I'm reading a book called "Worldliness - Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World", edited by C.J. Mahaney as part of a study I'm in on Friday mornings with some guys. The current chapter is discussing our pre-occupation with media and how it affects almost all we do. It is constantly in the background of our lives whether it be from the radio, tv, iPod, movies, billboards, magazines, newspapers, (blogs!) or a host of other chatter - we cannot escape the media in our culture today.
One of the contributor's to the book stated, "Today, the all-pervasive glow of the television set is the single most potent influence and control in Western culture. Television has greater power over the lives of most Americans than any educational system, government, or church." - pastor Ken Hughes.
The book goes on, "Please don't misunderstand. I'm not saying it's wrong to watch television, rent a DVD, surf the internet or spend an evening at the cinema. The hazard is in thoughtless watching. Glorifying God is an intentional pursuit."
"Just because we don't instantly mimic all we see doesn't mean our hearts aren't negatively affected by the programs or films we watch. Tugging like a subtle undertow below the surface, the media can tempt us to drift toward love of the world."
"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." (Gal 5:17)
Is the media contributing to keeping us from doing what God designed us to do? More to come on all of this.
Interesting that you wrote about this... I just watched a movie that had a truly hilarious scene in it but it included nudity. I was talking about it with a friend and they pointed out that it is a shame that the media can twist things in such a way that we feel comfortable with certain things that we should see as wrong. It was good to step back and think about it...what am I allowing to callous my heart?
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