Is it ok to watch the simpsons?

[philN]

philN, are you without sin?

As you can see from the little icon I am a Calvinist. Thus I believe that mankind is depraved, myself included. I don't recall ever saying otherwise.

I see what you are getting at, and perhaps I should remind you that there is a difference between biblical sin and personal conviction. Some people can't drink, others can. That is a personal conviction. Neither is wrong. The same goes with the Simpsons. I can watch it without it causing to sin or to be tempted, and often can walk away challenged (in the good way) or touched by a particular episode. Some people are offended by the Simpsons because they don't understand it. Some people feel that it is wrong to watch. That is personal conviction, they have no business forcing their convictions on others. I think Paul's writings about meat sacrificed to idols comes into play in this.

 

[seebs]

Do you speak the same way to your pastor? Is he allowed to push his convictions on you from the pulpit or do you know best?

Not all of us have pastors.

But that's where you have it all wrong. It's not about OUR way it's about God's way - that is why we this discussion came up in the first place...what does God think? Our way has nothing to do with it.

Indeed. But there's a tendency for people who have personal convictions to assume that they are God's way for everybody, but in fact, we are taught clearly that God may call different people to different things.

 

[SteveR2021]

Are you implying that by watching the Simpsons I am going against God's way? That's somewhat naive. Watching the Simpsons is not a sin. I am watching it right now as I write this; I can safely say that I am not sinning. If you disagree, that is because you have different convictions (unless of course, God has provided a personal revelation to you where He specifically condemned the Simpsons). It's not about getting our way, so much as it is enjoying our christian liberties without forcing our personal convictions on other Christians.

My post was addressing your suggestion that people were forcing their convictions on you. A number of different answers have been given in response to this topic...in answer to this thread i have tried to point out the danger in wasting time in TV period. When I preach I do that regularly...that I believe is part of the calling of a pastor...to take Scripture and apply it. I have not said all TV is sin - I have said that wasted time is sin.

That being said, I would not hesitate to urge my listeners to stay away from the Simpsons. That I believe is part of my responsibility.

Not all of us have pastors.

You are right. This post, however, was addressed to a Christian.

Indeed. But there's a tendency for people who have personal convictions to assume that they are God's way for everybody, but in fact, we are taught clearly that God may call different people to different things.

You are right. However, there are principles that we can call everyone to. Use of time is a very important matter.

 

[seebs]

You are right. This post, however, was addressed to a Christian.

Yes. Christians are the "us" to whom I referred.

Not all Christians have pastors.

You are right. However, there are principles that we can call everyone to. Use of time is a very important matter.

Indeed. But if I am to spend an hour relaxing that I may better do the Lord's work, I'd prefer the Simpsons to football. Or if I am going to run something on the TV while I exercise, I'd prefer the Simpsons to Jerry Springer.

There's clearly room for some amount of rest and relaxation, and if we enjoy a given show, then unless it is sinful in and of itself, or leads us to sin, that's an acceptable form of recreation.

 

[SteveR2021]

Not all Christians have pastors.

That's unfortunate.

Indeed. But if I am to spend an hour relaxing that I may better do the Lord's work, I'd prefer the Simpsons to football. Or if I am going to run something on the TV while I exercise, I'd prefer the Simpsons to Jerry Springer.

That is where I leave the matter between you and God. The fact that you are time conscious is the main thing.

Thank you for your comments. They have been thoughtful and balanced.

God bless you.

Stephen

 

[blackwasp]

That's unfortunate.

Why?

 

[seebs]

That's unfortunate.

How so?

I don't see how making some people more or less equal than others makes us better Christians.

 

[SteveR2021]

How so?

That should probably be dealt with in another thread and perhaps in another forum...

 

[seebs]

That should probably be dealt with in another thread and perhaps in another forum...

Might be interesting to have that discussion over in baptist/anabaptist, where we have some of both types.

 

[SteveR2021]

I agree...that is what I was thinking. I had a feeling you might be referring to Quaker tradition.

I hope we can carry this discussion on there.

 

[John812]

But if I am to spend an hour relaxing that I may better do the Lord's work, I'd prefer the Simpsons to football. Or if I am going to run something on the TV while I exercise, I'd prefer the Simpsons to Jerry Springer.

I find this argument very poor. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the impression that you are choosing the simpsons because there is less evil in it than Jerry Springer. Instead of watching the simpsons, turn to a Christian t.v. show or maybe the news, or listen to Christian music. There are ways one can relax but at the same time continue to serve God.

This one isn't directed at you seebs, it is just a general comment about Jerry Springer, and if anything from your post I get the impression you don't like this show too much either. With regards to Jerry Springer, in my opinion this show is just about one of the worst shows that can seriously lead a Christian astray from God. Laughing at other peoples problems, mocking them, fights breaking out and the Christians who are watching this are enjoying the ride. How absolutely unholy, there is just about nothing good about this show. STAY AWAY FROM JERRY SPRINGER, pleeasseee!!!!!

