way to let bigger evils into my mind.
If one person is willing to make a stand then maybe other people will at least think more about what they watch, and not mindlessly consume.
12. Matt from DC said the following at 6:26 AM on Mar 26:
So did you like Bolt?
13. Swithun said the following at 6:32 AM on Mar 26:
There's a book I've really got into recently. The story lines are gripping and the characters are life like. Its comment on individuals and society is profound. However it has some disturbing content: infanticide, rapes, beheadings, incest, sex scenes, witchcraft and I could continue.
It's a great read but wondering whether I should carry on reading it?
14. Jennifer said the following at 6:43 AM on Mar 26:
I recently stopped watching several shows because I felt convicted about the content. I have always liked Law and Order type shows. About a year ago I started watching Criminal Minds and became intrigued with the main characters stories. Soon I felt like I wanted to watch to find out what was happening. I suppose that is the point of the story lines, to get you hooked. A verse kept popping into my head every time I would sit down to waste an hour on tv.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
I realized I was dwelling on some things that were completely opposite to true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. In fact, I found myself dealing with a spirit of fear instead of confidence that I am in God's hands. So I stopped watching. I watch very little tv anymore and still find opportunities to share God's love without the most up to date tv show telling me what I should care about.
15. Christina (in green) said the following at 6:57 AM on Mar 26:
Suzanne, something like that happened to me when I sat and watched 3 seasons of Monk.
Only, I noticed myself becoming more paranoid and OCD.
I've been aware of this phenom for a while...the whole being grounded from books when I was little was because of this kind of thing...
16. Matthew said the following at 7:02 AM on Mar 26:
I agree pretty thoroughly with this post and the other commenters-- I try to be very conscientious about what I listen to, watch, or read so as to avoid being tempted into sin or just slouching into ungodly habits.
However, just to be clear, this is more of a practical step than a Biblical one. Christ Himself says that it is not what goes into our mouths or eyes that makes us unclean, but what comes out of our hearts. So if our hearts are not right with God and we're watching "Fireproof" in between listening to Adventures in Odyssey, it's not going to do what we want it to, either.
17. IMO said the following at 7:16 AM on Mar 26:
haha that's funny. I just got done watching Bolt. Got it from the Redbox.
18. mary kate said the following at 7:20 AM on Mar 26:
yeah... totally true. good article/blog post. i had cable at my old apartment, and i don't now... the last few months i lived in my place, wow.... i watched total trash, mostly just because it was there. and i became soooo apathetic and unmotivated.
i miss some things, def... hockey, HGTV, a few others. but i also DO so much more in my free time! i get work done faster (i can concentrate more; the tv doesn't even get turned on) and i learn a lot: i listen to NPR mostly now, or music.
watching too much tv makes me feel intellectually and spiritually fat and sluggish... like i'm gaining weight and getting slower even though i'm not. and the longer i'm away for it, the more shocking some of the shows and commercials are when i see them. ugh.
it's not even the content all the time, either... it's the tone and the intensity! all in your face all the time!!! geez.
19. Lissa said the following at 7:33 AM on Mar 26:
Amen! I agree with Melissa. Well said. Whatever movies/music we choose to go to we should reallize we are directly funding that kind of entertainment for the future.
20. Ashley Harris said the following at 8:21 AM on Mar 26:
Erin,
Why don't you have pop-tarts in Australia anymore?
21. Suzanne Hadley said the following at 9:23 AM on Mar 26:
Erin,
I almost mentioned Pop-Tarts specifically! They are PT junkies! Also, Chinese food and coffee. :)
Matt,
I liked Bolt a lot! The hamster was my favorite character. And if you've seen the film, this might mean something to you: "Spicy eyes! Spicy eyes!"
Good discussion, everyone! What do you think about the "it" shows for our generation, like "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy." I'm not a regular viewer, but I hear about these shows all the time from friends. The culture of Grey's seems to treat sex particularly casually.
22. Becky said the following at 9:43 AM on Mar 26:
Great post, Suzanne.
I realized recently that chick flicks and romantic comedies have COMPLETELY messed with my perspective on the realities of a real relationship.
I had some very unrealistic expectations.
It's taken a lot of effort to understand that many of my expectations about my boyfriend come from movies I've watched.
(Thankfully, God gave me a patient and understanding man.)
