Hypocritical?

[SputnikBoy]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

 

[bibleberean]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

You raise a good question and I don't have all the answers.

I watch movies and buy DVD's and sometimes I think I am wasting my time and watching things I shouldn't.

I admit that this is an issue I have wrestled with quite a bit.

What is you take on it?

I am not being sarcastic. I am really interested in what you think.

I might learn something.

I have to leave for the moment but I will be back tomorrow.

 

[Windozer]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

Well I do not watch TV. Nothing wrong with it. Its just if I have it I end up watching to much of it. I have a TV and a VCR. and have not turned it on in well over a year.

Perhaps this is evidence, that this deliverance from sin thing isn't working as well as some would like us to believe?

Seasons Greetings.

 

[SputnikBoy]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

You raise a good question and I don't have all the answers.

I watch movies and buy DVD's and sometimes I think I am wasting my time and watching things I shouldn't.

I admit that this is an issue I have wrestled with quite a bit.

What is you take on it?

I am not being sarcastic. I am really interested in what you think.

I might learn something.

I have to leave for the moment but I will be back tomorrow.

Well, if there is such a thing, I’m a ‘partial hypocrite’ in this respect since I rarely go to see a movie at the theater these days because I don’t want to publicly support them. But, I do have quite a selection of DVDs, a few of which contain at least some of the elements I mentioned in my OP. Several years ago I would not have entertained ANY movie that contained sex scenes and/or bad language for those reasons alone. I recall on a number of occasions arguing quite publicly in the video store with my son over a movie that he wanted to watch that I would not allow in our home …mainly because it contained bad language.

However, like most everyone else it would seem, I’ve conditioned myself over the years into believing that I’ll miss out on some otherwise pretty good stuff unless I make some kind of compromise. I don’t have any DVDs that one would consider ‘raunchy’ as such but I do have a couple that I would not invite members of my church to watch with me, mainly because of the occasional bad language. This doesn’t seem to bother many people these days but I still cringe when I hear bad language when other Christians are around …not so much if I’m alone.

I guess the reason I have such an aversion to certain vulgar language is because I find it disrespectful, offensive, and totally unnecessary. If someone speaks to me in dialogue that is peppered with vulgarities they are either displaying ignorance or/and lack of respect for me as a person. I wouldn’t speak to them in such a manner. I ignore it for the most part because it might well be a case of ‘they know no better’ but I don’t much care for it as a form of entertainment. I CAN control that. But, as mentioned, I occasionally compromise for the reason given. That is, I might miss out on something that is otherwise worthy of watching.

As for sex scenes in movies, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any such scenes that actually contributed to the storyline itself. I believe they were inserted for no other reason than to titillate the viewer. Hollywood once had a strict policy that it would not contribute to the lowering of public morals and standards. Sadly, it no longer honors that policy and the reason it doesn’t do so is because WE have given our approval by supporting almost everything it churns out. We sit in church on whatever day we choose to sit in church listening to the Word of God. That very same evening we welcome into our lives the very things we would have rejected in church. What is wrong with us?

 

[SputnikBoy]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

Well I do not watch TV. Nothing wrong with it. Its just if I have it I end up watching to much of it. I have a TV and a VCR. and have not turned it on in well over a year.

Perhaps this is evidence, that this deliverance from sin thing isn't working as well as some would like us to believe?

Too true. And we perhaps need to acknowledge this.

Oh, and Seasons Greetings to you too.

 

[Merry Menagerie]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

What do you mean by 'support'?

 

[Lewis]

No TV for over a year''''' wow.

 

[Free]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

I think it is because too many either don't read Scripture, don't take it seriously, or forget what they read because they do not meditate on it. It is only through regular prayer and meditation that one truly changes.

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Eph 5:16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Phi 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

1Jo 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

 

[SputnikBoy]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

What do you mean by 'support'?

Whenever we go see a 'questionable' movie (the type as listed in my OP), rent it out, purchase it, merely watch it, we support it.

