First, sorry there's no pictures. But this is something I feel strongly about, and I want to open it up for discussion. Joe and I have frequent discussions about the media we choose to allow into our lives, especially since we've had children. With so many alluring media options (internet, books, movies, TV, magazines, etc.), sometimes it is hard to make good decisions, especially when we see something that has many redeeming qualities but a few not-so-savory aspects. How do you choose? Where do you draw the line in what you view or read?
For us, the line has frequently been this: no R-rated movies, no dirty magazines, websites, or TV shows, no gratuitous violence. But frequently, I find this line is just not good enough.
I have been trying instead to follow what it is says in my church's 13th article of faith, which is also found in Philippians 4:8: "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." So anything that doesn't fall into this category for the media, I don't watch it. Now the way I would like to follow this is pretty strict. If sex comes up in the script of a show, I change the channel. If there is violence, I change the channel. If there is a dirty joke, I change the channel. A few laughs is really not worth the desensitization that occurs from the smut.
So this is my goal and my challenge to you: see if you (and I) can follow for a week deleting all of the smutty substance that we knowingly subject ourselves to in order to amuse ourselves. Try to follow the 13th article of faith, regardless of your own religion. I know that when I have done it, my own soul has felt lighter and better. I no longer feel so "desensitized." I truly believe that what we subject ourselves to affects our souls for good or bad. Instead, replace our favorite shows that are amusing but often not clean (like Friends, CSI, or the Simpsons, to name a few) with other worthwhile activities. Read a good book (and books sometimes get me into trouble as well), go for a walk with your family, call a friend.
Are you up to the challenge? I just really feel it necessary in my own life if I am to be a good example to my children. If you find yourself being shocked at the thought of your child watching some of the shows you watch when they are asleep, maybe it's time for a change. I know this was my wake up call.
For us, the line has frequently been this: no R-rated movies, no dirty magazines, websites, or TV shows, no gratuitous violence. But frequently, I find this line is just not good enough.
I have been trying instead to follow what it is says in my church's 13th article of faith, which is also found in Philippians 4:8: "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." So anything that doesn't fall into this category for the media, I don't watch it. Now the way I would like to follow this is pretty strict. If sex comes up in the script of a show, I change the channel. If there is violence, I change the channel. If there is a dirty joke, I change the channel. A few laughs is really not worth the desensitization that occurs from the smut.
So this is my goal and my challenge to you: see if you (and I) can follow for a week deleting all of the smutty substance that we knowingly subject ourselves to in order to amuse ourselves. Try to follow the 13th article of faith, regardless of your own religion. I know that when I have done it, my own soul has felt lighter and better. I no longer feel so "desensitized." I truly believe that what we subject ourselves to affects our souls for good or bad. Instead, replace our favorite shows that are amusing but often not clean (like Friends, CSI, or the Simpsons, to name a few) with other worthwhile activities. Read a good book (and books sometimes get me into trouble as well), go for a walk with your family, call a friend.
Are you up to the challenge? I just really feel it necessary in my own life if I am to be a good example to my children. If you find yourself being shocked at the thought of your child watching some of the shows you watch when they are asleep, maybe it's time for a change. I know this was my wake up call.
3 comments:
I love it! I totally agree. The 13th article of Faith is the best guideline to follow for watching, reading, or listening to media.Thanks Char for sharing your views
OH Chaky. Reason #1009 why you are a better person than me! Serious! I need to be better about the movies I watch, there, I said it. I for some reason like to watch really good, esoteric movies, and those always seem to be rated R. So, I just ignore it and tell myself it's no big deal. I love your testimony in the 13th article of faith. I love how you follow it and feel the difference in your life. I believe it and I can see it in you too. Now, I just need to try it for myself, right?
After I watch the new movies I got at the library...
Oh darn, I am pretty miserable, huh?
And do you remember when we went to watch Matrix 3, I think, the months before I got married in Salem? We were driving to the theatre and when Billy found out it was rated R he made us turn around and take him home. And then when there was that awful sex scene in the film I was pretty relieved he wasn't there! He is such a good example.
Also, my Bishop a few years ago randomly gave me this concerned lecture about the movies I bring into my home. He said the wife sets the tone for what media influence is in the home and if she can be strong and good her husband and kids will follow. At the time I was like "hmm, that is weird, why is he telling me all of this?"...now that I haven't been so good, I can see why. He was definitely seeing into my future.
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