God Bless!

 

[kedaman]

How about taking heed of these words:

Everything not of faith is sin

To the clean everything is clean, but to the unclean, nothing is clean.

 

[philN]

John812-

Yeah, that's a great idea. We should turn off "evil" shows that discuss and comment on religion and God and turn on more wholesome TV like Christian television (often more blasphemous and quite frankly, not nearly as entertaining as most other shows on TV) or the news (daily accounts of violence, rape, immorality and fearmongering).

Good thinking.

*rolls eyes*

 

[Lithium Hobo]

How about taking heed of these words:

Everything not of faith is sin

To the clean everything is clean, but to the unclean, nothing is clean.

Well, I'm sorry, but that's just stupid.

You expect me to sit on the pot and go "Oh god! This one's for you!"

 

[SteveR2021]

John812-

Yeah, that's a great idea. We should turn off "evil" shows that discuss and comment on religion and God and turn on more wholesome TV like Christian television (often more blasphemous and quite frankly, not nearly as entertaining as most other shows on TV) or the news (daily accounts of violence, rape, immorality and fearmongering).

Good thinking.

*rolls eyes*

Or you could just turn off the TV altogether and devote your every waking moment to God's glory and pleasure. I'm sure He wouldn't be disappointed with that...its not easy - we all love pleasure...but we're not here for our own pleasure. We are here for God's pleasure.

 

[philN]

And again, I am not so sure that we cannot give God pleasure by enjoying the times of rest that gives us and by indulging in the pleasures that he has provided for us here on earth. If God had really wanted us to walk around afraid that we might enjoy some aspect of his creation, then he wouldn't have created laughter or fun or amusement. We are called to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, are you really enjoying Him by walking around telling other Christians they aren't allowed to have fun or take pleasure in God's creation?

Perhaps you should stop wasting idle time on message boards, God obviously cannot be glorified through it if you are enjoying typing and engaging in conversation. You're not here for your own pleasure, but for God's, you crazy hedonist, you!

[/sarcasm]

I think it is disgusting how limited of a view some people hold of God's sovereignty. If I hadn't come to expect it from certain people, I would be outright appalled.

 

[seebs]

I find this argument very poor. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the impression that you are choosing the simpsons because there is less evil in it than Jerry Springer. Instead of watching the simpsons, turn to a Christian t.v. show or maybe the news, or listen to Christian music. There are ways one can relax but at the same time continue to serve God.

Actually, while I do think Jerry Springer is evil, I don't think the Simpsons is evil. At all. It is not rooted in malice. It is clean. Christian TV? I've seen some; what I've seen was pretty bad.

My grandmother-in-law was once watching TV. A preacher came on, and she said "oh, what a nice Christian man". About five minutes later, she revised her opinion; "the devil is at work in this one."

If I want to sit around feeling smug about how much better I am than all those sinners God doesn't love as much as He loves me, I'll skip ahead straight to hell. For now, I'll just avoid "Christian" TV and watch things I enjoy.

I basically share your sentiment about Jerry Springer; it is rooted in delight in the suffering of others, pride, and self-righteousness. Also they spammed me once. However, by contrast, I think the Simpsons is well-considered social commentary, brilliant humor... It's good TV. I enjoy it.

 

[SteveR2021]

Perhaps you should stop wasting idle time on message boards, God obviously cannot be glorified through it if you are enjoying typing and engaging in conversation. You're not here for your own pleasure, but for God's, you crazy hedonist, you!

Perhaps you're right. I'm working that out with God...

My post was not to tell you to quit watching TV...I was responding to your post and suggesting you rethink your approach.

 

[Aaiden]

Not EVERY single thing in life is for the sole purpose to glorify God. As Christians it should be a big part of it but God gave me a life to live and I shall live it. He gave me the ability to take pleasure in life. And I don't see the simpson or any other tv show bringing me farther away from God.

 

[John812]

He gave me the ability to take pleasure in life. And I don't see the simpson or any other tv show bringing me farther away from God.

There are other ways to take pleasure in life, ways that will build us up.
The stakes are high, my friend. There are many people out there who are yet to know Jesus Christ, and those people continue to walk in darkness. Instead of watching the simpsons, you should do something that will benefit you more so that your light may shine brighter. If you read the bible, listen to Christian music, read Christian poetry, discuss things on Christian Forums, pray and other positive ways of spending time, you will grow stronger spiritually and grow in wisdom. When someone who doesn't believe in God asks you a question about God and you give them a good answer, perhaps you will open their heart so that they may believe. But if you don't give them a good answer, maybe it's because you were watching the simpsons instead of preparing yourself for service.

God Bless!