Watching Films Through Discerning Eyes - Part 2
How do you help your children use discernment in the type of movies they see, without preaching at them? We all know the human tendency to want to do something we're told not to do. Like when the sign on a door says, "Wet Paint" -- what do we want to do? Touch it.
Likewise with films. If we tell our kids we don't want them to see a certain movie, they'll become more curious about seeing it, wanting to know why it's a no-no. I recall so well when I was a young boy in the Catholic Church. I came across an article in our church's publication where the church officially condemned two movies -- "A Walk on the Wild Side" and "Never on a Sunday." I never did see those movies and don't plan to. However, hearing that my church said, "Stay away, verboten!" made me want to see them all the more. That's just our carnal nature.
So how do we encourage our children to let the Holy Spirit guide them as to what movies would be edifying to their soul and wholesome entertainment and what to avoid? When they're young, we're to be the gatekeepers -- being their guide while they're choosing a DVD at the video store or want to head to the theater. But when they become older teenagers, we can only control them so much.
Of course, the most important thing we could do for our older teens is to PRAY, asking the Lord to give them discernment and discretion as to what they see. And to have the strength to resist the peer pressure to see what "everyone else" gets to see.
Secondly, what if we discussed the messages of films at our dinner table? Not ranting and raving about how bad certain movies are. But instead, having a calm and rational talk about the messages we're hearing in films. And how we as followers of Jesus can filter through these messages through the eyes of Christ. I know from experience that if I got too preachy about media with our children , they'd get turned off. And yet I don't want to be silent about these issues -- even if I sound a bit prudish. As we all know, media has such a profound impact on our youth. We must not be passive and quiet about our Christian convictions.
What are your thoughts, fellow bloggers?
Jim
posted by Jim Clark @ 10:53 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Jim - IIRC, previously I've mentioned a book, The Marketing of Evil by David Kupelian. He unmasks some of the more subtle, but equally monstrous tactics used by the media, activist groups, films, et al with the end of changing our moral structure, with an end of accepting any and all activities. It's eerie. I highly recommend it. Not that well written, as far as skill is concerned, but the content is certainly a 'must read' for parents, in fact for all of us.
During my time with the Single Parenting ministry at Scott Memorial, a Christian child psychologist suggested that we not only limit TV time, [as a family decision, with each person having input, choosing one program that is favorite], and turning off the tv when agreed upon hour(s) had passed.
She urged us to sit down with our kids, watch a TV ad with them, then turn off the TV and discuss what the ad was trying to sell, what is their agenda and is it one that we feel would glorify God. [Aren't TiVo * DVRs great tools for parents these days!!] Giving kids a chance to dissect and ad or tv show, look for motives and aims of the presenters builds critical thinking needed by the kids, thereby helping them learn how to look critically at all movies, tv shows, magazines, books, you name it, from a God-glorifying POV.
It's such a tough world out there for parents and kids these days! Really tough.
You're great, Jim. Thank you so much for your blog time. You are such a blessing!!
GReat idea from that child psychologist, Kathy. Wish I had done that more with our kids. The insidious part of advertising is how subtle the messages are -- "you need this new car! Just go into debt for 5 years."
Advertising breeds discontentment with what we already have. As does trips to the mall.
I'd like to borrow that book from you. Thanks for your great comments, dear sister.
Jim
I think you are right on it Jim. We must first prayerfully petition the Lord to help our children (or students) have discerment in film choice. And what you said about modeling for them faith as it relates to choosing our entertainment--I think this is huge. No one wants to hear their "old" parents bashing the pop-culture of today. Instead, we need to be students of Christ and culture, always looking through the lense of Jesus.
Though I'm not a parent yet, I do work with students in ministry full time. And thus I am aware that my own movie choices speak volumes to kids in my care.
You're more than welcome to borrow the book, Jim. I'll put it in the car so the next time we coincide, or I'm near N. 10th I'll drop it off for you.
I'm so thankful you are one of our shepherds, Jim, so thankful to the LORD for your humble and constant striving to seek God's will, His face in everything you do and consider doing.
We are so fortunate, so blessed at Highland!!
Cody:
I thank the Lord for your work with youth. He is using you in ways you cannot ask or imagine to shape and influence these young people for His purposes.
You're right -- the type of films you see or don't see does impact your influence on those teens.
Do you ever have movie nights where you select a film that would be a great topic for discussion afterwards? How many times do we help those in our youth groups understand and wrestle with the worldviews bombarding them, and how to see the world through the lens of Christ, as you said?
Post a Comment
<< Home