Should Christians Watch TV?

AllDayFaith · Jun 12, 2019

Another question is, should we as Christians be playing video games? A lot of these games glorify demonic creatures and black magic.

Pádraigín Ní Saorlaith · Jun 12, 2019

BrotherD said:
If you watch people commit sins, how are you any better then them?

It depends on how those sins are portrayed. The Bible is filled with accounts of people sinning, but the context makes it clear that what they are doing is wrong. The same can be said for television shows (or any storytelling media for that matter). If I'm watching a mystery show, someone might be murdered or something might get stolen. But the reactions of the characters are usually those of shock and horror. Whatever crime it is, it's neither glorified or treated as a morally neutral thing. It's shown to be wrong, because we how what happened has hurt others, and the plot centers on how the protagonists bring the villain to justice (or, in the case of some stories, how they give the villain the option to seek forgiveness).

Or, as another example, the Bible is filled with people who sinned, but God was still able to use them for His glory, and often these people came to repentance. In a similar vein, a television show might have a character who is struggling with something. Maybe it's a drinking problem or anger issues or greediness. We need to ask ourselves how this struggle portrayed. Is it treated as something this character needs to overcome (or is actively trying to overcome), or is alcoholism or anger or greed or whatever it is treated as good?

As for your main point, I agree that we absolutely need to take all things in moderation, being both purposeful and critical about the media we consume. Even so, I don't think we should discard the value of an entire storytelling medium just because there's some bad shows.

In the end, I think it's one of those things that's up to us as individuals to determine. I try to be careful about what I watch on television (and thankfully, in the age of Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, I'm more able to be more selective on what I watch and how much I watch), so I don't see a problem with it. But if another Christian finds that television is damaging to them spiritually, then I'm not about to make them to watch television just because I'm not struggling with whatever they're struggling with. Anything can become a distraction from what matters most, and we need to have the self-control to recognize when that's happening.

aiki · Jun 12, 2019

A t.v. set is not what the OP was criticizing. The OP was against the moral and philosophical garbage pouring into Christian homes through it. And suggesting that other things are just as bad as what spews out of a multitude of t.v. channels today doesn't somehow negate the badness of what spews out of those channels. If Bob is an axe-murderer, it doesn't somehow make this fact less awful to say that Terry is one, too. And arguing against sharp restraints upon t.v. viewing by saying that, if one is going to cease t.v. viewing one ought to avoid every possible avenue of sin, is like saying one must avoid all neighborhoods when driving if one is going to avoid the worst neighborhoods when driving. It doesn't follow that if one wants to avoid the worst neighborhoods, where danger is constant and near, that one must avoid every neighborhood because bad things happen in all of them sooner or later. Nor does it follow that, because one wants to forsake the spiritual danger so constant and close in cable t.v. viewing, one ought to forsake every conceivable avenue through which spiritual danger might appear. This is a fallacious attempt to negate or blunt the value of the warning given about the spiritual toxicity that permeates most of modern cable t.v. It is legalism to say to fellow Christians, "You must stop watching t.v. or you're not a Christian!" It is wisdom to say to them, "This activity is fraught with moral and spiritual danger. You ought to avoid it." Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. There is a valid warning in the OP. Don't dismiss it simply because it treads too near a favorite past-time, or because you wrongly assume your liberty in Christ means you can do just as you please and anything that even slightly infringes on your "liberty" is legalism.

Lazarus Short · Jun 12, 2019

I broke my TV addiction at the age of 15, simply by forcing myself to get off the couch and do something else - it was one of the more difficult things I ever did. Years later, I listened a LOT to hard rock and heavy-metal music. After I became a Christian, I found I had no interest in those LP's I had been listening to daily. What do do? I considered for some days, and one day I took an awl, put a deep scratch on each side of the disc, and shredded the covers. Some were collector's items, but oh well... What I am saying is that if the Spirit is active in you, it will point the way you should go.

I recall that the rock star Jim Morrison quoted some Roman emperor, Caligula I think, who complained that his subjects did not have a common neck, so he could not sever it at one stroke. Morrison then added that TV is this transforming medium.

