Sarah147 Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 (edited) I think if any show causes you to sin or temps you, you shouldn't watch it. I think that varies by the person. Some really don't even notice the bad stuff going on in it, while others get jumpy about it. I used to get quite jumpy when I was scrupulous, whereas now, I don't notice everything going on. I don't watch certain things like MTV and VH1, etc. Some stuff out there is just worthless. Edited July 7, 2011 by JoyfulLife Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MithLuin Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Watching EWTN 24/7 would be sinful because [i]THERE's PROBABLY SOMETHING ELSE YOU SHOULD BE DOING[/i]. So, yeah. Anything can be a problem, simply by quantity, or how it draws you away from your family, etc. It's good to take breaks from TV every once in awhile to break the habit of just watching it because it is there. This is probably the biggest problem with TV for most people, not specific content. Though content can be an issue, too. Any TV show that makes you hot and bothered is being used by you as pornographic material, and is thus inappropriate - flee! A lot of the 'will they or won't they?' plot lines are designed to draw you in to caring about whether or not a couple kisses (etc). It's very easy to care a little too much about what fictional characters are doing in their bedroom after you've watched a show for awhile and become invested in the characters. So, monitor yourself, and if something seems wrong...change the channel. I also prefer the dead body shows to the sitcoms, and partly this is because of the murder mystery aspect....but certainly then you wind up with lots of bizarre (and quite evil) situations that led to the dead body in the first place. And even those shows thrive on a subtext of office romance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysophylax Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 (edited) We watch mysteries, like Nero Wolf (very good and usually hilarious! Great detective, but he refuses to ever leave the house and he likes to cook) and Poirot (although, some scenes in some of these are not so good). These are great! We have found both detective series to be hilarious and great fun. here's Nero: [img]http://image1.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2010/207/55535312_128027958060.jpg[/img] and Here's Poirot: [img]http://static-cdn.guyanapublications.com/images/2010/12/poirot.jpg[/img] Edited July 7, 2011 by Chrysophylax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cherie Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 [quote name='Era Might' timestamp='1309983740' post='2263743'] In some cases I think you're right that nudity and sex are used just to excite passions. But I think in many cases it's more of an artistic intent, along the lines of realism and the attempt to say what you mean, depict how people actually behave without dancing around it, etc. I think of a movie like "A Clockwork Orange." A very brutal and explicit movie, but also a brilliant movie in my opinion. It's tough sometimes...great works of art that are not easy from a moral perspective. I think some Christians probably cannot handle those kinds of works of art, and some Christians can. I think it's important to recognize these issues without becoming prudes or moralizers who cannot bear to admit that anything untoward exists in the world, or that we can't learn from those things. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, as Our Lord says. [/quote] I don't know, it's a good question. I've never seen "A Clockwork Orange" but I'm certainly not against the portrayal of "heavy" subjects. Oftentimes its how these subjects are dealt with in film that draws the most inspiration. But is it [i]ever[/i] ok to show nudity in a sexual way? I'm of the opinion that no, it's never ok. In the film medium especially, I think its sole purpose is to excite our passions and is at the very least an occasion of sin, if not more. I can't think of a single instance in which the blatant portrayal of sexual nudity has added anything to the story that an "implication" of sexual activity (without the nudity) couldn't achieve, especially in regard to the morality of it. But it's a good discussion, and if you can think of one, please, I'd truly like to be enlightened. That also opens up another question - is it right for us to take part in or laud "great works of art" that are immoral? My opinion is no. I think the immorality of it "trumps" any artistic value. There are plenty of works of art that don't need to be immoral, and it is my opinion that the moral value of a work of art should be the first thing considered before its artistic value. But this, too, is a good discussion. In regard to these discussions I am always trying to find what is the best and closest to God's will, and I like to hear opinions from others in order to better inform my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penguin31 Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 I dunno, most of my time gets spent watching the Game Show Network, so what do I know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 [quote name='penguin31' timestamp='1310073875' post='2264121'] I dunno, most of my time gets spent watching the Game Show Network, so what do I know? [/quote] i would have thought it would be M*A*S*H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClareOfAssisi Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 [quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1310073072' post='2264114'] I don't know, it's a good question. I've never seen "A Clockwork Orange" but I'm certainly not against the portrayal of "heavy" subjects. Oftentimes its how these subjects are dealt with in film that draws the most inspiration. But is it [i]ever[/i] ok to show nudity in a sexual way? I'm of the opinion that no, it's never ok. In the film medium especially, I think its sole purpose is to excite our passions and is at the very least an occasion of sin, if not more. I can't think of a single instance in which the blatant portrayal of sexual nudity has added anything to