Should Christians Watch TV?

[robycop3]

In reply to your previous query, Mark C. - Any church-made rule of prohibition against any object or activity that's not outright evil, such as idol-worship, illicit sex, torture chambers, etc. are man-made rules of faith & worship, typical of cults & sects which seek mind-control of their members. Such rules include dictating how people wear their hair, their apparel, bling, or makeup, their entertainment, food & drink, etc. Jesus, speaking thru Paul, reminds us these things are a matter of conscience, and to not diss those who follow such rules, while those who do follow them should not diss those who don't.

Satan is on the lookout 24/7 for things he can use to weaken one's faith or testimony, and he uses those rules to create dissent among Christians, same as he uses KJVO & many other "isms" for the same result. And to watch or not watch TV, albeit a minor issue,l is still used by Satan for nefarious purposes.

 

[Mark Corbett]

In reply to your previous query, Mark C. - Any church-made rule of prohibition against any object or activity that's not outright evil, such as idol-worship, illicit sex, torture chambers, etc. are man-made rules of faith & worship, typical of cults & sects which seek mind-control of their members. Such rules include dictating how people wear their hair, their apparel, bling, or makeup, their entertainment, food & drink, etc. Jesus, speaking thru Paul, reminds us these things are a matter of conscience, and to not diss those who follow such rules, while those who do follow them should not diss those who don't.

Satan is on the lookout 24/7 for things he can use to weaken one's faith or testimony, and he uses those rules to create dissent among Christians, same as he uses KJVO & many other "isms" for the same result. And to watch or not watch TV, albeit a minor issue,l is still used by Satan for nefarious purposes.

I'm trying to understand your concern. Here's a few questions. Of course, you are not at all obligated to answer them, but doing so might help me understand your concerns and thoughts:

So, you feel that owning and watching TV is similar to the issue of whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols which Paul discusses in 1 Cor 8? I agree. Am I right to think that this is part of what you are saying?

Would you include watching porn as an "outright evil" which we should prohibit?

Finally, do you feel that in my post, or in my comments, I have suggested a man made rule that should be applied to other Christians? If so, it would help me if you could quote where I did that.

Grace and Peace, Mark

 

[Mark Corbett]

Philippians 4:8. 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things.' How much stuff like that do we see on the telly?

[N.B. Hypocrisy alert. This poster does not always live up to the standard being advocated here ]

Martin, I should begin by humbly confessing that I do not always fully live up to the Biblical standards which I want to live up to and which I constantly encourage others to live up to.

Having said that, I don't think you know me personally (do you?). So what do you see in my comments that would be inconsistent with what I have advocated? This is an honest question. Are you concerned because I said I went "cold turkey" from TV, but then I watched a documentary on YouTube about the NASA space program? In my original post I stated: "I am not committed to never watching any TV or movies in any setting."

 

[Deacon]

Mark, the opening post gave good advise about how we use the time God gave us and what makes it worthwhile.
Some of the same things can be said about many of the pastimes we enjoy... reading...

"There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
and a time for every activity under heaven:"

Ecclesiastes 1:1 CSB​

The advise you gave would be a good men's breakfast admonition... I might use it if you don't mind.
It's main message was simply to be wary and be aware.

I'd might prelude the advise with a study of the life of Lot who followed his eyes into the green pastures of the valley and stumbled into dangerous ways.

...or maybe something from the life of David​

Rob

 

[Mark Corbett]

Mark, the opening post gave good advise about how we use the time God gave us and what makes it worthwhile.
Some of the same things can be said about many of the pastimes we enjoy... reading...

"There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
and a time for every activity under heaven:"

Ecclesiastes 1:1 CSB​

The advise you gave would be a good men's breakfast admonition... I might use it if you don't mind.
It's main message was simply to be wary and be aware.

I'd might prelude the advise with a study of the life of Lot who followed his eyes into the green pastures of the valley and stumbled into dangerous ways.

...or maybe something from the life of David​

Rob

I would be delighted if you used any or all of the post in a men's group. That is indeed a good setting, because we can talk a little more openly about what types of things on TV (or on the internet, or just in life) are likely to lead us into temptation and sin. And I agree even things which are usually good, like reading, can become an idol if we put it ahead of God's will or use it in a wrong way.

Thanks for your encouraging words. I'm glad that some people understood the post as intended: a confession of my own weakness, a testimony about what the Lord led me to do, and encouragement and advice to others who may have the same weakness, but for whom the Lord may or may not have the exact same solution. God bless you!

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Martin, I should begin by humbly confessing that I do not always fully live up to the Biblical standards which I want to live up to and which I constantly encourage others to live up to.

Having said that, I don't think you know me personally (do you?). So what do you see in my comments that would be inconsistent with what I have advocated? This is an honest question. Are you concerned because I said I went "cold turkey" from TV, but then I watched a documentary on YouTube about the NASA space program? In my original post I stated: "I am not committed to never watching any TV or movies in any setting."

Mark,
I'm sorry! I should have been more clear. I was referring to myself in my previous post, not to you.

