Well... I was recently talking with DH about TV shows and the choices we make about TV ....

He was sharing with me... that when he was a little boy and he was watching a TV show or movie with his parents ... if there was a sex scene or something like that, his parents would ask him to leave the room... But of course they stayed and watched.

He tells me he thought it was then allowed and ok for "adults" to see those kind of things but he wondered why? ...

DH says how important it is for us.... as parents to be... to give a clear message about what's right or wrong and explain to our kid or kids, when they come, about why things are not good for us to see... or be part of.

I really admire DH because I honestly used to think different in the past... I thought just because a person is married... they could now see those type of "scenes" and it would be fine.... But why? Is that really necessary? Why would it be ok for us to see other man and woman having sex? That should be kept for the bedroom of a married couple....

And then even in some churches they teach you weird stuff... I remember there was a church I went where they recommended the married couples to watch the Kamasutra video and stuff like that.

Now that I am married... And there is any sex scene we change the channel or simply stop watching the movie.... How could we watch those things (in our personal case) without them affecting our minds? Or keeping images?

We are also being very selective with the shows we watch... Because ... when you least expect it... you are already laughing and "celebrating" sin.... I don't want to seem judgmental... or anything... But I just notice that the more "bad" things we see.. the more normal they seem... it is so easy to slip... and feed the already strong flesh with things that are not good for you....

I don't know what your opinion is about it... but I would like to know... I just feel even a greater responsibility now that I am pregnant ....

Thanks

"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." Proverbs 4:24-26

Paloma.

I completely agree with you. I don't think those kinds of things are good for anyone to watch. And it makes me mad when they ruin a good movie with raunchy stuff, bad words, or excessive violence. The Bible tells us to think on things that are good and pure and thats hard to do if your filling your head with garbage.

It is easier said then done. It's hard to find shows with nothing bad in them, and for a time I just gave up on tv all together. Right now we don't have cable or satalitte or anything and I don't miss it. We can watch some stuff on the computer or on a rare occation something looks good rent a movie, but we used to spend far too much time watching tv, so I'm glad it's gone.

Another thing is, it desensitizes you to sin. You start thinking sin "isn't that bad". It can seriously hinder your desire for God, and desire for purity. It really can change you.

My mom was super strict about what we could and could not see, and at the time it annoyed me, but now I'm thankful for it. Now I realize it wasn't an easy thing for her to do, and I respect her for it.

I agree with you of course....

And not only it isn't good for us as "adults" ... it says something very weird to our kids... we say it's wrong but we do it....

As I say I am not trying to judge anybody... I still struggle with TV and my choices there.... sometimes I find myself laughing and enjoying with something that isn't good....

But, we are trying... and trying.... to get better at it...

Paloma.

I totally agree. We should hate to look upon sin! We should strive for our eyes to be as holy as God's. We can't avoid everything, but, that doesn't mean we should take pleasure in it!

1 Peter 1
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Habakkuk 1
13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil,
And cannot look on wickedness.
Why do You look on those who deal treacherously,
And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours
A person more righteous than he?

In David Wilkerson's book, Set the Trumpet to thy Mouth, he has a list of 51 scriptural reasons not to watch TV. He also talks about how it's one of the biggest hinderances to the revelation of the Holy Spirit (for example, we spend our time watching TV instead of seeking the Lord, we have difficultly listening to God because we are too busy listening to the TV, etc, etc).

And it's not just sex. It's violence too. And all other kinds of sin... if we enjoy watching violent shows we should really ask ourselves why...

Psalm 11:5
The LORD tests the righteous,But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Well I suppose I should stop there or I'll end up posting the whole bible.

Anyhow, we stopped watching TV a long time ago but we finally got rid of the bulky thing a few weeks ago... I'm so glad. [claploud] The only thing we sometimes watch is like the news on the internet...

wow! ..... well... I don't think we will get rid of TV... we really enjoy watching some TV shows that are good and renting movies ... BUT I admire what you guys did! .... I think it's awesome....

I honestly think we can't get rid of everything that can be a bad influence...(speaking about our kids) because they will have to deal with it.... like TV, internet and stuff like that... but with our teachings and example I think we can prepare them so they can make good decisions....

