Should Christians throw out their TVs?

David Mark · Jan 3, 2004

Originally posted by QuickeningSpirit:
Of course I can change the cahnnel! B7ut what about that more than half-naked adultrous that has been flashed before my eyes?

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I am very weak in regards to television or any images that appear before my eyes. The images that I run across on TV cement themselves in my brain. Additionally, the conversations, jokes and advertising con games on TV infuriate me and the only way I can avoid getting a bad attitude is to turn that box off.

So as an experiment the box was moved into the back room about a year ago and is collecting dust.

I will use it if I need to, but I hope to be in control of that box, not the other way around.

I hope to learn to be like that in other areas too.

Using my computer seems much different to me. I have much more control over it. Nevertheless, it is not immune to my scrutiny.

Still learning,

Dave

HankD · Jan 3, 2004

OK QS, but my point is that both the TV and the internet offer a source of sin and temptation.

The LORD and I have as much control over my mouse as over my TV channel changer (assuming of course that the LORD is my LORD).

If we aren't walking in the Spirit then sin is inevitable TV or not.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We need to mortify/crucify the flesh to have a strong spiritual immune system.

Ephesians 6
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

HankD

IfbReformer · Jan 3, 2004

Wow,

I don't look at the board for one day, and then there are a ton of responses.

I will try and respond to each of your concerns or observations.

IFBReformer

IfbReformer · Jan 3, 2004

Originally posted by QuickeningSpirit:
Should you "throw out your t.v.?" Yes!

In the sense that television, cable direct, public or otherwise is the "channel" by which much engrossing and demoralizing media types are available, yes. But then any form of media that will offer demoralizing material should then be cast out.

The scripture to "set no wicked thing before thine eye" has the word "set" as the verb. This verb should be further defined beyond the simple definition as to place an object. To "set" also means to give special attention in order that the object is "set" to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>to appoint or assign to an office or duty,to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> in this portion of the definition, the effects of what is viewed on t.v. is not always wicked, but when our thinking is effected by the propaganda dished out on the hell-a-vision/smell-a-vision, you have to reconsider why one might throw out the t.v.

Of course I can change the cahnnel! B7ut what about that more than half-naked adultrous that has been flashed before my eyes?

It all goes on with the brown spot on the apple ideal; would you eat the brown spot? Would you instead cut the brown spot off, or just throw away the entire apple? Depending upon the "food" available. Spiritually speaking, I would rather consume and be consumed by what I find in God's Word, but to make sure we have family time, I do mean quality family time, we have a monitor,(a television set that has no means of picking up outside signals beyond our control. We watch many forms of instruction videos, moral movies, (and that all with the "decusser" just in case, and it is needed).

When the thing "set" before your eyes interferes with normal activity, then throw it out, learn what life is all about and you'll see a definite change in the world around you.

You won't be filled as much with ungodly desires, you'll actually have a more indepth thinking ability, have more time to do those things that are productive instead of wasting your time and your mind.

As far as the internet, I use it solely for a means of study, achance to express what God has given me by His wisdom, and a means of communicating with family and friends that otherwise I would spend more money in stamps and letter writing matwerials, as well as long distance bills.

Brother Stacy Shiflett is in South Africa, a missionary, imagine what it would cost just to call and speak to him for just a few minutes.

Say what you will, but the more time I spend with my affections on things above (whoops! as commanded!), the more sweet communion I have with my Saviour. Not saying this with a judgemental spirit, but I know most who "defend" their right to t.v. are just a little more carnal than they would ever admit.

The addage "IF sinners entice thee, consent thou not" is considered, then I wouldn't "set" myself up for the t.v. to "entice" me. Maybe you're more "spiritual" than me, but then again you just may be deceived by your foolish pride. Consider, then "throw it out", at least unplug the antenna or cable connection. It's like cigarette smoking, see if you can do without it for a few days and notice the difference.

Don't answer this particular matter too quickly, you might end up looking more like a fool than you thought.
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Since you seem to be the most aggresive respondent I will answer you first.