 

[Mark Corbett]

Mark,
I'm sorry! I should have been more clear. I was referring to myself in my previous post, not to you.

Martin, I thank God for your humility. Perhaps I interpreted it as applying to me because it does. I also do not consistently live up to the standard I am promoting. Let's pray for each other!

 

[FollowTheWay]

The godless left is pouring corrosive on American Christian culture 24/7 via the media including TV. Fake news indoctrinates rather than illuminates. We are supposed to set our minds on spiritual things rather than worldly things. We are to turn away from fleshly desires. I spend a lot of time, perhaps too much, doing bible study.

Compare your statement to the Apostle Paul's Statement, "I am the worst of sinners." The Pharisees also puffed themselves up thinking they were superior and holier than everyone else. I suggest that's not a good place to be.

 

[Mark Corbett]

Compare your statement to the Apostle Paul's Statement, "I am the worst of sinners." The Pharisees also puffed themselves up thinking they were superior and holier than everyone else. I suggest that's not a good place to be.

FollowTheWay, I certainly agree that we need to recognize our own great sin. Yet, I see Van's comment in a more positive light. The Apostle Paul did discuss the evil of people and the evil in the world and sometimes he named specific groups and even specific people. Paul did not mention his own sin every time he mentioned sin in the world and sin in others. Van may have painted with a broad brush, but then again evil broadly affects much in our culture, including the media.

Nevertheless, I sincerely appreciate your warning to avoid a puffed up, superior attitude. It is a danger we must all constantly guard against. Help us, Lord Jesus, to be bold and clear and humble and gentle and zealous and patient in the right ways.

 

[Zenas]

Television is a useful device and an amazing invention. However, as Christians we must use discretion in how we use it. For myself, when watching a program of questionable content I have found it useful to ask this question. "If these people were actually in my house saying and doing the things they are saying and doing on TV, would I permit them to continue?" If the answer is negative, turn it off.

 

[Van]

Compare your statement to the Apostle Paul's Statement, "I am the worst of sinners." The Pharisees also puffed themselves up thinking they were superior and holier than everyone else. I suggest that's not a good place to be.

I suppose the idea of spending too much time in bible study might see like a back handed way of self aggrandizement. The alternate view would be a lacking in the requirement to be a doer of the word.

Either way, TV is a degrading influence in the lives of believers, and if you do not recognize that as fact, and consign it as just an opinion, perhaps Philippians 4:8 may have an application.

 

[robycop3]

Mark:

I'm trying to understand your concern. Here's a few questions. Of course, you are not at all obligated to answer them, but doing so might help me understand your concerns and thoughts:

So, you feel that owning and watching TV is similar to the issue of whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols which Paul discusses in 1 Cor 8? I agree. Am I right to think that this is part of what you are saying?

Yes.

Would you include watching porn as an "outright evil" which we should prohibit?

If I had my way, all porn would be banned from all media. But porn is a fact of life, and , as Christians, we should avoid it & speak out against it.

Finally, do you feel that in my post, or in my comments, I have suggested a man made rule that should be applied to other Christians? If so, it would help me if you could quote where I did that.

Grace and Peace, Mark

Seems you lean a little that way, but I could be wrong. As I said earlier, I'm against ALL man-made rules of faith & worship. I am "Sola Scriptura". But I'm not inflexible. I'd not go ballistic if some women wearing hijabs came into my church. But I'd certainly objest to anyone calling them down because of this.

And, far as i'm concerned, TV, radio, , internet, etc. are PERSONAL CHOICES,and each can be used for good or evil, same as a knife.

 

[FollowTheWay]

FollowTheWay, I certainly agree that we need to recognize our own great sin. Yet, I see Van's comment in a more positive light. The Apostle Paul did discuss the evil of people and the evil in the world and sometimes he named specific groups and even specific people. Paul did not mention his own sin every time he mentioned sin in the world and sin in others. Van may have painted with a broad brush, but then again evil broadly affects much in our culture, including the media.

Nevertheless, I sincerely appreciate your warning to avoid a puffed up, superior attitude. It is a danger we must all constantly guard against. Help us, Lord Jesus, to be bold and clear and humble and gentle and zealous and patient in the right ways.

I like Paul am the greatest of sinners and humbly apologize for any appearance of being judgmental. I just feel that the more we can recognize our own guilt the better we can help others. As Jesus said get the beam out of our own eye before trying to remove the mote in our brother's eye. I think it's harmful to continually talk about "those people" who are prostitutes, homosexuals, street people, etc.Jesus continually said that His way was to be humble. All of us need to be more like Him. Remember, God granted the great honor of first encountering the risen Christ to a former prostitute.

 

[FollowTheWay]

I suppose the idea of spending too much time in bible study might see like a back handed way of self aggrandizement. The alternate view would be a lacking in the requirement to be a doer of the word.

Either way, TV is a degrading influence in the lives of believers, and if you do not recognize that as fact, and consign it as just an opinion, perhaps Philippians 4:8 may have an application.