I really admire you guys... :D

Paloma.

P.S. Cheeseburger: What a wonderful and delicious nick-name you have.... I am craving a cheeseburger now ... :(

Philippians 4:8 is pretty clear that we are to think upon things that are pure, lovely, of good report, etc. That includes adults as well as kids.

My DH and I personally do not have a TV and have never had one in our 2 1/2 years of marriage.

We are thinking about going TV free. There is just too much junk on there and I agree that you become desensitized once you are exposed to it on a regular basis. I will admit to being drawn to shows like Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. But, I have been convicted for several months about watching them. So, I have decided when the new season returns that I am not going to start watching them again.

We had no TV for a long time and we all survived. Right now, my oldest ds cannot function if the TV is on. We joke about it a lot but it's true. If you speak to him, he can't hear you and if you ask him to do something while the TV is on, all you hear is "wait a minute". So, yeah, we're headed that way.

Yes I know... TV can make people disappear.... LOL! ... When my sister or my dad are watching TV they both look the same way .... it's even funny... you can be talking to them and they won't even blink!

That's why my parents don't have cable or anything like that either...

Congratulations to all of you who are also trying to win the battle against TV :)

And I agree is not just sexual stuff... all the violence and language... is awful!

Blessings

Paloma.

We don't have a TV and neither dh or I grew up with one. We don't think it is a good influence to have around. Even if the show is good, frequently the commercials are raunchy. We do not watch anything we don't watch with our kids. They are 6,4, and 2. We think it sends a mixed message as to what is right and what is wrong. If it is bad for them to watch, how could it be good for us? The Lord has the same standards for us as adults as He has for us raising our children. We do get DVDs from the library, but if it something we haven't seen before, I screen it to make sure it is ok, Even some, so called, kids shows are really crude and inappropriate. We want to be really careful that we set a good example for our kids and watching things we wouldn't let them see sets a different standard depending on age. I don't think that is a good idea.

I'm just going to be the voice of a different oppinion- just so it's represented here. This is actually kind of like a thread that was posted before so, many of you already know what I'm about to write=)
I don't agree that we have to watch just what our children watch. They are developmentally in a different place. I don't thoroughly enjoy Barny but, weirdly they love him? Why, cause it's geared to them. Vice Versa I think it's fine to explain to a child that this is a grown up movie. Not all grown up movies are things that are "wrong" but, they sometimes have themes that would just bore a child- like we get bored with barney=) I also think that I can watch a sex scenes (dh and I do have certian standards based on our own understanding of what causes us to stumble), and certainly can watch violance that my child can't handle. With these I feel it's perfectly exceptable to explain to our daughter why she can't watch with us. She seems satisfied as she has "her movies" and we have "ours" and now Brandon has his ie. baby babble- Emme doesn't like to stay watching that like he does cause it's geared toward him and she understands that (she says they are baby movies=). I think that my parents let me watch things they shouldn't have when was young especially in the area of sex. Some of those images stuck with me. We're pretty careful about what we expose her to now that she's getting older. I totally get the thought behind what you're trying to say, like I said, I'm just throwing out the opposing view point so it's represented=) For us- we base our ristrictiveness on what we know about what causes us to stumble. For us- movie watching is a huge part of how we build inroads to our unsaved family and friends. Like our son is named after a friend of my husband's who is not saved and gay. He's a great guy but, we wouldn't have a chance with him if it weren't for our connection which is paved with movie and tv show watching=) My husband has had many oppertunities t present the gospel because of that friendship. Same with many of our family. I just think you gotta choose what's best for you and your family (sounds like you are) but, it's a gray area and a matter of conviction not biblical absolute IMHO=) -ren
just wanted to add that my convictions used to be much more stritc until dh came along. he was the one to point some of these thoughts out to me as your dh is doing with you and so, for us it really comes down to being in line with our husband's convictions. -ren

We have a TV, but no cable or Dish so we only use it for movies we rent. i get my news on the internet. It saves so much time, I can hop on my local news website and scan through the headlines and weather in just a few minutes rather than sitting like a potato in front of the TV wading through boring stuff and commercials just to hear what I want. We just watch movies we all enjoy. With work, my school, kids' school, church, kids activities, I don't have time to watch TV. I enjoy renting a movie once in awhile, but we do that mostly in the winter because in the summer we enjoy sitting outside, playing outside, gardening etc.
When we visit my parents or my husband's parents, we get a big dose of cable, I love food network, my girls like Noggin & Nick Jr. and my husband likes RFD : )
But otherwise, life is so short. I don't want to waste too much of my time veged out in front of the TV.

