Is it ok to watch the simpsons?

[Finella]

::

This kind of debate is exactly what makes the Simpsons' satire on religion so funny.

I guess if you don't get that kind of satire, the whole show wouldn't be of interest to you.

And then it would be a waste of your time.

 

[seebs]

I would say it is sinful to waste time and that each of us should check our use of time including our TV time...you are right - TV is not sinful in and of itself, but I didn't say it was. I'm addressing the issue of time.

True. That's more subtle. How much recreation is acceptable? I am coming to this as someone who watches TV "occasionally". We turned off our satellite TV maybe two years ago, and we rarely miss it. I buy things on DVD if I know they'll actually be interesting.

I mostly watch TV as a quiet social activity when I'm a little too tired to do anything active, or as a way to keep myself from being too bored to continue walking on a treadmill.

There are in fact many christian prohibitions and many ambiguities. The ambiguities are left up to us - our principle should be God's glory. there is much that I could laugh about that is objectively (according to the Bible) indecent.

Yup. Agreed on this.

In a way, laughing at indecent things takes their sting away.

Christ gave a higher standard not a lower standard. The new standard strikes at the heart and motives. We are free from ceremonial rule but we are not free from God's moral law.

Agreed.

For me, a TV show that's idly amusing can be a way to actually get some chores done... But I do take your point.

I was really shocked to hear the amount of TV that "most Americans" apparently watch. I probably watch a couple of hours of TV and movies a week.

 

[Lokisdottir]

Agreed. The computer is not evil. Just like the internet is not evil. However, I think pornography is evil, and I think movies made for the purpose of training satanists are evil.

God Bless!

Umm...

Exactly how many of these have you actually come across?

 

[John812]

Exactly how many of these have you actually come across?

None, but it's my opinion that they are most likely out there. On a related matter, there are satanist books, witchcraft books, wiccan books on sale in my local bookstore. Disappointing how Canada allows for something like this. That's what happens when a nation doesn't stick to God...

God Bless!

 

[seebs]

None, but it's my opinion that they are most likely out there. On a related matter, there are satanist books, witchcraft books, wiccan books on sale in my local bookstore. Disappointing how Canada allows for something like this. That's what happens when a nation doesn't stick to God...

God Bless!

I would be much more disturbed by a country which banned religious books, because I would assume mine would be next.

 

[John812]

I would be much more disturbed by a country which banned religious books, because I would assume mine would be next.

I dunno about this, but I think the Jewish nation may have banned other religious books, not sure though. God often (always?) made them very prosperous during the times when they served him best, turning away from idols and following God's law. Again, Im not an expert on this, but I would doubt that in their communities one could pick up a copy of "how to be a satanist" at the local marketplace. I would imagine if a person did try to sell that book they would be stoned.

God Bless!

 

[DJ_Ghost]

If people needed tents for shelter, I don't see anything wrong with that. People don't need dancing Homer dolls.

Or Computers.

Ghost

 

[John812]

Or Computers.

Agreed. We don't need computers, we could live without them. Nevertheless, it can be used as a great way to serve God, especially by means of the internet where you can communicate with Christians from all over the world! Thanks be to The Most Awesome!

God Bless!

 

[DJ_Ghost]

Agreed. We don't need computers, we could live without them. Nevertheless, it can be used as a great way to serve God, especially by means of the internet where you can communicate with Christians from all over the world! Thanks be to The Most Awesome!

God Bless!

So you only use your computer to serve God? Nothing else? No entertainment or leasure?

Ghost

 

[Strange_Wonderer]

Might as well not watch telly at all then.

I think Going to an amusement park for the sake of pleasure is a sin. I think watching t.v. for the sake of pleasure is a sin. I think getting drunk for the sake of pleasure is a sin. I think doing most things, if not all things, for the sake of pleasure is sin.

I'm a bit...disturbed now.

 

[John812]

So you only use your computer to serve God? Nothing else? No entertainment or leasure?

Most things that don't serve God I avoid on the computer. But no, I can't say that I use the computer only to serve God, as much as I want to be able to say it. I guess that perhaps the only thing that is preventing me from saying it is talking to people about senseless things, which I am trying to avoid more and more. I am going to try even harder so that hopefully soon I will be able to say it! I ask that you pray for me so you can help me!

God Bless!

 

[Lokisdottir]

None, but it's my opinion that they are most likely out there. On a related matter, there are satanist books, witchcraft books, wiccan books on sale in my local bookstore. Disappointing how Canada allows for something like this.

Why's that a bad thing? And why should Canada be allowed to ban any book?

Wicca is a peaceful religion, and Satanists don't hurt people (or animals, for that matter). Let them buy their books in peace.

 

[BigCedar]

From the perspective of someone with a career in the arts, I believe my abilities come from God and it would be a sin not to share them. I never feel closer to God than when I am performing. Especially at those moments when I have let go of self and am held up by something much bigger. The talented people behind the Simpsons are sharing a gift.
There are many times when creative endevors are misunderstood to be "promoting "something when they are meant to satirize it.
Who better represents a fallen nature than Homer?

 

[SteveR2021]

So you only use your computer to serve God? Nothing else? No entertainment or leasure?

That should be our aim...to use all our resources for no other purpose than to give God pleasure. That need not be a narrow list of activities. It gives God pleasure when I spend time doing things with my wife that she enjoys...but I try not to do activities simply for pleasure's sake.

But of course, I have a long way to go...its an ideal. I hope that helps.

 

[GreatistheLord]

Laughter is prayer.

Yeah, and Chris Rock is a saint!

 

[philN]

That should be our aim...to use all our resources for no other purpose than to give God pleasure. That need not be a narrow list of activities. It gives God pleasure when I spend time doing things with my wife that she enjoys...but I try not to do activities simply for pleasure's sake.

But of course, I have a long way to go...its an ideal. I hope that helps.

And you don't think that God takes pleasure when we take pleasure in His creation? Why did he create laughter and pleasure if He didn't want us to enjoy and take part in them? Sure there are ways that they have been corrupted, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater -- pleasure is not a bad thing. I think there is substantial biblical support for the view that our purpose on earth is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and one of the ways we can enjoy Him is by taking pleasure in His creation, be it a trip to an amusement park or a half hour of the Simpsons.

 

[Chajara]

Besides that... why do kids love playing with toys and going to amusement parks so much if it's such a bad thing? I think there is a lot we can learn from simply observing children being children... Lord knows I wish I could be carefree and happy like most children are. I wish I could go back to rolling around on the floor with one of those stoopid weasel balls for hours and not get bored, or build forts with blankets without thinking "It'll just be a mess to clean up."

 

[seebs]

or build forts with blankets without thinking "It'll just be a mess to clean up."

...

When my spouse gets back, we are TOTALLY building a blanket fort. Thank you for reminding me.

 

[Chajara]

...

When my spouse gets back, we are TOTALLY building a blanket fort. Thank you for reminding me.

You're very welcome.

Glad to know my ranting brought a spark of joy into the lives of a married couple, haha.

 

[Chrono Traveler]

You're very welcome.

Glad to know my ranting brought a spark of joy into the lives of a married couple, haha.

...

When my spouse gets back, we are TOTALLY building a blanket fort. Thank you for reminding me.

you know what...that sounds great!...thanks for the idea for some quality time spent with my future wife ;D