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Is Christian television truly Christian?
- Thread starter Boanerges
- Start date
Let me address the family friendly stations first. Family friendly is not a synonym for religious or Christian. There is much secular programming that is family friendly. So one should not think less of a station touting family friendly programming, simply because some of their programming is secular.
Second, We need to differentiate Christian televition into twp camps:
1 - Stations that simply sell 1/2hr or 1hr blocks of time to ministries that show their own program. Most of these programs usually offer thank you gifts for donors who financially support the program. Several studies done on these indicate that the average amount of airtime used for the fundraising is about 10% (less than the 20% of network programming set aside for commercial). The stations that air this type of religious programming are not affiliated with the programming content.
2 - Stations that air their religious-content programming. In order to finance this programming, commercial airtime is sold, like any secular station. That's to be expected, as airtime it by no means free, or even cheap.
In any of these cases, I don't see much of a problem with the manner in which the airtime is used.
If I have a problem with anything, it's usually the message that some televangelists deliver. But if I don't like them, I can simply change the channel. That's the nature of free speech, and if I want access to programming by folks like Charles Stanley and some of the other good guys, then I souldn't comlain about the fact that the other folks get to buy airtime as well.
Second, We need to differentiate Christian televition into twp camps:
1 - Stations that simply sell 1/2hr or 1hr blocks of time to ministries that show their own program. Most of these programs usually offer thank you gifts for donors who financially support the program. Several studies done on these indicate that the average amount of airtime used for the fundraising is about 10% (less than the 20% of network programming set aside for commercial). The stations that air this type of religious programming are not affiliated with the programming content.
2 - Stations that air their religious-content programming. In order to finance this programming, commercial airtime is sold, like any secular station. That's to be expected, as airtime it by no means free, or even cheap.
In any of these cases, I don't see much of a problem with the manner in which the airtime is used.
If I have a problem with anything, it's usually the message that some televangelists deliver. But if I don't like them, I can simply change the channel. That's the nature of free speech, and if I want access to programming by folks like Charles Stanley and some of the other good guys, then I souldn't comlain about the fact that the other folks get to buy airtime as well.
Rev. Lowery
New Member
No MASH would not be considered family viewing, My wife and I have specific channels blocked on our kids TV only G ratings and some of them we block. We how ever do watch shows but we are adults and we know its fake.
A good example of Christian TV that is not Christian is TBN I detest that station.
A good example of Christian TV that is not Christian is TBN I detest that station.
Correct. MASH has a situation where a man dresses as a woman, drunkeness is sometimes promoted, and implied sexual ideas are portrayed by verbage quite often. Strife is a common theme on that show.A bit of a disfunctional model to say the least.
How about shows with occultic overtones? Should they be considered Christian or family friendly?
Again, Boanerges, are you referring to a specific station, and if so, what programming are they airing (not in general, but specific programs)? Saving that specific info, we're discussing generalizations, which isn't very fruitful.
As for MASH, it was a great show. I wouldn't let younger kids watch it, but high school and up, sure. But that probably has more to do with the fact that my kids that are of hs age and up have wield discernment very effectively. If a show labelled itself as family friendly showed it in an appropriate time slot, say, 7pm or later, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But even if a show touted to be completely Christian and family friendly, they're not infallible, and it's still my responsibility as a parent to monitor that station's content.
As for MASH, it was a great show. I wouldn't let younger kids watch it, but high school and up, sure. But that probably has more to do with the fact that my kids that are of hs age and up have wield discernment very effectively. If a show labelled itself as family friendly showed it in an appropriate time slot, say, 7pm or later, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But even if a show touted to be completely Christian and family friendly, they're not infallible, and it's still my responsibility as a parent to monitor that station's content.
A great show, eh Johnny? Let's check and see what the Bible says concerning this before we go any further:
Cross dressing :
Deuteronomy 22
5 There shall not be the thing of a man on a woman, neither shall a man put a woman's garment on. For all that do so are abominable to the LORD your God.
Abomination eh? Doesn't seem like something we should be revelling in.
Let's check out drunkeness, adultery, casual sex, and much more that are implied in the dialog in many of the episodes:
Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revelings, and things like these; of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Better double check just to make sure:
1 Corinthians 6
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals,
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Wow...two “witnesses”. You know what the Scriptures say:
Deuteronomy 19
15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be made sure.
Matthew 18
16 But if he will not hear you , take one or two more with you, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
2 Corinthians 13
1 I am coming to you this third time . In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.
Please keep in mind John, that I was being quite kind in my highlighting of the lists in Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 6. I am sure that others here could elaborate even further.
In closing John, I do not think that revelling in worldly behavior constitutes a “great show”, no matter what age the viewer.
James 4
4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
MASH did not pretend to be a Christian show. It was designed to show typical life during the Korean War through the eyes of a MASH unit. As a Korean veteran, I can attest that it was quite realistic....with a taste of humour added.
Lighten up a little and review programs for what they are intended, and it certainly isn't for church services. We may not be of the world, but we are surely in the world. You can spend your time helping to convert the saved, but as for me, I enjoy being in the world and witnessing to what Christianity is all about, without the choking collar of self righteousness and isolation.
Cheers,
Jim
Lighten up a little and review programs for what they are intended, and it certainly isn't for church services. We may not be of the world, but we are surely in the world. You can spend your time helping to convert the saved, but as for me, I enjoy being in the world and witnessing to what Christianity is all about, without the choking collar of self righteousness and isolation.
Cheers,
Jim
Jim,
If you re-read my original statements at the top of the thread, you will see that I could give a whit about what is on secular TV. I am asking if these shows are appropriate for "Christian" television. As far as your comments alluding that I am being self-righteous, your argument is with the Book, not with me. That is the standard.
There ya go, boney, on yet another pontification rampage. You completely ignore my questions to you, but when it suits you to hijack your own thread, you take it hook, line, and sinker.
One can only be led to believe that your OP was disengenuous.
If that's true, then why have you not answered the question asked numerous times: What station are you referring to, and what programming in question are you referring to? Lacking that information, you haven't been able to demonstrate that a "Christian" station is running any such programming, and in your pontification, you have judged me falsely.