Is It a Sin to . . . ?
I read a conversation thread today that started out “Is it a sin to watch certain TV shows?” The writer went on to name a certain TV show. It promotes behaviors and themes contrary to this person’s faith, and while it doesn’t make them go out and do those things, they wondered if the shows were OK to watch.
Do I walk in the dark to experience it, or do I stay in the light?
Then they asked about watching films made by actors, producers, directors, etc., that are vocal about promoting lifestyles in direct opposition to their faith. This would eliminate almost any secular films. (Actually, it would eliminate a lot of Christian films, too, as many Christian filmmakers don’t require their crew members to be believers)
For about 4 years, I was part of a group that traveled constantly. We were in a different city every day, doing concerts every night. The opportunities to watch television were rare, and most of the time I was too tired to watch anything anyway.
I’ll never forget the first time I watched TV after about 3 months of nothing. I was shocked. Yet, what I saw is seen every night of the week during family viewing hours on several channels. As I thought about my reaction, I realized my “fasting period” changed my perspective. Before that time, frequent TV viewing de-sensitized me, and more things were acceptable.
Reading that conversation made me think about my “fasting period” again. It also made me consider other questions – not so much “is it a sin…?” because that’s a theological and philosophical discussion. But, does it de-sensitize me to…
- Watch an R-rated movie?
- Watch a television show that shows things I’d see in an R-rated movie?
- Read a book with things I’d see in an R-rated movie?
- Visit a website…?
It’s a long list. And, yes, sometimes the absence of the glory of God makes me realize my need to see it, but as a believer, do I really want to expose myself to that? If I have a choice to walk in the dark to experience it, or to walk in the light, what do I choose?
Very interesting point about the “fasting period” one that I have personally experienced in my life and in others too. The results have almost always been the same: they all are so amazed at the amount of stuff they once thought as acceptable to be almost shocking and distasteful. This fasting period is done by replacing the TV time with a spiritual activity and at least one value adding activity such as bible study, painting, helping somebody, going for walks, taking time to pray and be devoted to hearing clearly from God and then doing what He says, reading a good book etc. Nine times of out ten they end up taking up a new vocation, facing an old fear and dealing with it and many other things. One of the biggest things that I have noticed is that their attention span increases dramatically! I wonder why?
May 16th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Thank you for the points you raised.
I am convinced that whatever we watch, we watch as a result of our own choosing, because we find it entertaining. Of course, immorality can be highly entertaining to watch, because it appeals to our carnal nature. But we’re called to live in God’s presence, so why do we still follow carnal desires? (My answer: we’re weak, and give God low priority).
Within the past few days, I have decided I can no longer support my church (which has been my church for the past 32 years, in West London, UK), because in their cinema they show films that are sexually explicit, or contain profanities and blasphemies against God. (Of course, not all the films they show are like that).
I cannot understand how Christians can, of their own choice, give permission to themselves to watch such material for the puposes of entertainment.
What is even more obscene, is my church offering this material to the local community through its own cinema, via ticket sales, thereby sponsoring and even promoting the stuff!
How I long for the return of Jesus.
July 30th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Sometimes I think it creeps in. It starts out as something innocent – or seemingly innocent – then you get hooked little by little. It’s a slippery slope.
I think even more slippery is to make those decisions and live that way without condemning others for making their choices. I must do what I know God has asked me to do, which means, in your words, giving God HIGH priority.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:47 am