23. JAZ said the following at 11:48 AM on Mar 26:
Seriously? Watching Gilmore Girls increased your junk food consumption? Wow...
24. John said the following at 11:58 AM on Mar 26:
Hi all,
Excellent post and a lot of relevant comments. Let me add mine: What I listened to and allowed myself to constantly and consistently think about during those “wandering moments” watching such TV shows slowly but surely changed both my outlook about and the position that God held in my life. St. Paul, in closing his letter to the Philippians (Php 4:8) had this to say about what we ought to think about: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” The writer of Proverbs emphasizes this many times over as in Prov 14:8 “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” and in Prov 14:15 “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Psalms 1 exhorts the reader to delight and mediate day and night on God’s law.
I blogged about this very same topic (actually about K-Love, a Christian radio station, but the point is the same) at
http://jkanagaraj.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/what-is-on-your-radio-dial-or-your-ipod-or-walkman-or-whatever/
Have a look and let me know what y'all think.
Blessings,
John
25. Dan Gill said the following at 1:05 PM on Mar 26:
Swithun, keep reading your Bible. But you're comparing apples to oranges.
26. Ammie said the following at 1:24 PM on Mar 26:
KLove is the best Christian radio station - Bar None!! Tehy play a great variety, no commercials, always uplifting stories, etc. I started listening to them about 3 yrs ago now and my dial never tunes to another station. I'm either listening to them or to Christian CD's mostly. What you take in can certainly make a difference in your life and relationship with the Lord. You have to be on guard...
27. Erin said the following at 3:58 PM on Mar 26:
Ashley - I have no idea, maybe they didn't sell well. I remember we use to have them when I was younger, we would be allowed them on special occasions (but very rarely).
But a few years ago I went looking for them and they are not anywhere. None of the grocery store carry them anymore. I've only seen them in specialist lolly shops for about $15 a box, but it was just too much to justify buying them :)
28. Rosey said the following at 6:46 PM on Mar 26:
This article has, amongst other things, flagged up what is an issue for me at the moment. For me it is what I read, starting off with one trashy novel, and from that reading more and more, not really noticing how they were becoming more and more explicit, with characters living lives only for themselves, only seeking their own gratification.
I ended up spending less time with God, reading these things. I've noticed my thoughts and even speech changing. I felt a hypocrite at Church, and attendance had been dropping at midweek group, with excuses that I was tired and would be better going to bed early, of course reading before I dropped off to sleep.
I'm trying more now to read the one Book that matters, but temptation is still there, but I've asked God's forgiveness and help. I got rid of the trashy books I had in my flat today. I'm trying to change so that my longing will be like the writer of Psalm 119, for God's word and not the trash.
29. Christopher from Albuquerque said the following at 12:34 AM on Mar 27:
A very important phrase which is used in this article is "evil presented in a positive light." I do not want to expose myself to television shows or movies which *celebrate* evil.
However, can a show or movie *deal* with evil without necessarily *celebrating* it? I think it is possible, *if* evil is shown for what it is-- at the very least, destructive to oneself and others, and/or ultimately, rebellion against God.
However, making such distinctions requires careful thought and discernment, which even some Christian viewers seem to lack. Moreover, if one is habitually exposing oneself to graphic depictions of sin in movies or on TV (even if that sin is shown as evil), one may become desensitized to that sin. Again, thought and discernment are required.
One last observation-- I have come to the conclusion, after reading and pondering certain Biblical passages, and the principles in those passages, that it is not spiritually healthy for me, or perhaps *any* Christian, to view certain things, no matter what the presentation-- such as scenes of sexual intimacy in movies and on television. There is nothing in Scripture which indicates that God approves of our viewing the sexual intimacy of others-- even if that intimacy is "only" between actors and actresses playing roles. In the past, when I have watched such movies and shows, it has never increased my love for God. It has only weakened and compromised that love.
30. Swithun said the following at 4:40 AM on Mar 27:
Dan Gill,
At last someone has got what I was saying. I thought I might have to point it out. You're saying though I'm comparing apples to oranges, but I fail to see why. To clarify, my point is that any topic can be base of an edifying story. "Questionable Content" needs to be defined. When I read the Gran Torino review on plugged in it recommended it in spite of its "questionable content (beatings, rapes, blasphemy)". Now if just showing this is questionable then you better start by ripping Judges out of your Bible. Btw Gran Torino is awesome and every one should see it. It is nice expose of the breakdown of society, especially the lack of fathers, and the importance of family.
