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Depressed after graduating from college and breaking up with a long-time girlfriend, Al began reading from a Bible given to him as a boy—and committed his life to Christ. After meeting and marrying Janice, another high school teacher, he began speaking to small groups about music. Today his Al Menconi Ministries reviews music and video games, and he speaks frequently to help parents and leaders evaluate entertainment and uphold biblical values in the home.

I remember reviewing the movie Superman II some 20-plus years ago and being offended by all the violence, and disturbed that Superman had sex with Lois Lane. In fact, I recall sitting next to a little boy who was laughing and cheering at all the destruction, and lusting at the sex scene. At the time, I wondered what was wrong with his mother to let him watch it.

But when I saw the same movie recently again on television, it didn't bother me. It seemed normal. Like that boy's mother, I'd gotten used to it. Which is another way of saying that I' learning to conform to the world's value system.

We use the letters CAN to explain this process. What is Common in the entertainment media is considered Acceptable. And if anything is acceptable in society, it must be Normal. Common, Acceptable and Normal. But it's not acceptable and normal in God's eyes, and I'm ashamed that it's becoming acceptable and normal in my life.

Adapted from Al's AnALysis (11/98) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Forgive me, Lord, for minimizing the gift of my reconciliation to You through Christ by failing to confront my sinfulness.

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