 

[Agarash]

Whenever we go see a 'questionable' movie (the type as listed in my OP), rent it out, purchase it, merely watch it, we support it.

I think this is a very tough issue, yes we are not off this world, be sure are in it. and we are set appart yes, but we are.. as i said ... still in it. I dont see any use of trying to AVOID all commercial entertainment just because it might contain violence or sex. but we must try to control it in our own lives for as much as possible.

what im trying to say is, we need to project the light of Jesus to the world, and obviously we cant do this if we are filled with sex, drunkeness, violence and such. so we need to cut this out of our lives where WE CAN. Seeing as the world is filled with it, we will find it VERY DIFFICULT to avoid it completely.

 

[SputnikBoy]

Whenever we go see a 'questionable' movie (the type as listed in my OP), rent it out, purchase it, merely watch it, we support it.

I think this is a very tough issue, yes we are not off this world, be sure are in it. and we are set appart yes, but we are.. as i said ... still in it. I dont see any use of trying to AVOID all commercial entertainment just because it might contain violence or sex. but we must try to control it in our own lives for as much as possible.

Not going out of one's way to avoid commercial entertainment is one thing. WELCOMING these things into our homes via DVD is yet another. And it’s THIS that I’m talking about.

what im trying to say is, we need to project the light of Jesus to the world, and obviously we cant do this if we are filled with sex, drunkeness, violence and such. so we need to cut this out of our lives where WE CAN. Seeing as the world is filled with it, we will find it VERY DIFFICULT to avoid it completely.

But in the form of entertainment we can't seem to get enough of the things you mention. In fact, I find this acceptance of all things ungodly such a serious issue that it throws everything that such Christians might have to say on other 'moral' issues on this board into disrepute.

 

[Merry Menagerie]

How come so many Christians support violence, sex (of any description), rape, asininity, profanity and obscene language - in fact everything they claim to be against - with their entertainment dollars? I’ve been trying to fathom this out for ages and haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone can help me.

I can’t imagine this thread going the distance since the theme doesn’t seem to be an issue with Christians. Why is it not an issue?

What do you mean by 'support'?

Whenever we go see a 'questionable' movie (the type as listed in my OP), rent it out, purchase it, merely watch it, we support it.

So who is the author of what is 'questionable'?

 

[wavy]

So who is the author of what is 'questionable'?

The Word.

Sputnik, I admit, this is something I think may need to be taken into consideration.

People usually push this stuff off as no big deal because it destroys their whole life; as far as how they want to fit in and as far as what they want to do to please themselves.

 

[SputnikBoy]

The biggest problem I see with many Christians (and I include myself in this group at times) is in the discerning of what is appropriate and what is not. Many Christian 'finger pointers' seem to be totally oblivious to the fact that their favorite TV show - Sex in the City, for instance - gives them no right to point the finger at anyone else.

So - and this is my main point here - as long as we accept the immoral and banal junk put out by Hollywood, it would appear to disqualify us from moralizing against anyone else on this board. As soon as we do we become a hypocrite.

Before this thread drops into oblivion, are there any more thoughts on this important topic? Any ideas - other than joining a monastery and becoming a monk - how we rectify this situation? Are we - or most of us anyway - wolves in sheeps clothing?

Note: Obviously, not everything Hollywood puts out is in the above category but much of it is. This is where discernment comes into play.

 

[John the Baptist]

So - and this is my main point here - as long as we accept the immoral and banal junk put out by Hollywood, it would appear to disqualify us from moralizing against anyone else on this board. As soon as we do we become a hypocrite.

