Does the media play a pivotal role in shaping our culture or does it simply reflect what is already there? What impact does entertainment have on our walk as Christians?
I was once called upon to sing for two Sunday services as a soloist. The song was, 'Worthy Is the Lamb'. It is a very powerful song that brings glory to Jesus Christ, my Savior and the Son of God. I vividly recall that the Friday preceding the solo I was all practised up and bored. I decided to watch T.V. Now, I must confess, I love a good spy movie so when I saw the "Bourne Ultimatum" showing on pay-per-view, I decided to purchase it. As a general rule of thumb we only watch PG-13s and below, so I was safe...or so I thought. I ordered the movie and sat back with baited breath as the beginning scenes unfurled in a fury of breathtaking action. Then, out of nowhere, I heard my Savior's name exclaimed as an expletive! I felt an instant pang in my chest. I was caught between the pain of those words and the addictive intensity of the action on the screen. Then, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me, "Will you continue to watch this movie and then stand in front of hundreds of people on Sunday and sing 'Worthy Is the Lamb'? Now I would love to tell you that it was a no-brainer for me, but it wasn't. I paused for a few minutes and pondered my dilemma. I switched off the t.v. and walked away from the show, literally aching to watch it to the conclusion. Jesus, how much do I love thee? It was a question that lingered in my heart. I desired to continue watching the movie almost to the point of desperation, yet I was convicted of the hypocrisy of doing so. I walked away, but I must confess, I did it grudgingly.
Sunday's solo was anointed by the Holy Spirit and many were ministered to.
I share this personal anecdote as an opening to the discussion on popular culture and its influence on our Christian walk. The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV),
'But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do'
In popular culture we are exposed to many things that are antithetical to our Christian beliefs. When we watch movies or t.v programs with people engaging in adultery, fornication and lustful behaviour, this not slowly desensitize us to sin? When we allow ourselves various forms of entertainment that reflect violence, selfish ambition and greed, are we not eating spiritual junk food?It is not easy being a Christ-follower. 1 Peter 4:4 talks of the tension between those who hold onto pop culture's worldview vs. that of the Christian.
'They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.'
Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap
I admit that I often feel overwhelmed by the darkness around me. It almost feels as though it is easier to conform than stand firm in the faith. When everyone else is doing it, why should we be different? Consider Romans 12:1-2
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spirituala]">[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, walking in God's good, pleasing and perfect will can only reap the reward of blessing and much fruit in our lives. We live in a culture of immediate gratification amidst the Cult of Entertainment.
How does this affect us? What can we do to 'be in the world, yet not of the world?' Can we secretly live a duality and yet have the peace of Christ reign in our hearts? Please, share your comments and feelings with the BGO community by clicking on the comments link. We REALLY want to hear from you!
7 comments:
Wow! I needed that message. Just today, I was watching a seemingly harmless comedy that captivated me, but then one of the characters used the name of God blasphemously. I glossed over that and continued watching. Later, another character followed up by blaspheming the name of Jesus. At this point, I wrestled with the conviction that I should switch off the tv and not watch another fraction of the movie but the drama was unfolding quite nicely, evoking much laughter, so, again I convinced myself to 'just hold on to the end.'
Minutes later the f-word spewed out o fthe mouth of another character and it was at this point that I felt I had enough.
I shut off the movie disappointed with myself for falling into the trap of temptation by glossing over blasphemies against my living Lord and Saviour.
How hypocritical I felt! I should have kicked out that show the second the disrespect fell from the liips of the first character.
Yes, I have digested repentantly every nutritious morsel of your "Cult of Entertainment."
Thank you and God bless you richly.