I don't think you anticpating any response I might have would "end up looking more like a fool" is "speaking the truth in love"(Eph 4:15).

YOUR STATEMENT:

"But then any form of media that will offer demoralizing material should then be cast out...
As far as the internet, I use it solely for a means of study, achance to express what God has given me by His wisdom, and a means of communicating with family and friends that otherwise I would spend more money in stamps and letter writing matwerials, as well as long distance bills."
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MY RESPONSE:
Should'nt any thing that can offer demoralizing material be cut out? I don't see how you can use the internet, with millions of pornographic websites and justify your logic. Go buy stamps, buy books, you can do without the internet.

While we are on the subject, why don't you stay home and grow your own food in the back yard. Then you won't have to go to the grocery store where you could possibly be exposed to demoralizing material.

And really you should stay home, because if you go driving you might expose yourself to bill boards with demoralizing material.

Ah, I know your response to these things as I have heard them many times. Going out on the road is necessary - watching TV is not. I have a question for you then, do the rules change for something if it is necessary or not.

So because it is necessary, I can drive down the road and expose myself to demoralizing material on billboards and other signs. But because it is not necessary, then I may not watch TV where I may be exposed to this same demoralizing material? Where is the "necessary" clause found in the New Testament? I have not found it yet.

YOUR STATEMENT:

"When the thing "set" before your eyes interferes with normal activity, then throw it out, learn what life is all about and you'll see a definite change in the world around you.

You won't be filled as much with ungodly desires, you'll actually have a more indepth thinking ability, have more time to do those things that are productive instead of wasting your time and your mind."
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MY RESPONSE:
I am reminded of a passage of scripture:

1 Corinthians 6:12(NIV)
""Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything."

I agree that if the TV over powers us then we ought to take a brake from it. Maybe that means putting in the closet. There are many things that can overpower us and the TV is just one of them.

I used to love to play computer strategy games. But then I noticed I was spending way too much time and they became addictive. They had the power over me, even though the games are not wrong in and of themselves.

I put them away for a while and did not play for months. Then I slowly reintroduced them and set strict time limits for myself. The result is that I still play them occasionally, but they no longer have the power over me.

If you or someone else sees the TV is having power over them, that they are compelled at every waking hour of the day to watch it. Maybe they do need to put it away for awhile. Or maybe they are drawn to the wrong kind of shows, then maybe they need to put it away for awhile.

But I will say this, that the TV is actually something that can be as Paul writes "beneficial". Some shows do not require much thought and these allow us to relax - there is nothing wrong with that.

Other shows like I watch on the history channel, broaden our mind. Other shows like mysterys cause us to think. And news programs keep us informed with what is going on in our world.

One other reason that I believe watching TV can be benefial for a Christian is that it allows us to be a better witness. You ask how? Because TV is the main cultural medium by which our society communicates.

If I am trying to build a relationship with someone so I can witness to them and we begin talking something on TV is very likely to come up in casual conversation.

Now if it is a show that I think is wrong and I do not watch, I still know of the show and can tell them that I do not watch it. I may even share some reasons why. If it is a show that I have seen, then I have a bridge to talk with them. I have even used some things from television shows and movies to show Godly principles to people I have witnessed to.

But if I just tell them I don't have a TV or don't watch TV at all, this is an unecessary turn-off to most people and I won't get two words in with them.

These are just some things to think about my friend.

IFBReformer

IfbReformer · Jan 3, 2004

Originally posted by Emily:
Hi there Larry!!!

Its funny you should post this, because my husband and I just recently put our tv away. We wanted the main focus of our family room to be our family and not our tv... So, our tv is in our office area.. Its actually really inconvenient to watch it now since we have an 8.5 mont old and with the desk and the couch and the tv in there, theres no room for him to play, but the tv is there, so for the occasional watch, we can get to it. Barry watches the news in the morning as he's getting dressed for work and thats about it. The last time I watched anything was on Christmas morning when we watched the Animaniacs Christmas video.