Kenny'sID · Jun 12, 2019

Jason0047 said:
The overall theme of the Bible is that it condemns sin. Many times we see those who sin as being punished. Other times there are moral lessons going on by God’s people when bad guys are sinning. Watching sinful secular movies pushes sin upon you with no correction of that sin. It would be like watching inappropriate content and saying it would not effect you. The same is true if we watch secular fiction that pushes sinful worldly ideas, and particular sins. Try taking notes on how many times a person sins in the next secular movie you watch. Just watch it to record the sins that they are doing and ask yourself if this is the kind of thing you want to dwell on in your life. We are told to focus on that which is good and not evil. God’s Word is holy and so when it records bad things it is as a warning to us. Sinful movies do not later correct their own sinful agenda. Therein lies the difference.

Have you noticed how many movies have the same basics, good and evil, and much more often than not, the good triumphs over evil? Now don't get me wrong, I make no excuses here, even if the good does win, there is a lot of sin on TV just as there is when we walk down the street. If I find something more repulsive than I care to deal with, I won't watch, but otherwise, I need no excuse to enjoy what is hopefully a good story as long as it doesn't cause me to sin.

It may not edify, but it is allowed. I know where I'm headed and no movie will ever change that.

ViaCrucis · Jun 13, 2019

When we take things which are not inherently bad, and then moralize them, we engage in moralism. Moralism serves no good purpose--it adds nothing to our spiritual life. Further, moralism is destructive because it produces self-righteousness, it feeds the lusts of the flesh in thinking that by doing X, Y, and Z, or by "not touching" or "not tasting" we are somehow being righteous. In so doing we are seeking a righteousness by works, a righteousness by the law, but in this instance we are not even claiming to be righteous by God's Law, but instead claiming a righteousness by our own laws. This is precisely the kind of thing Jesus is critical of the Pharisees about when He speaks of their having added their own traditions to God's commandments. Because the Law of God is impossibly hard, men in their flesh desire an easy alternative to the Law of God and so invent laws for themselves which are easy to follow, and they then think that because they have followed their own self-made laws they have attained righteousness.

If one does not want to do something because it bothers their conscience, this is respectable. One must follow their conscience, and because we have liberty of conscience we are free to follow our conscience on such things. If you do not want to eat meat because your conscience is bothered by it, then by all means do not eat meat, follow your conscience on this matter. At the same time, even as you are free in your own conscience, do not impose slavery upon your brother or sister's conscience. This is the point St. Paul makes so many times in his letters.

So let no one judge you concerning matters of conscience. Abstain where you think you should abstain, don't abstain if you think you don't need to abstain. Even as you are free in your conscience, so is your brother or sister free in their conscience. Know that as it pertains to matters of conscience this is not a matter of Law, but is a matter of conscience; and do not think that you have achieved any kind of holiness or righteousness by simply following your conscience on something. If the Law of God cannot justify you, how much less can your conscience?

So, therefore, abide by your conscience, do not begrudge another; never regard yourself righteous except by the righteousness which is from Christ imputed to you by the grace of God freely apart from you; freely confess your sin and that you are a sinner, never esteeming yourself higher than your neighbor; trust only in Jesus Christ who alone saves you.

-CryptoLutheran

Bible Highlighter · Jun 13, 2019

TechyinAZ said:
Careful is all I will say. I've heard the TV argument many times from Christians and it's usually extremely legalistic.

TV in and of itself is not wrong at all. If you say we have to throw TV out altogether, that means you have to throw out entertaining books, plays, types of people you might hang out with, lots of other things.

It isn't the TV itself, it's the content that can be a problem.

Even then, we must remember not to be legalistic,

While I agree that we should not throw out a TV out of some sense of man made law, if a Christian does stumble as a result of TV, they should obviously not use it. Also, when one uses the word "legalistic" this implies that there is something wrong with laws or rules. I hope I am wrong, and that this is not the case of what you meant, but for your information, Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

You said:
Christ says EVERYTHING we do should be edifying to Him.

I do not see this as being a direct quote from Jesus. Rather, would this be a combining of 1 Corinthians 14:37 with 1 Corinthians 10:31? Or are you quoting 1 Corinthians 14:26?

You said:
However, edifying shouldn't be legalistic in any way shape or form.