I am so glad this topic came up. First of all it is not just profaning the actual name of Jesus and God, because the nature and attributes are part of the name. So, if a movies, t.v. programs... MUSIC -- are diving into things that God clearly forbids and calls "abominable" or "detestable", and are contrary to His very nature (which is holy), then we NEED to stay very clear. As Christians today, we have even brought entertainment in the CHURCH!! Children and adults alike cannot pay attention if quaint little jokes, skits, pictures or props are used in the sermons. This is why we have so many spiritually dead or lukewarm churches because they are made up of spiritually dead or lukewarm "Christians".
HOLINESS! This is what we ought to desire. It doesn't mean that we are perfect, but His Righteousness covers us through faith.
We need to start asking ourselves -- Why do I desire to watch this movie or t.v. program that is filled of profanity, nudity, violence, etc.?
Paul reminds us to examine ourselves and to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Could we be living in duplicity? If this is the case, the kingdom of God will not be ours. God is black and white, and THIS IS OUR PROBLEM. We want to have our "cake and eat it too!" We want to be able to go to the club on Saturday and on Sunday we are sitting in the pew saying our "Hallelujah's and Amen's". North American Christianity has been a joke to many living abroad, because they do not have the amount of media interruption as we do. Here we pray less, fast almost never, and only 5% of church attendees actually read their Bible from Monday to Monday.
We NEED TO WAKE UP!!! Not everything is beneficial!
I recommend going on an media fast for at least 21 days. Then we will be confronted with what is in our hearts, and the Lord who is faithful to deliver, will purge us and cleanse us from our iniquities, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
This article and the associated comments seem to center on the question of hypocracy. After all, the "cult of the media" is merely one aspect of the hypocracy that must result from a person of faith attempting to live in modern society. You christians have double trouble in regards to living with hypocracy. Issue one is the conflict that this article outlines. Society's values will very often conflict with your Christian ones. Your best bet as the commenters and the author have already alluded to, is to take yourself out of society. You would need to relocate to a place that is not under the juristriction of any known country. You would then be free to implement a society based purely on the teaching of the bible without interference from government agencies. The second issue you have is more difficult. You religion is hypocritical even without an outside influence. As a good Christian, you have to follow both the old and the new Testaments. Unfortunately for you, they conflict. Hence the hypocracy. This is without a doubt the hardest thing for an Atheist like myself to understand. I have talked to many Christians, some with a very high level of intelligence. So why in the face of such obvious errors do you persist in a belief system that is so obviously flawed?
Definitely yes! The media certainly plays a pivotal role in shaping our culture
Until recently few questioned the increasing dominance of media in our lives. Those who did were inclined to focus on content issues like the amount of sex and violence in television and movies. Others simply urged families to turn the TV off. Although you can turn off the set you cannot escape today's media culture. From the clock radio that wakes us up in the morning until we fall asleep watching the late night talk show, we are exposed to hundreds, even thousands of images and ideas not only from television but also from newspaper headlines, magazine covers, movies, websites, photos, video games and billboards. As a devout Christian, I often have trouble finding others with the same morals and beliefs that I hold so dear to my heart. It reaffirms my faith in our beautiful God is still in control of the universe. As we look around us and see the filth and sexual propaganda produced by the film industry and how it affects our youths. Often times, parents and others are unaware of the material included in critically acclaimed films and allow their children to see such films solely because of what the critics have published. Now, we Christians have something to turn to in making the final decision and weeding out violent and terrible acts.
The word entertainment is not found in the Bible at all. Once we read "entertain," in the sense of hospitality, but never the word entertainment. The word fun is never used in the Bible. The word games are never used in the Bible. The word play is used a number of times: playing on musical instruments, playing the harlot, dancing, Israel sitting down to eat and drink and rising up to play, dancing, the boys and girls of Israel playing in the streets of Jerusalem after the return from captivity. The words vacation, retirement, and sports are not found in God's Word. Christ said that we shouldn’t allow our minds to dwell on such matters. ”`What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) Christ admonished that in the last days we should "But take heed to yourselves, least your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly.” (Luke 21:34).