31. Loris said the following at 7:23 AM on Mar 27:
I'm increasingly finding that commercials bother me more than the shows do.
32. Charlotte C. said the following at 7:43 AM on Mar 27:
Mary Kate (#8)
Can I ask you a question? It's just to clarify your comment.
So you're saying that not turning on the TV can help you concentrate better?
I'm not asking because I disagree or anything (not being aggressive) but it's that no one in my family believes me. I tell them to turn off the TV (I swear it's on 24/7) so I can concentrate on my studies!! LOL Maybe that's why I have such a liking for quiet places like the school library..
33. Leah W said the following at 8:07 AM on Mar 27:
I agree with posters above; some commercials are getting out of hand! I realized the other day the only commercials that show families (especially father figures) in a positive light are cell phone commercials!
I have actually had to sever certain media from my life, because of how it affects me. A few years back I cut out all secular music. Music is *huge* in my life and I realized one day that a song was able to take my attitude from great (!!!) to melancoly. It was actually very eye-opening for me. And God has been dealing with me about some of the tv I watch. (I've cut back on that recently, too.)
One of the things Bob mentioned in his article that encouraged me, was the question of relevance to today's society without knowledge of popular media. I work with teens and struggle with this, because my kids don't made the same media choices that I make--and I would never force that on them. But I have to admit at times, I feel guilty because I'm not "soaked" in the culture they are. But then God gently reminds me I'm not going to be able to be totally relevant to them without also attending school with them, and... I think I'll skip that one! :D
34. Dan Gill said the following at 10:43 AM on Mar 27:
Swithun, I haven't seen Gran Torino, although I will. I wasn't commenting on any review of that film. The difference is that much of what we put into our minds these days glamorizes illicit sex and violence (and I guess eating junk food) and makes it likeable. Sometimes it's overt and sometimes it's subtle. The Bible does not do these things.
In the case of violence, the Bible reports on violence, it doesn't show it in gory detail or revel in it. So much of what passes for movies is violent only for its own sake, or for shock value.
In the case of sex, again, the Bible is not graphic (perhaps excepting Song of Solomon), but merely reports what went on. That is certainly not the case with much of what we read and watch.
By the way, I'm sure others got your point, but just ignored the bait. Sometimes I go ahead and take the bait . . .
35. Jo said the following at 12:30 PM on Mar 27:
Charlotte C, #7:
"if those characters were really Christian, then there wouldn't be all those kinda problems and mess. They'd all be at peace in their souls and have happy families."
Oh, if only that were true...
Swithun, #30:
"When I read the Gran Torino review on plugged in it recommended it in spite of its "questionable content (beatings, rapes, blasphemy)"."
Well, how are you reading the word 'questionable'? Certainly content like that should be questioned - but the answer won't necessarily be "IT'S BAD!" The answer will vary from person to person, and from context to context. Would I let a child watch a film with those themes? No. Would I watch it myself? Possibly, depending on how they were depicted, and the overall message of the film.
Your point about the Bible proves the importance of what Jill said in #6:
"Limiting entertainment choices is not primarily about adding another DON'T to a long list of things that Christians shouldn't do. It is about developing a heart that values the things that God values and is grieved by the things He is grieved by."
So the simple question becomes: "Do I think this film/music/whatever will bring me closer to God?" Clearly, the Bible will... despite all its 'questionable content'. :)
36. Jo said the following at 12:41 PM on Mar 27:
Leah W #33:
"But then God gently reminds me I'm not going to be able to be totally relevant to them without also attending school with them, and... I think I'll skip that one! :D"
Haha, you reminded me of when I worked with kids a few years ago. They'd see my baggy jeans and ask if I was a 'grunger'- I used to reply, "Nope, I'm an individual." They always looked very confused...
Relevance is overrated - caring is what counts. The reason people like it when you take an interest in their interests is because really, you're taking an interest in THEM.
But you don't need to be an expert in their interests in order to do that - in fact it's sometimes better if you're not. You can show you care by asking them WHY they like Grey's Anatomy, and in doing so you'll find out far more about them than you would just by watching the show yourself.
