When a Christian normally approaches a film to ascertain its ability to provide wholesome entertainment for the whole family, the typical investigation consists of reading the short descriptions of the film or seeing a trailer and the all important MPAA rating check. Thankfully, many families will go the extra mile and read a review performed by a Christian or family organization. However, it today’s culture Christian need to go farther than these steps if they truly desire to ensure that their children are not negatively impacted by the images that flash before their eyes. Not only do families need to do their homework before they watch a film, but also the homework during and after the film.
I am glad to note that most Christians are quite able to identify and debunk the filthiness of Hollywood. When worldviews involving socialism and evolution appear, we can immediately identify, explain, and instruct those around us in the way of truth. Many Christian organizations are able to provide excellent guides to avoiding movies that contain foul language, immorality, and unjustified violence. Not all organizations provide helpful counsel, sometimes even showing favor to movies that strike against God and the family. Many films contain ideas and implied assumpstions which will slowly erode the foundations of the Biblical family.
In some ways a G or PG rated film can be just as dangerous as a more mature film. Why? First, Christians have accepted the world’s standard for grading a film and just assume that the film is okay to watch and immediately lower their guard. Secondly, due to this absurd level of trust, we let their values trump ours if you just make rules that involve ratings to determine what is viewed in your home. The G or PG rating gives a false sense of security, lulling the Christian into a philosophical slumber. I do not advocate watching mature rated films just so that you are forced to be on your toes, but I am arguing that we need to always be on guard. Movies like Princess Diaries 2, analyzed at the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) arguably can be one of the most cleverly concealed and damaging movies for the family.
Next week I will post a short guide on how to analyze a film, providing you with a guide to forming your own battle plan to avoid passively viewing a film.
Posts
2 comments:
Noah,
Your analysis is accurate and appreciated. However, I disagree with one of your statements. Most Christians either are undiscerning or choose to ignore the anti-Christian messages in the name of entertainment. It is encouraging to hear young men with a godly message and perspective.
Thank you all.
Tina
To clarify my position, I believe that a regrettable amount of Christians:
(a) Have enough discernment to know that adult content and foul language is not acceptable.
(b) but they do not have a worldview that is finely calibrated to detect the subtle attacks on Biblical principles.
Like King Ahab, they protect their body with armor, but in the end they perish due to an arrow that penetrates a small opening in their armor.
When Christians are aware of atrocious content they have one of the following responses:
(a)They do not watch the movie.
(b)They carefully edit and thoroughly discuss the faults of the movie.
(c) Sacrifice the long term spiritual and physical health of their family by ignoring the threat that the movie represents for temporary pleasure.
Obviously, plan of action "C" is not the path Christians should take. I hope this information clarifies my position.
-Noah
Post a Comment