Edifying is a way of loving your brother.
Loving your brother is a commandment.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34).

We edify one another with encouraging each other with God's Word.

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," (Jude 1:20).

This is why Jesus asked Peter several times if he loved Him. When Peter answered "yes" each time Jesus asked, Jesus finally said to Peter, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17).

For iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

You said:
It's about your heart, there are TV shows that have some cuss words but are far more edifying than say a TV show that's perfectly clean but burns brain cells. LOL

No. That's not true. It is wrong to listen to cuss words as a form of entertainment.

Paul says,
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1 Corinthians 15:33).

You said:
And, edification isn't just entertainment that is made by Christians. Worldly entertainment can be just as edifying (of course I do not mean areas of entertainment that praise sinful lifestyles), because everything brings Glory to God. He created this entire world, and the world has to except His good and natural laws in some way shape or form because it's all that exists.

Again, not true.

15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17).

If we sin, God does not get the glory. We give glory to God by letting the Lord do the good work through us.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).

Note: I am aware that God the Father sent the Son as a sacrifice for us, and it appeared that men had wrongfully executed Jesus, but this was something that was a part of His plan all along. God was making a way to save us and it was not just something sinful in and of itself alone. Yes, God used the evil that Joseph's brothers did to Joseph for a greater plan for good, but God did not hope that his brother were to do evil so that God could get the glory from their evil. God can turn a bad situation into a good one does not mean God gets the glory when a person sins.

You said:
The best TV arguments I've found are those from Christians who have a TV addiction problem. Which is exactly where cutting off TV completely is a good thing. For example, I watch a lot of the Marvel MCU films (some I don't like Doctor Strange but most I watch) and I believe it's okay to do so because I'm not addicted to these films. I'm not going to say everything in all these movies is okay or biblical, of course not. But there is great edification when you have pure good fighting pure evil, and when these movies show human weakness.

I used to collect Marvel comics, and I used to love the Marvel films. I wanted to even work for Marvel when I was a kid. So I used to really like these films. But in 2016, after the Luke Cage TV Series, I put away secular movie watching. I could not take all the sinful things being pushed upon me anymore. Things were getting darker, and darker. When I made that decision, it was like my eyes were open, and I could see just how sinful these movies really were. They are not edifying in any way. They are not Christian films, but they are worldly sinful films.

You said:
Of course, the hardest part with entertainment is the line itself. Where do you draw the line. Movies that completely praise sinful lifestyles and desires should not be watched. However, if a movie has a great story, with edifying parts everywhere, but has say a few cuss words and one romantic scene in it. Is it a sin to watch if you block yourself from those specific scenes?

They are not edifying. That is an illusion. There are more sinful things in them than you realize, friend. Pray about it, and you will see.

May God bless you.

ViaCrucis · Jun 13, 2019

AllDayFaith said:
Another question is, should we as Christians be playing video games? A lot of these games glorify demonic creatures and black magic.

If your conscience is bothered by these elements of fantasy, then you should follow your conscience. But fantasy is only fantasy, and there is no divine command from God not to enjoy works of fantasy fiction.

Follow your conscience and allow your brother freedom in their conscience as well. In all things give thanks and honor to God.

-CryptoLutheran

Bible Highlighter · Jun 13, 2019

Kenny'sID said:
Have you noticed how many movies have the same basics, good and evil, and much more often than not, the good triumphs over evil? Now don't get me wrong, I make no excuses here, even if the good does win, there is a lot of sin on TV just as there is when we walk down the street. If I find something more repulsive than I care to deal with, I won't watch, but otherwise, I need no excuse to enjoy what is hopefully a good story as long as it doesn't cause me to sin.

It may not edify, but it is allowed. I know where I'm headed and no movie will ever change that.

We are told not to love the things of this world. Secular entertainment is a thing of this world, and to say that you do not love it and yet you can watch it is an oxymoron (See: 1 John 2:15-17). I mean, I get it. I used to be where you at. Before the fall of 2016, I was in the same boat. I used to wrestle with 1 John 2:15-17, and I always felt uneasy reading that passage. But until I put away my secular movie watching that is clearly sinful, it was like I had walked through a door and I could see clearly for the first time. But this is something you will have to experience for yourself.