Another passage that comes to mind in respect to our use of God's gift is I Cor. 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." This means, of course, that entertainment is not an end in itself. Entertainment may not be divorced from our calling as Christians to serve and glorify God at all times. Entertainment may not, and cannot, stand on its own feet as something good in itself. It is only a means, a means to a higher end and purpose. Recreation and exercise as a means unto better health? Vacations and sports as a means of relaxation in order to serve God the better? But as soon as entertainment goes beyond that, it becomes an end in itself, and as soon as our sports and our hobbies consume us, then we abuse God's good gifts and our lives are not lives of balance and moderation but rather of excess and imbalance.
Yes, I agree with Janelle. Holiness is truly what it is all about. I like the idea of a 21 day fast.
I also really like what was previously said about Entertainment and Recreation being a means to enabling us to better serve God and beyond that, it has no value (Cynthia).
We MUST serve God with intensity and purpose, for each day is not guaranteed. Those of us who know Jesus-the grace, mercy and love that the cross brought, also experienced the power/presence of His Holy Spirit. We must not become deceived by the seduction of the world, in all its forms, but must gird ourselves up with the truth of Christ.
Fellow believers, I think we must spur one another on towards Holiness-what we watch, listen to and ultimately think/do-how we live. Remember, that even when we fall, JESUS, lives to intercede for us (ref:Romans 8:34).
This is a response to drew. I do not usually "entertain"
(excuse the pun) comments from non-theists or atheists. Not because of an air of superiority, but I try to be very careful. Nonetheless, your argument is riddled with self-refutation -- too numerous to discuss, so I will keep it to the few I believe are very common, hypocrisy and morality.
Hypocrisy is not seen in Christianity or religion. It is seen in PEOPLE. So as long as we continue to be people, we are prone to being hypocritical. Look very closely at some of the historical scientists and philosophers lifestyles (i.e., Darwin, Voltaire, Hume, Bertrand Russell, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins etc.) Living in your realm of thought or "free thinking" is what brings about many of the tools of entertainment we see today. Who makes up society? Do these agencies you speak of form by themselves without human intervention? What moral apparatus will your society have -- will this be a subjective one or objective one? If it is objective, who has given it?
You seem to believe the Old Testament and New Testament are in contradictions. However, have you ever studied, NOT SIMPLY READ, the Bible. What I mean by this: Judaic Prophecy, Hebrew and Greek Language, Archeology, Geography, Anthropology and the list goes on. Or do you just assume from the few conversation you have had with some "intelligent Christians", that you are "well informed" of the deep meanings of the Bible?
If you are interested Read the entire book of Romans, and then look up a Pastor named Paul Washer, or a Christian Apologetic named Ravi Zacharias. If you are interested...
Hello Janelle
Thank you for responding to my post, I appreciate you taking the time. Your primary objection to my argument stems from your assertion that only people can be hypocritical, not religions. "how do you tell the dancer from the dance?"
When a person does what their chosen philosophy tells them to do, and that philosophy or religion contains contradictions then that person becomes contradictory/hypocritical. Example: "Thou shalt not kill" VS "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Completely at odds.
You state that there is a difference between reading the bible and studying the bible. I'm confused by what you mean by this. Many versions of the bible are written in English. When you read it, and it says very clearly, "Thou shalt not kill." then the exact same bible details God's orders to murder. "(Moses) stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the LORD's side, come over here and join me." And all the Levites came. He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Strap on your swords! Go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other, killing even your brothers, friends, and neighbors." The Levites obeyed Moses, and about three thousand people died that day. Then Moses told the Levites, "Today you have been ordained for the service of the LORD, for you obeyed him even though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Because of this, he will now give you a great blessing." (Exodus 32:26-29 NLT)
This is merely one example of a plethora. When God's not busy murdering people himself, he often takes the time to instruct his followers in the fine arts are rape, murder, and plunder. contrast this with "love your neighbor as yourself".
Not a whole lot of study required here, merely some critical reading.
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