*****
'accept the immoral and blanket junk..' ???

John here:

Personally speaking it seems that what need to do is 'shun every appearance of evil'. I find the thoughts here kind of strange for one who has a first love for Christ. Do I need to say that the News is all that one might watch on T.V.? Surely a person might watch a couple programs like the Ten Commandments. If they believe in them, huh?? (there is even enough garbage in that with commercials & all) And movies? My wife & I have not been to a movie since before we were baptised some 35+ years ago. It just does not seem like a place that Christ would go??
And, don't laugh, but how much does it cost for a seat there, today?? :wink:

And we have one VCR & two recorders that are used for the Lord's work only. Never have viewed anything on them but sermon material. And a family gathering or two perhaps?

And the computer here? It is constantly getting bombarded with virus stuff that Noris removes. And some that I just delete. Now, what do I say to the questions you pose??? Again, we each will have to answer to our Master ourselves, individually. And He asks of us to keep His commandments if we love Him. And we do love Him! We both do not have any desire to do things that might not even seem questionable for others to do, yet, for us it might put us into a place of wilful temptation! See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. (or cause a 'child' to stumble) We both realize where we came from before becoming Born Again Believers.

I have always believed that we are to shun every appearance of evil. Why?? That is the motive that should be asked of oneself.
****

Before this thread drops into oblivion, are there any more thoughts on this important topic? Any ideas - other than joining a monastery and becoming a monk - how we rectify this situation? Are we - or most of us anyway - wolves in sheeps clothing?

****
John here:
Wow! Do we really want to take the bait on that one??? :fadein: 'monastery'? Is that a safe place to be??? :o

I have given many bible studies over the years. Yet, in todays setting (time) I would not enter a home for bible studies without my wife. Why? Several reasons come to mind of which any one is a good enough one to follow. And it seems that Christ's method was by sending His own out in pairs.
****

Note: Obviously, not everything Hollywood puts out is in the above category but much of it is. This is where discernment comes into play.[/color]

****
John again: How would I know that??? Does one search for one good orange in a basket of all bad & smelly fruit? Even given a recommendation of a topics worth, who or where does the recommendation come from???
Most realize that we think that we are in the last days of Revelation 17:1-5, if so, what kind of movie would these ones endorse?

 

[SputnikBoy]

SputnikBoy: Obviously, not everything Hollywood puts out is in the above category but much of it is. This is where discernment comes into play.

****
John again: How would I know that??? Does one search for one good orange in a basket of all bad & smelly fruit? Even given a recommendation of a topics worth, who or where does the recommendation come from???
Most realize that we think that we are in the last days of Revelation 17:1-5, if so, what kind of movie would these ones endorse?

I'm not totally sure where you're coming from, John. But, what I see in regard to this issue is the absolute impossibility for any of us to avoid the ungodliness that permeates our daily lives via the entertainment media. We not only can't avoid it unless we throw out all such electronic devices that deliver the 'ungodliness', we are also in a constant battle between discernment of right and wrong and usually give in to the latter.

While I'm the one who raised the topic to begin with, I'm also the hypocrite who at one time would never had allowed myself to become caught up in the very stuff that I now - albeit reluctantly at times - on occasion submit to. I am still opposed to sex, violence and profanity via the entertainment media and I WILL avoid contact with these things where possible.

The main problem I see, however, is that I seem to be a lonely beacon among a vast sea of others who are accepting of these kinds of things without question. I sometimes hear of a specific DVD containing the particular elements I speak of that the church youth may have watched during a 'church youth night out'. I think and say, "Huh, what?" Most of these young Christians are so conditioned that they don't even understand the response, "Huh, what?" They simply give a puzzled look that says in return, "What's the problem with you?"

I still maintain that, as long as we Christians are caught up in the themes, the tone, and the language of present-day Hollywood, then we have no business pointing the finger at others we might perceive to be caught up in specific sins that we don't like. We all know who we are and we also know whether or not we're being hypocritical.

 

[John the Baptist]

SputnikBoy: Obviously, not everything Hollywood puts out is in the above category but much of it is. This is where discernment comes into play.