Bible Highlighter · Jun 13, 2019

Kenny'sID said:
Have you noticed how many movies have the same basics, good and evil, and much more often than not, the good triumphs over evil? Now don't get me wrong, I make no excuses here, even if the good does win, there is a lot of sin on TV just as there is when we walk down the street. If I find something more repulsive than I care to deal with, I won't watch, but otherwise, I need no excuse to enjoy what is hopefully a good story as long as it doesn't cause me to sin.

It may not edify, but it is allowed. I know where I'm headed and no movie will ever change that.

If you have not seen it, I would recommend check out the Christian movie called Time Changer:

You can rent it at Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon.com: Watch Time Changer | Prime Video

It relates a little to the topic that we are talking about in an indirect way.

Jags · Jun 13, 2019

I barely watch tv but just watch most shows on a computer instead i would say TV is harmless as long as you don't want anything inappropriate contentographic or anything thats really against the lord. sports are things that id say are fine to watch. God bless you all

BrotherD · Jun 13, 2019

Healing with Jesus said:
I recently found that website too brother. I was really blessed by it! I learned about the superiority of the KJV as a complete translation on that site. I also learned some other ways Satan is sneaking into this world of his.

I realize that the website comes across as uncompromising... and it is. The views can seem a bit extreme. That said, I haven't found any teaching that's wrong. And just to give a little perspective, the site keeper has articles about family-centered entertainment, etc. They're not saying to go around chasing down people with our Bibles, etc... or anything extreme at all. They're saying to practice wisdom and discernment in a world run by a crafty old pervert.

This article has been really helpful for me in cultivating a deep inner relationship with God, specifically this quote:
All is well at home in the inner life where there is me and God and his word.

So, back to TV. I think we all work out our salvation with God. I wouldn't pull the speck out of your eye, that's for sure. I'm happily widdling away at my plank.

Part of what I personally do, not even because of being a Christian but because of having limited income, is have no TV. We have Internet. We use YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. There are no commercials (you can skip them or get an ad blocker). YOU choose the content! That's the beauty.

It takes a lot of wisdom and discernment when it comes to all media. The thing is that I don't think TV is inherently evil. Neither are cars, money, phones, or jobs. But they can all become idols. OR... Slowly, insidiously distract us from the work of the Kingdom. Now that's the enemy's style, wouldn't you say?

So let's remember what the Lord Jesus said to the church of Laodicea lest He spit US out of His blessed mouth. Revelation 3:14-22

I am so glad i am not the only one to be blessed by her website. The views may seem extreme but it is strictly the truth, all about the Word of God. I don't remember how i came about it, but the Lord did bless me. We as Christians can sometimes get offended by the truth, and that tends to happen when the lies we believe are deep rooted.

The TV article spoke to me because in my youth, i believed the world was what they showed me. White picket fence, two car garage, a nice house, two kids, a wife, while i am on the grill sipping lemonade, and it is sunny. My young mind soon realized the world is nothing like that. On the same token, 99% of shows make jokes about Jesus. Or just outright blaspheme every good thing he is about. It took some time but by the grace of God i got away from the tube.

I live my life along the Matthew 7:21-23 lines. I do not one to hear "Depart from me, I never know ye, ye that work iniquity." No ma'am i don't want to live my whole life thinking i am serving him and still fall short. Scriptur says:

Job 28:28 KJV — And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

ilovejcsog · Jun 13, 2019

i think you underestimate the power of tv to reach people of the world that would not otherwise have a chance to know God. Think about the millions that would not have the opportunity to come to God without the Televangelists. Millions. Most churches outside of TV never reach out farther than their own neighborhood. Aren't we here to witness and bring people to God with all sources available to us? Don't keep God in a box.

BrotherD · Jun 13, 2019

Kenny'sID said:
Because I'm not sinning?

That's just a weird question to me. OK, let's try this, If you read about people commiting sins in the bible, how are you any better then them?

Its the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

It is for us to learn his ways and forsake wickedness. It is a big difference from tv, because those shows don't give God the glory and praise.

Psalm 101:3 KJV — I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

This is God's Words my friend. He loves and he knows whats best. I am slowly learning his ways and it is truly like being a kid again having to learn something new. The difference now is, what the Lord is teaching me is preparing me for his kingdom.