the story that an "implication" of sexual activity (without the nudity) couldn't achieve, especially in regard to the morality of it. But it's a good discussion, and if you can think of one, please, I'd truly like to be enlightened. That also opens up another question - is it right for us to take part in or laud "great works of art" that are immoral? My opinion is no. I think the immorality of it "trumps" any artistic value. There are plenty of works of art that don't need to be immoral, and it is my opinion that the moral value of a work of art should be the first thing considered before its artistic value. But this, too, is a good discussion. In regard to these discussions I am always trying to find what is the best and closest to God's will, and I like to hear opinions from others in order to better inform my own. [/quote] I agree with everything you have said here. I can honestly do without that kind of "art" in my life. It's also good to see other people with the same beliefs regarding nudity and sex in movies etc. People treat me like a complete freakazoid for having beliefs like this . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 [quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1310073072' post='2264114'] I don't know, it's a good question. I've never seen "A Clockwork Orange" but I'm certainly not against the portrayal of "heavy" subjects. Oftentimes its how these subjects are dealt with in film that draws the most inspiration. But is it [i]ever[/i] ok to show nudity in a sexual way? I'm of the opinion that no, it's never ok. In the film medium especially, I think its sole purpose is to excite our passions and is at the very least an occasion of sin, if not more. I can't think of a single instance in which the blatant portrayal of sexual nudity has added anything to the story that an "implication" of sexual activity (without the nudity) couldn't achieve, especially in regard to the morality of it. But it's a good discussion, and if you can think of one, please, I'd truly like to be enlightened. That also opens up another question - is it right for us to take part in or laud "great works of art" that are immoral? My opinion is no. I think the immorality of it "trumps" any artistic value. There are plenty of works of art that don't need to be immoral, and it is my opinion that the moral value of a work of art should be the first thing considered before its artistic value. But this, too, is a good discussion. In regard to these discussions I am always trying to find what is the best and closest to God's will, and I like to hear opinions from others in order to better inform my own. [/quote] I completely agree. I am completely turned off by shows that include sexual content to excite viewers. It never adds to the storyline and is completely unnecessary. A lot of the actors get involved in these scenes and it gets sinful, especially when nudity is involved. God calls us to steer clear of occasions of sin that can excite our passions in an evil way. There is never a need for this. I'm thinking along the lines of the completely heinous show, Nip/Tuck. Every single show is rated NC-17 or M because every single episode includes nudity and sex scenes that are quite graphic. It is late night porn, in my opinion. Where do the TV producers draw the line? No wonder so much of America believes it's OK to engage in premarital sex or masturbation. It disturbs our morals. I hardly ever watch TV except for a few hours in the evening, and when I do, it's mostly cooking shows, game shows, PBS, and a few tasteful sitcoms. I believe in custody of the eyes. The eyes are the gateway to the soul and no one needs to watch such trash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Era Might Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 (edited) [quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1310073072' post='2264114']But is it [i]ever[/i] ok to show nudity in a sexual way? I'm of the opinion that no, it's never ok. In the film medium especially, I think its sole purpose is to excite our passions and is at the very least an occasion of sin, if not more. I can't think of a single instance in which the blatant portrayal of sexual nudity has added anything to the story that an "implication" of sexual activity (without the nudity) couldn't achieve, especially in regard to the morality of it. But it's a good discussion, and if you can think of one, please, I'd truly like to be enlightened.[/quote] I think the way I would approach this question is to say: who are artists? We shouldn't confuse artists with Saints. Oftentimes a great artist is also a great sinner. Or if not a great sinner, they may see the world in a way that is very different from how a Saint would see the world. I think when Christians get all uppity about an "immoral" movie, they are trying to unite two very different worlds. The art world is not the sanctuary. There are Christian artists, but being an artist does not necessitate that one be a Christian, or even that one be virtuous. So, I would agree with you that from a Christian perspective, it is hard to justify explicit depictions of sexuality. But I don't think art can be judged as though it is the domain of Christianity. So on the one hand, I have no problem with Christians avoiding certain works of art because of "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." But at the same time, I am not someone who would support Christian moralizers pedantically "protesting" a work of art. If you think certain works of art should be avoided, then avoid them. But when Christians try to turn the world into a monastery, they're just being fools. Evelyn Waugh (who was very much a Catholic writer) has a funny letter where he talks about two scenes in "Brideshead Revisited" where he tries to depict sex: [quote]I feel very much the futility of describing sexual emotions without describing the sexual act; I should like to give as much detail as I have of the meals, to the two coitions -- with [Charles's] wife and Julia. It would be no more or less obscene than to leave them to the reader's imagination, which in this case cannot be as acute as mine. There is a gap in which the reader will insert his own sexual habits instead of those of my characters.