For us.. this was definately the best option.. Hands down. We dont see the tv as evil, but like anything else, it holds the ability to become unhealthy, and it had become very unhealthy for us. We were watching tv because it was there.. We were watching even if there was nothing to watch.

Now, we play with the baby and we talk to eachother and we listen to music instead and its much better.

I think its personally up to the individual to discern what they have to do. Some people HAVE to get rid of it. I had a dear friend, who was a Christian brother who had to completely get off the internet period because of a struggle with pornography.. Its been years, and he is back on the internet, but at that time in his life, he had to get rid of it so that he could get out of that struggle. He discerned rightly I believe.

Some people have no struggle with tv.. for some its a huge stumbling block. My sister in law really really struggled with shows. She woudlnt watch Will and Grace because of the homosexuals, but she would watch Friends, as if that was any better just because the people on that show were sinning sexually with the opposite sex.

I think tv, especially prime time, a lot of times messes with our ability to discern..

So we chose to put ours away, where it wouldnt be a distraction.

We are happier.
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I agree that TV can become a distraction. It can over power some people and I have no problem with you putting it aside for that reason.

But you have not totally gotten rid of it. You can still use it beneficial qualities and teach your children about Biblical discernment in the process.

IFBReformer

Precepts · Jan 3, 2004

IFB, I think we have both said exactly the same thing in regards to the subject, but it's the "second" look that causes so much damage. I can't even drive my worktruck to the job or my family to church with my head stuck in the ground. I say this in jest, but you speak like you have tried!

I just got back from a campmeeting in Taylors, SC, and I am reconfirming my realization: the more time I spend with my affections on the things of God, like discussing Biblical standards and godly principles, the more I am filled with the Spirit than with myself.

I give the Lord all the honour and glory for this, I am in the world, but not of the world!

shadow_of_the_cross · Jan 3, 2004

Interesting discussion. I have grown up in a home without a TV, and can honestly say that I am much the better for it. There's so much trash on TV, and even watching "good" programs you get exposed to wordly advertising and other garbage. I wouldn't say it's necessarily wrong for Christians to own a TV, but if they do own one, I think they should be very careful about their viewing habits. Someone else quoted the verse "I will set no wicked thing before mine eye." This is a great verse to apply to watching TV.

Also, as a kid I got into reading books instead of watching TV for hours like most children. I think too much TV lessens a child's sense of creativity and causes them to have a shorter attention span.

IfbReformer · Jan 3, 2004

I just want to share these additional thoughts on TV watching and our kids:

I believe sometimes we can let the kids watch too much TV - that much we can all agree on.

But I do not think TV or playing video games are necessarily "mind-numbin" as most people believe.

I watch my children as they watch shoes like Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues. It is amazing what they learn in 5 seconds from these shows geared for their level. It would take me 10 times as long for them to pick up some of these things.

Some of the Games we play teach excellant cooridnation skills. Crash Bash has all kinds of games with color matching and other skills - its awsome.

But my kids love to just play with legos and build things too. They love to sit at the table and color and draw. In no way has Television dampened their creative skills.

They love for us to read books to them at night and they even try and read them during the day.

By the way I have 4 children, my oldest is 6, then the next is 4, the next is almost 2 and the last one was just born in November.

We strive for balance with our children. Sometimes do things get out of balance? Of course they do and then we just need to get back on track.

My oldest Son is turning more and more to be like his old man(me). His teacher from his kindegarden class(at Christian school) says out of all her students he asks the most advance questions when it comes to God.

He made a proffesion of faith back in August after attending VBS. He loves God and wants to follow Gods ways. He is always asking me interesting ethical questions and he is only 6 years old.

The point I am making is this. It is easy as Parents(whether Christian or non-Christian) to write off our failure to teach our children on other people or things like the TV.

If our child does not want to be creative or learn, that is not the TVs fault, that is our fault as a parent for not being a better guide.

My goal for my children is that they will honor the Lord with their lives, by being balance and obedient persons to Christ. I want them to appreciate the arts, whether they be music or creative writing, or even plays and movies. I want them to be people who always ask the tough questions, and are like the Bereans and search everything out.

IFBReformer

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