With Love, In Christ

BrotherD · Jun 13, 2019

doctorwho29 said:
a television is simply a tool, neither good or evil. Same with the a computer. You can choose what you watch on either and much is very good and uplifting. Other things are not but that is not the machine's fault. I don't even have proper TV, I watch DVDs and Blu-Rays

I agree its not the tv itself, but how it is used. The sins that keep us from a relationship with our Lord, is the same sins people act out in movies. Just ask yourself this question, Are the movies i watch glorifying God?

BrotherD · Jun 13, 2019

NothingIsImpossible said:
This is one of those loaded questions where the poster often doesn't think of what this leads to. For example why are you online? The internet is full of evil God would not want you supporting the internet. By paying for it you are contributing to it. Do you own a phone? Clothes? Car? Home? So many of these things are made by abused poor people in 3rd world countries. Would God want you to support that?

Do you own a bible? Why? Would God be ok with endless amounts of trees being chopped down just to make a book? Or if you really wanted get deep, what does God think of your divorce?

My point being tv is not a sin. What is a sin is turning it into an idol. If you skip church because the night before was some movie you wanted to watch until 1am, perhaps tv has become an idol.

Now if we are talking the semantics of "What would Jesus do?", He would not be on this forum or using technology at all.

I always say for those 100% against tv, if you want to be true to Jesus, you need to move to a cave with nothing. Not even clothes or food. No tools. No tech. No tent. No bucket...etc. Because living in a cave and living off the land is the ONLY way to even be close what Jesus would approve of given you would avoid the world entirely.

However there is even one flaw with that. Salvation. How can we spread the Word if we live in a cave and don't interact with anyone?

None of this is to say we should just watch any tv "just because". We should have boundaries. No shows with the occult, nothing with a ton of swearing, nudity, gore...etc. Maybe that won't leave much but its safe(ish). I also believe the Holy Spirit will let you know if you are doing something you shouldn't. Though those who are luke warm probably don't notice what the Holy Spirit is saying because they may not truly believe in their heart and hence the voice is just a bunch of background noise.

God mad sex good between a married man and a woman, but man uses it for fornication. God made clean and unclean meats, but man eats what the Lord calls unclean. God is Creator of ALL THINGS. We wouldn't have anything if the Lord didnt create the materials that goes into those items.

Psalm 101:3 KJV — I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

In his Kingdom, not mans, it will be no wickedness, not even a little. We are called to live holy lives: 1 Peter 1:16 KJV — Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

My divorce was because of my hard heart, but i know the Lord forgives if we turn away from sin and seek his face. Anytime you watch your show ask yourself, Does this glorify the Lord? Will this please him?

A life without tv is a step in the right direction. I am learning what he means by:

John 8:36 KJV — If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Just things to think about my friend.