[/quote] [quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1310073072' post='2264114']That also opens up another question - is it right for us to take part in or laud "great works of art" that are immoral? My opinion is no. I think the immorality of it "trumps" any artistic value. There are plenty of works of art that don't need to be immoral, and it is my opinion that the moral value of a work of art should be the first thing considered before its artistic value. But this, too, is a good discussion.[/quote] I cannot deny truth, and I think there are many great works of art that may be immoral but still truthful. Sometimes the immoral works of art are more truthful than the virtuous works of art. That's part of the paradoxes of art. I wouldn't say every Christian can bear to confront this kind of art. Maybe you had to be a great sinner to appreciate it, and when you become a Christian, you cannot forget what you know. Other Christians may have never "known the world" the way a former sinner has, and so those Christians may not be able to bear the truth of immorality in art, or they may not be able to balance art's truth, immorality, beauty, falsehood, etc. Of course, this is all very vague. I am very much sensitive to the danger of scandalizing people. But it's a rough and tumble world out there, and it's not for the faint of heart. If you can handle it, then there is a lot of truth to be found even in works of art that are "immoral" in some sense. [quote]In regard to these discussions I am always trying to find what is the best and closest to God's will, and I like to hear opinions from others in order to better inform my own. [/quote] These kinds of discussions are the reason I stick around Phatmass. I wish we could have more of them. Edited July 7, 2011 by Era Might Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debra Little Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 (edited) yeah i really wish they'd get rid of that croutons. the old shows without that stuff were more interesting. look if you've seen it once you've seen it a thousand times. besides it's disgusting and sinful when done publicly. Edited July 7, 2011 by Debra Little Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seven77 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 the other day I was watching the Disney Channel with one of my young relatives, and I couldn't believe the masked sexual references that made their way into a seemingly innocent albeit very lame sitcom… now there's a even show about vampires marketed for younger audiences and it saddens me to think my 10 year old cousin is being exposed to all that mind rot. what happened to all the cartoons and really enjoyable family entertainment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cherie Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 [quote name='Seven77' timestamp='1310141481' post='2264484'] the other day I was watching the Disney Channel with one of my young relatives, and I couldn't believe the masked sexual references that made their way into a seemingly innocent albeit very lame sitcom [/quote] Yeah, Disney Channel will be off limits for my kids. And if that seems like, "Oh my gosh she is such a prude!" I'd ask you to watch one of those "innocuous" Disney channel shows and tell me if you'd want [i]your[/i] kids to grow up watching that. If so, to each his own - but I know I don't want [i]my[/i] kids watching that. And Nickelodeon is owned by MTV, and for years now it's been like a mini-MTV anyway. I'm a big fan of censoring and monitoring TV and internet for children, because it was the way I was raised. We were never allowed to watch MTV growing up, and even though it set me apart from my peers and may have been awkward for me at some points growing up (particularly before I took my faith seriously), I have thanked my mom countless times for that because I can see how I was spared from those bad influences. So yeah, Focus on the Family's [url="http://www.pluggedin.com/"]Plugged In[/url] is a big resource for me. I think they do it very well - tells parents exactly what a TV show, movie, video game, or music album contains, gives them a general opinion on it, and then lets the parents ultimately decide. They're very objective and come from a well-informed Christian worldview and intelligently review the material, avoiding extremes like, "You can't watch it or you're going to hell," or "Everything is fine, times are changing." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seven77 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Another good resource to use is [url="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/"]common sense media[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaladinSoG Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 (edited) I suggest My Little Pony.[img]http://powet.tv/powetblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/my_little_pony_friendship_is_magic_group_shot.jpg[/img] Edited July 8, 2011 by PaladinSoG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wikitiki Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I mainly get my entertainment off-television, either online or by DVD/tape. It's mainly because most of the shows I like (Tiny Toons, Animaniacs, Alvin and the Chipmunks (the cartoons, of course), El Tigre) don't air anymore, but it's also nice to control basically every aspect of what I watch. Television-wise, Phineas and Ferb is pretty amesome. Most of the "adult references/jokes" are just references to older things (movies, people) that kids probably wouldn't know much about because it was before their time. And the protagonists are just so completely genuinely good-hearted. There's some violence every now and then, but I don't think a platypus secret agent beating up a mad scientist is very easy to imitate. But Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil is one of my favorite shows ever so I'm not sure how valid my opinion on children's entertainment is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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