Well... I think nobody is saying here that we have to watch Barney and the kids have to watch a documentary on the Mexican Revolution LOL! :D

I think we mean that what we watch should be ok for our kids to watch .... Meaning... that if we have to cover their eyes why wouldn't we have to cover ours??? We forget how delicate things are... we forget how bad it was for people to see the "nakedness" of their father or mother IN THE Bible... I don't think it's ok to see other people having sex... what's the purpose? What would we learn about it? The movies and shows have just been getting "better and better" at being explicit with the scenes.... when in the past ... sex was just implied by "fading" or just because they kissed and they would go to another scene... you knew they had sex.... but you didn't actually have to watch it... now it seems to be ok for us because we are so mature...

It's everybody's personal conviction though... In my personal opinion I still think it is wrong... :)

I honestly cannot say it doesn't affect me to watch sex scenes... I am not in that High spiritual level yet... even the "mildest" sex scenes can make me think things I shouldn't .... I think the flesh is weak enough on its own :D

I just think.... would Jesus stay and watch??? Would he be ok with the apostles watching those type of things? OR just because we are in modern times things "are ok" to do now?

When I think that Jesus is within me and His Spirit too... I know there are so many things that I have allowed that I shouldn't have... and not only about TV but many other things...

:)

I used to think like Ren.... I honestly did... I thank God for Giving me such a wonderful husband... who covers his eyes or changes the channel or definitely turns off the TV when there is something too... "adult" .... I really understand there is no need to put those scenes inside my head.... :D .... I used to think it was ridiculous.... Now I admire it...

And please don't take me wrong... I am not trying to judge anybody... just like I haven't feel judged here... we can all express our opinion and disagree in love... that's the beauty of these forums...

Paloma.

It's everybody's personal conviction though...

And please don't take me wrong... I am not trying to judge anybody... just like I haven't feel judged here... we can all express our opinion and disagree in love... that's the beauty of these forums...

Paloma, I wonder, though, if it's not even a question of agreeing or disagreeing. People have to walk in the light the Lord gives them and allow others that same liberty, I think. As we walk with Him, He is faithful to bring any issues to our attention that need tweaking. :-D

Paloma, I wonder, though, if it's not even a question of agreeing or disagreeing. People have to walk in the light the Lord gives them and allow others that same liberty, I think. As we walk with Him, He is faithful to bring any issues to our attention that need tweaking. :-D

Yes I think so too!

....

didn't I explain myself right? It's so hard sometimes to explain in English... I wish I could write in Spanish... and not only that... but sometimes writing and not hearing what the person says can lead to confusion... maybe I am not understanding what you mean... LOL!

But... I think you are right....

I think that's what I meant too...

I don't know if the words agreeing or disagreeing are properly used in this case but I think they are ... maybe I didn't explain adequately what I meant... :P

I mean... that even in the things we disagree in the forum we should be still in peace with each other... and Love each other... And I think we all do... and that's what's great about it here.

And the growth that God gives to each person is individual... I don't know if I am making things more confusing LOL!

:D

If only my Spanish were as good as your English, Paloma! :-D

If only my Spanish were as good as your English, Paloma! :-D

LOL!

Well... Thanks... I've spoken English since I was about 15 years old... But there are things that I still don't know if I am understanding the way people mean them LOL!

Sometimes that happens to me in Spanish too.. when it's all written communication .... ;)

:D

Paloma.