SamanthaAnastasia · Jun 13, 2019

I try and be like a little child. I like to watch cartoons or tv shows that I could watch with children.
If I watch tv that has extreme sinning in it (my husband is a nonbeliever), I try not to judge the characters. However, to state that tv itself is the problem is the same mindset that all entertainment is wrong (books, art, etc).
Also, the website is quoted by saying these things among others:
1.
Practically all precepts of the Roman Catholic religion contradict the Bible repeatedly. In this article, we are going to examine a few Roman Catholic doctrines and compare them with the Authorized Version of 1611 of the Bible. The Roman Catholic church is the largest cult in the world and most preachers will not openly say so because it is so large.
From:
www.jesus-is-lord.com/cath.htm
2. have you ever wondered how the microwave heats when there is no fire in it? One day I thought about it and learned how microwaving causes physiological changes to the blood. That food in the grocery store just looks good--some of it, like margarine--even animals will not eat (e.g., our dog won't drink reconstituted powdered milk (just smells it and walks away) but will drink regular milk and canned milk). After a spreadable margarine product turned into what looked and smelled like car oil (after it had burned on my stove), I stopped using it. By God's appointment I soon found out that margarine is a synthetic food...White flour has to be "enriched" because the most nutritious part of it, the germ of the seed, has been ripped out so that it will have a longer shelf life. Manufacturers pour lab "nutrients" into the flour and call it "enriched" instead of "stripped".
From have you ever wondered how the microwave heats when there is no fire in it? One day I thought about it and learned how microwaving causes physiological changes to the blood. That food in the grocery store just looks good--some of it, like margarine--even animals will not eat (e.g., our dog won't drink reconstituted powdered milk (just smells it and walks away) but will drink regular milk and canned milk). After a spreadable margarine product turned into what looked and smelled like car oil (after it had burned on my stove), I stopped using it. By God's appointment I soon found out that margarine is a synthetic food...White flour has to be "enriched" because the most nutritious part of it, the germ of the seed, has been ripped out so that it will have a longer shelf life. Manufacturers pour lab "nutrients" into the flour and call it "enriched" instead of "stripped".
From have you ever wondered how the microwave heats when there is no fire in it? One day I thought about it and learned how microwaving causes physiological changes to the blood. That food in the grocery store just looks good--some of it, like margarine--even animals will not eat (e.g., our dog won't drink reconstituted powdered milk (just smells it and walks away) but will drink regular milk and canned milk). After a spreadable margarine product turned into what looked and smelled like car oil (after it had burned on my stove), I stopped using it. By God's appointment I soon found out that margarine is a synthetic food...White flour has to be "enriched" because the most nutritious part of it, the germ of the seed, has been ripped out so that it will have a longer shelf life. Manufacturers pour lab "nutrients" into the flour and call it "enriched" instead of "stripped".
From
Jesus -is-Lord.com: Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way to God
3.

Many church people are quite literally magicians and devil worshippers in training.

Warning: To endure, God's people must obey the Authorized Version of 1611 of the Bible only and accept accept no new "techniques" e.g., eastern "meditation", yoga-type practices, repetitious "prayers" (actually mantras), etc. God's people simply read the Bible (Authorized Version of 1611) and obey it.
From the index page listed in #2.

So, I would take this website as a whole with a bit of discernment.

Archivist · Jun 13, 2019

BrotherD said:
Nothing wrong with the weather. You can check that on your phone.

So don’t watch television, instead consult the internet, which is far worse than television in terms of sex and inappropriate contentography.

You can also do whatever you please.

Yes, I know.

The news is a tool to manipulate and divide. It does nothing for the growth of the Kingdom of God.

That hasn’t been my experience with local news. Yes, I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God. I am also a citizen of the republic, which means that I need to keep up with what is going on with our government in order to make informed decisions in elections. Where I live our legislature is currently in special session. I am closely watching our local delegates; if they don’t vote the way I want them to they will not be getting my votes in the next election.

Gregory Thompson · Jun 13, 2019

BrotherD said:
I got this from this website
Jesus-is-Lord.com
I agree with everything written

Christian, do you have a television in your home?

You do? Why?

If Jesus came back tonight, do you think He would be happy to find His army staring glassy-eyed at some flesh-pleasing trash being pumped out of Hollywood into the minds of His soldiers?

Have you ever stopped to think about that thing that you stare at night after night, day after day, year after year?

Did you spend more time on your television today than you did on your knees or reading your Bible?

You did? Why?

Do you allow your children to sit hour after hour, day after day, year after year in front of a boob tube?

Why?

Would you invite Satan to come into your home, sit down in your living room, talk, tell jokes, show evil pictures for hour after hour to your wife and children? Would you invite a sex pervert into your living room to brag to your family about his or her "alternate lifestyle"? Would you let a drug-pusher come into your home and give everyone in your household a drug that would dull their mind, make you forget God, make you feel nice and happy and stupid, day after day, year after year?

Isn't that what many Christians do [by watching mindless television]? Are you one of them?

If statistics are true (and every one knows they lie), then 97% of American homes have a television in them. Have you wondered why that is so? Does your preacher ever mention it?

I wonder why not.

What does God say about it?

In the second epistle of John, verses 9-11, we read:

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

The Word of God tells us to not invite someone into our house who abideth not in the doctrine of Christ.

Do the people on your tv screen abide in the doctrine of Christ?

