TV Timeout – Pros & Cons
PRO
It has been said time and again in perhaps the majority of Christian circles, including church services, universities and small groups.
“Do not watch that movie, read that book or listen to that song, because it is not biblical.”
Whatever the issue a pastor, professor or small group leader has against certain forms of entertainment, it usually revolves around violence, sex or some form of witchcraft. But what is biblical?
In a very cursory glance of the Bible, violence, pre-marital sex and witchcraft can all be found and are condemned.
However, it remains true that these depraved and unholy acts are still in the Bible, read by millions of people for over 2,000 years.
So would it not be comparable to movies, books or songs that also talk about, but condemn, those same acts of depravity? War movies, perhaps, are the greatest example of films that show shockingly real images of violence and tell the audience through their portrayal how horrible war truly is.
Philippians 4:8 states, “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 (NIV).”
Author of “Hollywood Worldviews” Brian Godawa argues that this verse encourages believers to become aware of the world around them, not ignore that which they are uncomfortable with.
“Biblical storytelling is simply not a series of Precious Moments figurines or Thomas Kinkade paintings,” Godawa wrote. “We must face the fact that the Scriptures depict sinful acts that are revolting to our sensibilities. The portrayal of good and the portrayal of evil are two sides of God’s revelation to us of his one good and holy truth.”
Viewing entertainment that may portray acts of evil reveal truth about humanity that cannot otherwise be fully understood.
Not everyone will find himself or herself in a war zone, but they can go to the movies and watch a film about war.
By doing so, people can better understand, or at least imagine, what war is like.
Why is that important? Film can be used as a teaching tool, not only to teach moral lessons to others but also to engage in conversation about God and the Bible.
What about films that include witchcraft?
“Harry Potter” is one of the most popular franchises of the 21st century. Kids and young adults love it. However, many Christian parents hate it.
Even though the films’ overarching themes are about friendship and overcoming evil, Christians cannot seem to get over the witchcraft.
Never mind the fact that the beloved series “The Lord of the Rings” also portrays a wizard who uses magic for good.
Film, television, books and music teach valuable lessons that would otherwise be hard to come by.
Stories have been a part of mankind from the time of creation, and they will continue to grow and shape us to be better.
Relevant Magazine’s Carly Gelsinger wrote that art and entertainment lead Christians and mankind to God.
“A skilled painting, sculpture or photograph can make us uncomfortable and challenge our assumptions,” Gelsinger wrote. “Film can inspire us.
Good literature can give us empathy for others outside our own limited realm and shed light on the triumph and destitution of the human condition. Great art points us to grace.”
Christians should remain careful in what form of entertainment they choose to enjoy.
But this does not mean that movies, books or television shows that depict particular forms of depravity should be written off automatically.
After all, it could very well convey a message that every Christian needs to learn.
YOUNG is an opinion writer.
CON
A wife, a house, a car, two kids and a dog. The American Dream used to be simple.
It used to be popular. Mike and Carol Brady had it. Cliff and Clair Huxtable had it, and so did the Waltons, the Cleavers and the Cunninghams.
Hollywood’s creations used to depict functional families, mirroring the desires of the American majority.
If television today is still a mirror of American desires, the TV landscape obscured by gore, sex, crime and dysfunction is a horrifying wake-up call for those looking into it.
Since “The Cosby Show’s” farewell in the 80s, the closest thing to a popular family sitcom on today’s television is “Modern Family;” however, the fact that there is a family depicted is pretty much the extent of similarity between the two.
Rather than finding humor in everyday life, “Modern Family” instead uses every opportunity to make a political statement.
By following a couple on their second marriage, it advocates divorce. By following a gay couple, it advocates homosexuality.
As if 12 million viewers, a Golden Globe, 21 Primetime Emmys and seven successful seasons were not enough, “Modern Family” even won an award from the Catholics in Media (CIMA) organization.
According to CIMA’s mission statement, their mission is to “(recognize) those projects and people in the entertainment industry who, by their work, have made clearer the Word of God. These awards were created to promote and applaud films, television programs and other entertainment forms that uplift the spirit and help us better understand what it is to be part of the human family.”
In this deeply misguided decision, CIMA has mistaken “human family” for broken family. Christians should not seek to understand, but to combat the dynamics that are portrayed.
Sin should be met with the opposition it deserves. By accepting such behavior as normal, Christians are aiding in society’s moral decay.
From misguided to depraved, the darker side of American television reveals still further degradation of culture.
“American Horror Story” grabbed viewers’ attention with body parts in jars. It elicited grimaces nationwide with gruesome murder.
It developed intrigue with a demonic teenager, a sexual encounter and an unplanned pregnancy.
Each of these twisted plotlines played out just in the series’ pilot episode, and the twists became darker still with each succeeding show.
More horrifying than the images of dread depicted onscreen are the positive reviews that critics awarded the display of gore.
“The humiliation and panic feel real,” New York Magazine’s Emily Nussbaum said.
While their twisted messages branch into two different, depraved genres, both “American Horror Story” and “Modern Family” stem from the same tree — both began in the mind of creator and producer Ryan Murphy.
If his subtle jabs at Christianity are missed in “Modern Family,” they are screamed blatantly in “American Horror Story” with demons, murderous nuns, the “Ten Commandments killer,” and an antichrist baby.
Primetime television has begun down a dark path with Murphy leading the procession.
For the preservation of their morals, Christian viewers must turn a discerning eye to the values, or lack thereof, of the programming they allow themselves and their families to view.
America follows the examples of its Hollywood elite.
With no example of the American Dream to look up to, fewer young people aim to achieve it. If television continues to show depravity, depravity is what its audience will produce in return.
GARBER is an opinion writer.