Should Christians Watch TV? Part 2: Would Jesus Watch It?
Now that we have taken a look at whether or not Christians should watch mainstream television (see Should Christians Watch Television? Part 1: Mainstream Programming) we will now consider another important question:what about “Family” or Christian programming?
There are two issues to consider here, first of all just because something is labeled as “Family” programming does not mean that it really is espousing wholesome, Christian family values. Consider for example “The Great Mouse Detective” which was pushed as a family movie for little kids; however has a bar scene in it with alcohol, smoking, and a stripper on stage singing her pitch as a prostitute and also includes political assassination plots and an elaborate attempted murder scene among other things. Not exactly what we would consider “kid friendly” to despite how it was labeled.
Now, as far as actual Christian programming or what would otherwise be considered “safe” shows. The problem here is that even if you do find truly wholesome or edifying programming, you have no control over the commercial ads that run during the programming which often show women dressed inappropriately, advertise violent scenes from other programs, etc. And so, even with Christian programming you can not control what you may still be exposing yourself and your family to. Now, that does not fault some ministries with programming on mainstream stations because this may reach out to many people who have never been taught about the Bible or heard the message of God and for those it can be a great tool of evangelism. However, for the Christian we should guard our homes as sanctuaries of a Godly life and not allow any influences that may otherwise lead us away from the truth because we live in a wicked world which is not of God as the scriptures tell us in 1 John:
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1 John 5:19
Understanding the problems that television poses for the Christian family, some networks have attempted to build services or programming that uplift Christian values. Sky Angel TV, for example, is a wonderful service that offers a cable service available anywhere that you can get high speed internet. They offer only Christian and Family programming stations on their service. While this is certainly to be applauded and is something that may be used in many homes, it must be considered very thoughtfully with the same word of warning about the advertising on the secular side of the programming. It would be better to purchase ONLY Christian programming, such as the Sky Angel service so that you are not bringing in any uninvited guests through your television if you choose to have any service at all. Whenever you consider any decisions about this, simply ask yourself if what you are watching, and paying for is something that God would want your money going to and do you think Jesus would watch it? If not...then...why would you?
Filed under:
Comments
My thoughts ... Jesus was a
My thoughts ...
Jesus was a carpenter FIRST. He became a Rabbi later.
He also walked among the people, seeing all the traits of life in his time. He did NOT recruit a bunch of Rabbis as his apostles. He recruited some of the vilest (by the standards of the time) cohorts to go with him. Tax collector - adulterer - fishermen ... (okay not vile, so much as smelly). :-)
I personally see nothing in Jesus' teachings or life that suggests we are intended to cloister ourselves away from the realities of the world. In truth, he spent much of his energy in seeking out those places that were considered taboo in his time.
Of course, TV is mostly about entertainment. In Jesus' time, there simply wasn't a lot of opportunity for entertainment. The masses had to work 24/6 for food, shelter and clothing. So, there's not much mention of entertainment in the gospels.
But, he did attend parties. Water into wine was a miracle not to get the party started - but at least to keep it going. (Though there are many denominations (I grew up in one) that view alcohol as every much a sin as adultery.)
Ultimately, I think Jesus would approve of TV in general, for one reason. It is a medium with incredible power to BRING US TOGETHER. In times of crisis this is patently obvious. But, water cooler discussions about last nights episode of this or that are often the seed for actually making a connection with co-workers we'd otherwise ignore. Most of the content is trivial and forgettable. Certainly some is vile and repugnant. Some is uplifting and fulfilling.
Ultimately, I believe that in order to appreciate and understand the Kingdom of Heaven, we *MUST* first see and experience the realities of the world. Nothing makes you appreciate sunshine more than a rainy week.
From a personal standpoint, the closer I get to God, the more I see myself changing the channel away from programs where people are mean and hateful. As I grow spritually, they cease to hold any entertainment value for me.
And I see positives. I see Jerry Springer rise and swoon. But Oprah, whose show has always leaned more toward the positives of humanity continues to thrive. I watched a dozen "Makeover" shows spring up - but the one that sustained was the "Home Makeover", where dozens of people volunteer their time and expertise to help others.
Considering how rarely his own disciples understood what He was teaching, I doubt Jesus would spend much time actually watching the evangelists, (though he might tune in to them - viewing them as sitcoms). But, I think he'd be an avid fewer of the shows where people help other people.
Would Jesus watch TV...
Of course not. As the original poster mentioned, TV is worldly and is meant to captivate us and draw us away. The comment about him being a Carpenter first is also incorrect. Jesus followed the Father's will first. For example when his parents were looking for him, and he was to be found in the temple. Jesus spent his early life living a life that was altogether for the Father, and His purpose.
Remember that the Bible refers to us as vessels. For example, when Paul was referred to as a chosen vessel by the Lord to Ananias (Acts 9:15). As vessels, we can be filled by many things. In our Savior's situation, he always chose to be filled with God.
christians & tv
I am responding to Sandy & this article---About Jesus being a carpenter first and a rabbi second. What? Jesus' sole purpose was to die on the cross for our sins. This is because man is wicked---the world is wicked! The medium, TV, represents this wicked world! As Christians, there is nothing wrong with seeking entertain if it is not negative. Negative things are vulgar language, sex, materialism, violence, homosexuality, evolution, etc. There are many positive things that Christians can be entertained by---reading the Bible, reading, socializing with family and friends, hobbies, etc.