Rich Clark, the co-founder of Christ and Pop Culture started blogging when blogging wasn't cool. It seems that every time we get together, we end up talking about movies, TV, music, and all things pop culture. I am encouraged by Rich in these areas because he is a thinking Christian and challenges me to be the same. We may not always agree on film (He hates Nacho Libre!), but I have found that discussing pop culture with someone who is thoughtful and insightful can be a lot of fun. At any rate, check out Rich's article on The Dangers of Television.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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4 comments:
Interesting article. I would briefly add a few other dangers:
Television Often Defiles Its Viewers
I haven't watched television in about 10 years, but what I remember and what I have seen since is that it is difficult to find a show that won't douse you with some form of depravity or another.
Ps. 101:3
"I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless."
Since we become what we behold (2 Cor 3:18), we must be careful to direct our gaze at what is holy and beautiful, not what is unholy and ugly.
Television Tempts Its Viewers To Waste Massive Amounts of Time
Time is a precious resource that we either improve or waste. Once gone, it can never be recovered. As with money, opportunities, and any other gifts of the Lord, we will be held accountable for how we spend our time.
Matt. 25:19
"Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them."
I am afraid that most of our time spent watching T.V. is no better invested than talents buried in the ground.
The same may be said about the Internet. Ouch! Just stepped on my own toes.
Television Often Breeds Covetousness and Discontent
Almost without exception, the commercials on television have the sole purpose of making the viewer want what they advertise. Advertisers have spent billions over the years to figure out how the mind works and how to get people to buy their stuff. Don't underestimate how commercials are affecting you.
Television Often Glorifies Sin
At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, many (most?) of today's television moguls seem to have an agenda to change the culture according to their unbiblical ideals. Remember "Ellen"? That was a huge turning point in America. How about the current presidential campaigns? The media has no small influence on public opinion. I am sure regular television watchers could point out other examples of television being used to corrupt the American culture.
Now, this is an article on the dangers of television. I don't mean this to say there can be nothing good about television. Furthermore, I don't believe it is the medium of television itself that is dangerous, only that the current majority use of it.
In the end, I think that we as Christians need to be very careful how we use the T.V. Just like you said in an earlier post, Riley: "Bad company ruins good morals."
Wait, Rich hates Nacho Libre? I was not informed of this before I started writing for CAPC. This changes everything.
Johnny,
Do you remember when we went to the cable company and "cut ourselves off?" What an amazing day! I agree with everything you said. Although I am not as hard core as I was back in the day, I still think that it is important go guard our eyes. At the same time, I think that it is possible to watch certain things on TV, even things that are ungodly, for the glory of God. Agree? As long as we are watching thoughtfully, and on guard, with purpose.
Alan,
I know! Can you believe it? He even makes a habit out of hating on Napoleon. We need to schedule an intervention for the brother.
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