Do you think that those actors and producers out in Hollywood love the Lord and abide in His doctrines? Maybe you think so. I don't. Friend, you don't have to be in Hollywood long to realize what kind of a place it is. I lived there once years ago, and I don't think it has probably changed much. It's not the kind of environment you want to bring into your living room everyday. In fact, those Hollywood people who pump out their programs into your household hate the Lord and despise His doctrines and blasphemously mock Him. Should ANYONE give ear to their programs? Millions do -- Christians among them! Why is this?

Do you think that the sponsors of television programs tell you the truth in their advertising? You don't? Then why do you sit there listening to LIES?

The Law of God tells us that we should not covet. Now what do you suppose is the purpose of ALL advertising you see on tv? Is it to encourage you to a simpler lifestyle? Is it to make you content with the things that God has blessed you with? Does it make you want to sell ALL and follow the Lord with a whole heart?

Remember the sin of Achan. He brought destruction on his entire household by coveting a goodly Babylonish garment (Joshua 7:21).

Psalm 101:3 says:
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Is your tv a "good thing"? Do you think that if the Lord Jesus were here on earth today, He would sit and watch the things you watch?

In 2 Corinthians 6:17, the Bible says:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you...

Friend, are you being separate when you sit in front of your tv? Do you think that the shows you watch on tv are "clean" by any Biblical definition?

Walk down your street sometime at twilight. Look at the houses you see along the way. What is that glowing thing in the living room of house after house of Christian and non-Christian alike? Who are these zombies transfixed by staring into its flickering glare?

"Well, what about Christian programming?" I hear you say.

Well, what about it? Is it really Christian? Is it necessary? Is it for you?

"Well, I know someone who was saved by watching a Christian program." Well, fine. Now that they're saved, there's no reason to go on watching it, right? The Lord has better things for them to do from that point on than to sit and gape stupidly at their television set any more.

"Well, what about the news? How am I supposed to know what's going on in the world if I don't watch the 6 o'clock news?" you say.

Friend, do you really think that the 20 minutes of non-advertisement time in the 6 o'clock news is pure and objective? Are the values of CBS, NBC, CNN, ABC YOUR values? Do they honor God? It seems to me that these networks, in their news presentations, are among those who call evil good, and good, evil. They are very powerful in shaping people's attitudes, Christians and non-Christians alike. You need to be very wise to withstand them. There have been dramatic changes in people's attitudes toward sin in the past few decades. A lot of this has come from constantly breathing the poisonous atmosphere of television.

Friend, God tells us in His Book, that we should "redeem the time." I think that has a special application to this time in which we live and our television watching. Get into your King James Bible, get down on your knees in prayer, lift up your hands in Holy praise, don't waste your time and the Lord's time glued hour after hour to your tv.

...Television is like any addiction -- once you go for a few weeks without watching it, you'll soon forget all about it -- it's really the easiest of all addictions to break, which is all the more remarkable considering how many people are snared by it.

Friend, I ask you to examine your attitude toward tv watching. Go to the Lord and ask Him what you should do about it. Listen carefully to His answer, and then if He tells you to unplug it and hide it in your closet, then DO IT! If He tells you to take it out to the dumpster, then DO IT! If He tells you to warn your friends and co-workers and fellow-church members about it, then DO IT, but not until you have resolved this important issue in your own life first.

God wants us to lead pure and holy lives. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (I Timothy 6:11.)

And may the Lord richly bless you

One thing I've noticed in the bible is that it speaks to the philosophy of its day in the different books.

By ignoring things that people are talking about, it kind of turns the religious community into a leper colony that only cries out "unclean! unclean!"

However, if we are not familiar with what people are talking about, we will be excluded from conversations, not for the gospel's sake ... but for the sake of being ignorant.

Jesus meant better for us.

doctorwho29 · Jun 13, 2019

BrotherD said:
I agree its not the tv itself, but how it is used. The sins that keep us from a relationship with our Lord, is the same sins people act out in movies. Just ask yourself this question, Are the movies i watch glorifying God?

They relax me, they help me work and do chores (sort of like turning on the radio during work), sometimes they broaden my mind so yes I'd say so. Also Ecclesiastes says "there is a time to work and a time to play." A little recreation, as long as it's wholesome, it not bad

Should Christians Watch TV?

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