Christians and soap operas

[1by1]

Hi. I'm totally new to this website and this is my very first post.

I'm SO very sorry if this is the wrong room to ask this question; there are so many, it's a little confusing to me. Please bear with me, and if this needs to be moved, please send me a private message and tell me where I can find it's new location. Thanks.

My question....

Should Christians watch soap operas? I'm asking because I have been addicted to a CBS soap named "As the World Turns" for almost 3 1/2 years, and aside from a couple of times when I almost stopped watching it (due to risque scenes involving characters making love, or boring storylines) I have stayed with it because - well, simply because soaps are addictive. It's hard to simply quit; inside you still want to follow the storylines to find out what happens. Well, this past week there was an episode in which a male and female character were portrayed as making love in a shower scene. The male character's nude buttocks were clearly exhibited twice in that scene.

Ordinarily I would have been totally shocked to see that kind of display, but I knew it was coming after reading the online rumors about it. I guess I was hoping they would change their mind and edit the scene so there was no nudity. But they didn't, and I found it totally inappropriate. I've lost a lot of respect that I had for the show, because I had considered it one of the more tame and classier soaps on TV. But, inside I'm still wondering if it's okay to keep watching the show to see how certain storylines unfold.

I'm totally prepared to completely stop watching the show altogether, but I need some guidance from some wise believers. Do you think Christians should watch soaps?

 

[CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR]

Here's a good bible quote for you -HE WHO LOVES THE WORLD IS AN ENEMY OF GOD.Alot of ministers teach that God controls the world because they think that will make people feel fat and happy and secure.Unfortunately it's really slanderous to accuse God of all the evil in the world.For instance,God does hate homosexuality but He is not killing homosexuals with the AIDS virus.The bible teaches that Satan controls the world and it is he who is steadily making it more and more sick and evil.You can find hundreds of examples of that in the media including this web site.So of course any perverted television programs should not be viewed especially if you are addicted to them.Have confidence that tyour favorite programs will just become more and more gross as we sprint gleefully toward the period of tribulation.

 

[WashedClean]

Hello 1by1

I can totally relate to your situation. When I became a Christian about 3 years ago, I had been watching General Hospital for 20 years, faithfully! I kept watching it for about 6 months after that, but I got less and less enjoyment out of it. After starting to lose interest, I completely stopped watching. You know what? I didn't miss it at all, in fact, I felt liberated and completely set free from the bondage of it!

The fact that you're even asking this question indicates that the Holy Spirit is convicting you. It's not just about the sex or nudity. If you are addicted to it, that means it's an idol in your heart. I'm not trying to sound harsh, but I know from experience.

It's very time consuming to watch an hour show every day, even though I taped it and could fast forward over the commercials. I would suggest that you stop, either "cold turkey" or taper it off if you have to. God will reward you and you will feel so free!

God bless you in your walk with Him...

In Christ,

WashedClean

 

[Joshua Howard]

1by1, you might want to check out our other thread which was on a similar topic; http://www.christianforums.com/t84837

My bottom line is, don't have anything to do with that which you would not in every way support entirely. Only the best is acceptable, and if you conclude that it is God's will for you not to do something, don't question. Just OBEY. The key to a Believer's Success is found in his level of personal accountability and discipline.

 

[1by1]

Well, I'm not sure I accept that we are to have absolutely nothing to do with something we can't support entirely. For example, do we buy the products of companies if they produce questionable commercials, or sponsor questionable enterprises and television shows? The vast majority of us seem to support our secular employers when all they really are interested in is accumulating more and more wealth. We all seem to support the ISP's that provide our access to the internet, even though we know what can be found online.

The soap opera is a story I follow in much the same way as people coming here day after day to follow up on what other members are saying in their latest posts. I don't expect the show to save me from my sins, nor do I expect vengeance from the show if I don't pay it homage. It isn't something I worship. I'm the kind of person that really questions the whole notion of something being an idol unless we are actually expecting it to save us from something. An idol is worshipped because deceived people expect it to improve their lives in some way so long as they appease it, or if they expect it to give them something they can't give themselves. I know better with regards to watching ATWT. I don't expect it to improve my life in any way. It is merely an ongoing story that I follow. If we are truly to seek out our answers from the Lord, then I can't say I think watching the show is necessarily any more idolatrous than running to the internet to find answers from people when we should be running to God, and not debating. Don't we all do that, as evidenced by our daily trek to forums like these to seek out the words of others? Admittedly, I'm included in that group.

Well, I maybe shouldn't have asked this question. In thinking about it, I really do think it is one of those matters of which each person has to make up their own mind. Thanks for your time anyway.

 

[Joshua Howard]

I'm rather ment, attaining entertainment directly from inappropriate means... You don't neccesarily have to shun someone else who does, but you shouldn't.