I view TV, radio, the internet, books, movies etc. in the same light (no pun intended) as fire. All of these can be used to our benefit if used with spiritual discernment. There are some great Christian web sites. I recommend the one of a former pastor of mine, Ray Stedman. Ray Stedman -- authentic Christianity | RayStedman.org for written and audio copies of his messages and the Blue Letter Bible Bible Search and Study Tools - Blue Letter Bible for general Bible study. I can go on TV and watch old Billy Graham crusades with the great George Beverly Shea singing "How Great Thou Art" or "I'd rather have Jesus."
Wheaton College has preserved much of Billy's ministry on Billy Graham Center Archives | Wheaton. You can also find overviews of crusades by city. Here is the great Ethyl waters singing her signature song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" at the NYC Crusade of 1957. For months she humbly sang in the alto section of the choir.

. Here's another one

. Of course I can't leave out George Beverly Shea. From the NYC crusade, his first performance of "How Great Thou Art." in America:

. WOW he had a great voice back then!! I actually heard him at the Louisville Crusade in Louisville in 1956 and went forward at the tender age of 7. Another great, "I'd Rather Have Jesus."

.




This song was one of my Dad's favorites and we sang it at his funeral.

 

[Van]

I agree, TV is a degrading influence on believers. Oh, you did not say that? I noticed. Jesus said our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no. Do you suppose it was on a TV show that I learned Stalin equivocated his way to power?

Then of course there is the idea that we should not exercise our liberty in Christ if the example we set might cause a sibling in Christ to stumble. And then there is that line about the fields are white with harvest and we need more workers.

Do I enjoy Bogie and Becall movies? Yes. Ditto for John Wayne and the Searchers. or October Sky or Secretariat. But how many movies do you see that open and close with scripture? The line is not one good apple freshens the whole barrel.

 

[Billx]

No problem! My article certainly supports the "watch with discernment" option. In fact, I still do that with DVDs we sometimes watch. Still, I think that many Christians, probably most, would benefit by watching a lot less TV. Grace and Peace, Mark

My personal solution was an Apple TV BOX where I have choices and can follow. What I like. I get better new, more old westerns and am free of modern paganism. That is the B
B B. Boose, Babes and Ball games. What a relief

 

[Iconoclast]

Should Christians even go outside of their houses?
Are the Amish and Mennonites correct....world flight?
Is the burka modest apparel?
Are swimming pools wicked?
Is the beach Sodom and Gomorrah?
Should missionaries go to tribes who walk around naked?
Do you think that Jesus only spoke to modestly dressed prostitutes?

 

[Mark Corbett]

Should Christians even go outside of their houses?
Are the Amish and Mennonites correct....world flight?
Is the burka modest apparel?
Are swimming pools wicked?
Is the beach Sodom and Gomorrah?
Should missionaries go to tribes who walk around naked?
Do you think that Jesus only spoke to modestly dressed prostitutes?

Iconoclast, thanks for pointing out that we must live in this world for a season:

John 17: 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Your post feels to me like it is emphasizing the fact fact that Jesus does not immediately take us out of the world when we are saved. True! But we need to also keep a balance, because Jesus also goes on to say we "are not of the world".

Some might use a similar set of questions to those you listed to wrongly justify:

1. Watching "Fifty Shades of Gray"
2. Going to a strip club with they guys
3. Wearing a very tiny string bikini that is barely there

I doubt that is at all what you intended. The point is, being in the world should not mean that we follow it's norms and ways or participate in all its activities. We all need wisdom here! And courage! And grace! God bless you!

 

[JohnDeereFan]

We gave up TV for several years. A minor inconvenience, but it turned out to be great for the kids. Without the constant commercialism and portrayal of the wisecracking kids constantly putting the dimwitted parents in their place, there is a pretty marked, observable difference between them and their friends. In retrospect, I'm glad we did it.

But now, we watch TV again. Other than re-runs of Burn Notice, classic movies, and football, all we watch are the old shows like Adam 12, Dragnet, Hogan's Heroes, etc, that they show on MEtv, AntennaTV, Decades, etc, and shows on RFD TV. UP TV also has some good shows.

 

[JohnDeereFan]

What would you recommend to a new Christian who sincerely asked your advice about what to watch and not watch?

In our house, we've always taught our children to evaluate media choices by asking themselves a series of four questions:

1. Does it pass the Philippians 4 test?

Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it commendable? Is there any excellence? Is there anything worthy of praise?


2. Does it pass the Galatians 5 test?

Does it exhibit, glorify, or incite the works of the flesh, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, either in thought or in deed?

Or does it exhibit, glorify, or encourage the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?


3. Does it pass the 1 Corinthians 8 test?

Even if it's something God grants us the liberty to enjoy or engage in, would our doing it cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or to stumble in their walk with Christ?


4. Is it an idol to you?

If it's something that failed the three tests above, would you give it up? If so, then what would your attitude be about giving it up? Would you be glad to give it up, knowing it doesn't glorify God, isn't conducive to growth in Christ, and could cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or stumble in their walk with Christ?

Or would you give it up grudgingly or not give it up at all? If so, then it's an idol.