37. James said the following at 1:54 PM on Mar 28:
I appreciate Christopher's (29) post, I don't necessarily agree with the conclusion, but I completely agree on "careful thought and discernment." This is certainly what I strive for.
Dan (34) if I may interject... for me, the written word brings the same visual images as if I were watching something. To quote Han Solo "I can imagine quite a bit!" This is not to say I'm trying to think of graphic things when reading, I just think and interpret visually. This is part of my career and my imagination is just working full blast all the time, so maybe not everyone does that... I don't know. In any case, my emotions and senses respond the same whether it's the written word, visuals, or sounds. This might be what Swithun was getting at. Whether one thinks particularly harsh content is merely being "reported" or "shown for what is is" or "glorified" is almost entirely subjective - that's what makes the arts what it is. But obviously those things are what we should be asking ourselves, that's the important part - entirely agree there.
I think one of the things that keeps me on track is having the foresight to know exactly what it is I'm about to watch (whether at the theater, tv, etc). I'm constantly amazed when people are complaining about the most recent movie they've seen... when the content is clearly listed and available (the mpaa rating info, online sites, reviews... common sense). Do the homework folks, maybe skip the opening wknd and get opinions from others first if you're unsure.
38. Swithun said the following at 3:10 PM on Mar 28:
Dan Gill,
I'm not supporting the glamourisation of violence or sin. If a film is operating in a Christian worldview all sin will be shown to be what it is: evil.
The Bible is graphic in violence in quite a few places: a tent peg through the temple, the stabbing of Eglon and the cutting of prostitute into 12 pieces.
Jo 35# Given these are in the Bible would you not tell these Bible stories to children? I too wouldn't show Gran Torino or similar films to children btw.
The main issue here is one of discernment. The statement of garbage in garbage out is purely deterministic. If something causes you to stumble cut it out. Otherwise you are at liberty to watch what you want. If you say merely coming into contact with something will cause someone to sin so we should cut it out why don't we get rid of the stars to stop astrology.
What we should do is to affirm the good in films and expose the bad. Now a lot of films won't be that edifying. But is talking to an alcoholic? Film is a medium of communication and by watching it you enter into dialogue with the director. Film does not appear deus ex machina.
Now I don't watch much TV. I mainly watch DVDs. This way I don't waste time on things and watch good films and TV serials, which i actually want to watch and will critically enagage with.
We need to be in the world and not of it. It's a hard balancing act and evryone will approach it differently but if we keep that centrally I don't think we'll go far wrong.
39. Charlotte C. said the following at 6:50 AM on Mar 29:
35. Jo
LOL
Ahh.. if only that were true?
Well, it's probably 'cause I've seen so much cheating on TV soap operas lol
Say...
A guy gets married to someone he doesn't truly love (probably 'cos the girl is rich and has a lot of money) and after he gets married, he goes after other women while playing two-timer with his wife. He thinks his life is exciting and his wife who resents him and tries to revenge him.
Yeah.. and the plot goes on. LOL.. getting married for the wrong reasons is preventive if one is aware of the Scriptures pretty good.
But I'm not saying all Christians are happy-go-lucky in their families and are at peace all the time. LOL Sure, they have their sets of problems but we all depend on Christ's salvation and mercy, don't we?
But the people that make dramas think those kinda stuff are boring to make storylines out of... they want strife, twists and crazy situations to frustrate and entertain viewers lol That's what I mean about 'peace'. ;)
40. Charlotte C. said the following at 6:51 AM on Mar 29:
Whoops... I meant
* who resents him tries to revenge him
:D
41. Jo said the following at 12:36 AM on Mar 30:
Swithun #39:
"Given these are in the Bible would you not tell these Bible stories to children?"
That's a fair question. I would tell them, but I would censor them. This is why we have children's Bibles and so on - they're simplified and they take out some of the gory stuff while still hanging on to the main message. Now that does mean that some of the subtlety and deeper meaning is lost - but children are less able to think about those things so it's appropriate to reduce Bible stories to a level they can understand. As they grow up, they will become more able to tolerate and process the more difficult stuff.
42. Rana said the following at 7:26 PM on Mar 30:
I cut out t.v. completely and limit movies because I became aware of moral desensitization in my life. I view most movies pretty much the same way I view junk food--enjoyable and acceptable in small doses, but unnecessary and even damaging when consumed regularly.
Don't feed your brain doughnuts all the time.