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.