Violence, Sex, and Language. How Does it Sound to You?

Bible Class with Rev. John Bundick. Not sure exactly how he does it, but even when we talk about goofing off with fireworks, movies, and Band of Brothers he gets me thinking.

Today, in Bible, Shepherd (a nickname for John we got from a movie called Serenity) started talking about his childhood and compared his to some of our stories. I shared a couple of my little bottle rocket stories, and Austin shared many memories of Roman Candle jousting with 2 Go-Karts. Shep told us about his experiences shooting fireworks accidentally across a lake at a camp, and we all shared a laugh at his expense, fully welcomed by the big teddy bear teacher telling the story. We soon moved on to his top 5 movie choices, and which movies he would or wouldn't see again.

I had already been piqued about this topic (no, not fireworks) so i was ready for another long thought process. One of the most famous movies that has come out within the last few months is based on a graphic novel. (I have not seen the movie, so I'm only using word of mouth to describe how I'm feeling on this subject.) Watchmen is this movie. I have heard many tales of nudity, brutality in the violence, and other extremities in the film. I have chosen not to see it because of personal conviction, but this blog isn't supposed to be bashing a movie.

The point is Christians: how far is too far? What movies should we expose ourselves to and what movies are allowed? Is there a limit for Christians on a rating? Should the Bible say "No Rated R Films!"? I have personally watched quite a few "R" rated movies, not feeling too convicted about most, but the root of the problem is a cultural difference. In Europe, it is less acceptable to watch violence than sex. Sex is no big deal in the continent. Here, sex is extremely less acceptable than violence. We should just block out secular media. Who's joining me?!!

False. Media, as said by our teacher today, which was a compilation statement of many of my own thoughts, is our way of reaching the culture. As a culture in the United States, we tell stories to get points across. They're fun, easy to tell, and easy to relate to. How can we tell stories without knowing what stories are accepted by our culture? This is in no way giving Christians, or good-hearted non-Christians the right to go out and corrupt their minds. The only thing I am being told to write is this: Discretion.

Some people have so much discretion that they won't have a radio or a television in their home. I won't do this when i get older. I plan on owning both! I love music so much, and I love movies and television as well. I can't say that I rely on television like I had as a child, because I have many other social opportunities, but they're still nice to have in case of emergency. Focus on what discretion is! Discretion as a Christian isn't blocking out media, but it's knowing what aspects affect you as a person the most. I personally am not hindered by action/violence or language in movies. I am affected, however, by sex scenes, dark references, horror, and even partial nudity (little clothing on). I will see most movies, but if I find out about a long sex scene, even though my first instinct is "Oh boy!", I won't see it. It's our Christian duty to be in the world, but not of it.

I want to convict my fellow believers of this: Discretion. Don't shut yourself out. Know what you're most affected by, and avoid it.

The Storm Front.

Tonight for a sort of end-of-the-year stress relief, a couple friends and I, Jacob Singer and Nathan Gross, joined our dear senior friend and chap, Austin Sisson, at his residence for a lovely dip in his pool and to watch "The Terminator" in honor of the newest addition to the series. After downing a couple glasses of water in Austin's recently discovered massive martini glass, we began to make our way outside.

Whilst outside, we sat on the stone wall above the sidewalk next to my parked car. We just talked, made jokes, and bonded together. Jacob was texting his lady-friend somewhat often, so we kind of ignored him when he did.

After it started raining, the three of us sat in the front seat of my car, and i was debating calling my parents to ask if i could stay longer, but out of respect of the hour (11 O'clock) i resisted. At first, my thoughts were, "I'm going to miss this when Austin's in college..." Then it started to rain hard, and i love driving in the rain, so we took off, leaving Austin to get back into the house in the downpour.

After dropping the junior higher off (Jacob), i proceeded to my own home. Halfway home, the rain stops and i put my window down. I look off to my left due to a large truck turning slowly at the intersection i was stopped at to see one of the most amazing 4 seconds of lightning i have ever seen. The sky was lit on fire, and the only thought in my head was, "Oh Lord, look what you can do."

Arriving home somewhat replenished, checking my rear mirror for more of the show i had witnessed before, i get out of the car, and the first place i went to after setting my stuff down was the front sidewalk. I saw another incredible display, and immediately my mind set off. What have i been doing? Even tonight? I finally realized the sin that i've been wading in for so long, but i can't stop. I have let myself slip into the abyss of my own sin, not even considering forgiveness. How can i think about where God wants me to go without first coming to God on my knees. I fell to the ground, banging bone on brick. My knees cried out in pain, but i stayed still. I prayed, "God, what the crap am i doing?" I know it's prayer, but that's what i thought, and God would know if i softened it for Him, which isn't just courtesy, it's dishonesty of what i've been thinking in my perspective. "How did i get so far lost in this sin that i can't see a problem with it?" In man class, we have talked about Job, and i assume you know the story. "Job didn't curse you, forget you, but he bent down to you!!" My hands fell before me, and my eyes toward the bricks below me; the bricks filling up with light for what seemed an eternity. "After what you saved me from, now i'm wallowing in even more filth. God save me!"

I'm saved by the world's standards. Saved meaning going to heaven. I'm going to heaven without this sin, whether it hurts me now or not. I didn't give it up tonight, but I am getting help from my Savior, my friends, my family, and you. Please pray for me; I need it so desperately...

-Jolly Jon-