****
John again: How would I know that??? Does one search for one good orange in a basket of all bad & smelly fruit? Even given a recommendation of a topics worth, who or where does the recommendation come from???
Most realize that we think that we are in the last days of Revelation 17:1-5, if so, what kind of movie would these ones endorse?

I'm not totally sure where you're coming from, John. But, what I see in regard to this issue is the absolute impossibility for any of us to avoid the ungodliness that permeates our daily lives via the entertainment media. We not only can't avoid it unless we throw out all such electronic devices that deliver the 'ungodliness', we are also in a constant battle between discernment of right and wrong and usually give in to the latter.

*******
Me again: First off 'we' are in the battle, ok? Not you & me only, but all of God's children. (NOTHING HERE PERSONAL)

Here is my take on this:
We are seen in Romans 8:1 with No Condemnation. Perfect, not under the Law. But the Law is still there for us to transgress! I do not know what all of God's first sermon was covering on that first Sabbath day after the 'perfect' pair were created? Yet, surely it was one of warning to stay 'away from the serpent'! (the forbidden ground)

[Me] again as seen in Romans 8:1's PERFECT! OK?
But now I use all of the past stops that one has posted, or are they just excuses to do as I crave, or that I am inquisitive about? (or whatever?)
I mean like.. Lord, I am in the garden with this forbidden tree & You put it in the middle of our space!! And we are to replenish the earth!!???

Or, just maybe God told them about all the glamour of hollywood's temptation?? Or at least the Ecclesiastes 3:15 parallel. You know, some good? Ten Commandment movie?? (+ a slight chance of more profession for 'some truth' at least? and from these ones perhaps of Revelation 17:5 even???)

By the way, we have all of this Truth DOCUMENTED before our eye's in the Word of God for knowing all of this, even if Adam did not know it!! which I doubt very much!

Master I am perfect we might again say? And You have told me that this 'serpent' at this forbidden tree was also 'perfect' when you created him before he fell! And surely he is no match for me, I am still PERFECT! And look at the good that he could share with me? You told us that he was a one time covering cherub over the 'Mercy Seat' in the MOST HOLY PLACE in heaven. And that this Royal Universal Eternal Covenant was UNDER THIS MERCY SEAT INSIDE OF YOUR ARK! Revelation 11:19.
Hebrews 13:20
And surely it is You that are giving us some of these Hollywood 'little bits' of good mixed with all kinds of the serpents other stuff, huh? Or Lord, I might just learn some truth from his vast knowledge that You have told us that he had possessed?? or Lord, I am (was) just inquisitive!!? :roll:

And no, we might not even go to the movie house to pay for this stuff, but the devil brings it right into the home that we invite the Master in???

This is where I am coming from.

---John

 

[Windozer]

And no, we might not even go to the movie house to pay for this stuff, but the devil brings it right into the home that we invite the Master in???

No John the devil does not bring it into your home. It only arrives in your home when you turn on the switch.

 

[John the Baptist]

And no, we might not even go to the movie house to pay for this stuff, but the devil brings it right into the home that we invite the Master in???

No John the devil does not bring it into your home. It only arrives in your home when you turn on the switch.

*****
Hay, I stand corrected only if I know what is or might be coming presumptuously beforehand??? Psalm 19:13 Having a T.V. to watch in itself, is by no way sinful.---John

 

[John the Baptist]

By the way, is there any 'cautious' difference to be seen between the Revelation 17:1-5 movies of today, than 'some' of their professed religious forums 'posts' of today? Compare Genesis 4:7's hot 'desired' ones??

Especially flawed are the sites posted up against Truth by some, which these ones do not even believe! then they refer you to feast your eyes on the stuff, huh? :o

How is todays society any different than the days of Noah, (Genesis 6:3) S.& G., (Genesis 19:24-26) Christ's day, (Matthew 23:3) and the END?2 Peter 2:14-22 And this is where we are at in histories repeat!!! This is the Godheads last day Movie.

By the way: There is a major diffenance, do you know what it is?? :wink:

---John