Downtime Diversions
Theme of the Week: 'It's Only a Movie'
William Romanowski
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: Can a man scoop fire into his lap and not be burned? (Proverbs 6:27) Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1—9, 12, 14
Christians consume their share of mainstream popular culture, often paying for what they claim to disapprove of. They go to movies (even R-rated ones), rent videos (even the director's cut), watch Must See tv, and purchase cds that top the Billboard charts.
In one survey, 75 percent of single Christian adults thought "movies containing vulgarities, explicit sex, nudity, and anti-biblical messages had an adverse effect on their moral and spiritual condition." But at least half of these same people approved of films with these very ingredients.
What's the explanation? Most people believe that others might be negatively affected by the dangers of the entertainment media, but that they're personally immune. Also, most Christians don't think too much about the films and videos they watch or the music they listen to. They think of them as entertainment—downtime after a long day, or a social activity to be enjoyed with friends.
It's not an isolated movie, song, or tv program that shapes attitudes and influences behavior. It's the cumulative effect over time of viewing the world as the popular arts portray it.
—William Romanowski in Eyes Wide Open
My Response: How can we be "as wary as snakes and harmless as doves" in relating to popular entertainment?
Thought to Apply: The leading evangelists in America are those people who make the tv programs.
—DONALD WILDMON (media reform advocate)
Adapted from Eyes Wide Open (Brazos, 2001) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click
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Lord, the entertainment I'm exposed to could easily deflect my mind and heart from Your truth. Help me make sound choices.
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