Definately agree with what Madre said. I know you arent judging. I find it interesting to talk about this sort of thing usually it can lead to heated debate but I think discussing it in a mature way can be helpful in understanding each other. I think madre ws giving another side of the story. Ive debated over this issue since having kids. We do have programs grown ups watch and stuff kids cant watch. Stuff dad likes to watch, dvd's like 300 or Alien movies. Kids cant watch that. Altho I did let my 7yo watch Aliens v. Pred with his dad. its a lad thing, horrible monsters and such. Ive lightened up, ever so slightly, with violence but sexual content is something I cannot abide myself, so no way are my kids watching it. Like Madre said, we all walk in the light and liberty we are given by Christ. I didnt think you came across as judgemental. And knowing Madre, I dont think she was accusing you. Just pointing out the other side of the coin.

that's all I was doing too- pointing out the other side of the coin=) totally just disagreeing in love=) I'm not at all offended and just checking in to make sure I didn't offend cause no matter how hard I try, I usually come off way more harsh and intensely than I mean to;) So, that you know dh and I look away if a scene pops up that would cause us to stumble. If fact dh laughs at me in the rare occation that a more guy explicit scene comes on and I have to look away. Girl explicit scenes are way more common and he often is the one turning his head. For us it's just a matter of not feeling like we have to throw out a whole movie because of one or maybe two scenes. We, veiw each show and movie individually and according to our own weaknesses and we hope that we can impart that ability in our kids. Cause even if you boycot the TV you have to be able to walk out in the world and be responsible for what you do with what you might be confronted with that might cause you to struggle. I always think of those verses where Jesus goes to wash the feet of the disciples and Peter missing the point says- no wash my whole body and Jesus tells him essentially- you've already been cleaned that way you only have need of having your hands and feet cleaned. That to me says that having trusted Jesus I'm cleaned all over, being out in the world walking and working can sometimes get my feet and hands dirty and that's what confession is for. We have personal standards for sure but, like I mentioned before watching movies and tv is a huge part of our "walking and working" in the world to get the oppertunity to witness to people who in our lives would be turned off by a stand against tv. Big brandon wouldn't even give us a chance if we made that kind of a stand and for me, seeing him saved is way more important than avoiding things that aren't as clean as they could be. Though, I completely understand that if God is leading you and dh the way you are going then that'll be how he's able to make you a better witness to the people in your lives who need Jesus. Here again- just throwing out the other side of stuff cause I think weather it's a question of growth or where we're at in maturity or just different convictions (I really don't know what)- we're both making a heart felt, thoughtful disicion based on our love for the Lord- just coming to different conclusions and how could I be angry at you anyway when you're so stinking cute? Honestly=) But please know, I'm not hotly debating just attempting mature discussion=) -ren

We have run the gamut. For awhile we put our TV in the closet. Almost never got it out. I threw away a TON of videos when the kids were smaller. I struggle with Phillippians 4:8...and what it means to me and how we should apply it to our lives. :???:

I think that there are different seasons and different moments and points in our sanctification process...and that each family and individual is different and will make different chioces. That doesn't mean one is right and another wrong, but that we are listening to Jesus and because of where we are and how He wants us to go where we are going our choices look different. I also know that men often have a very different less sensitive view about TV and its effects than women seem to have-at least that has been my experience-especially about violence.

I KNOW that children should not watch sexual scenes before they are mature enough to understand them as it can cause psychological issues and even aberrant behavior if exposed to it young.

We got the TV out of the closet. We enjoy watching movies. We now fast forward through any inappropriate scenes or briefly turn the channel if it is on TV. So hubby and I don't watch either...I have explanied to the children about sex and how it is a lovely thing between a married comouple, how it is even a holy thing between a married couple-but that it is a personal thing and we shouldn't be voyeurs. They are of course all teens now...which makes a big difference.

I tend to be the one who speaks up and asks, "I wonder if watching this is a good idea." and often hubby will then say, "Probably not" and turn it off or turn the channel...It is so difficult to be in this world and not OF it. Prayer, humility, keeping your eyes on Jesus, and trusting Jesus with the completion of the good work He began in you...knowing that your choices will all work together for good-and that He will lead you and guide you...it is a daily battle against the enemy to hear that still small voice and not let it be drowned out by the world. [halo]

Ren: :D

I don't think you offended anyone... I think you expressed your opinion :D ... and don't worry... many times I tend to sound harsh even when it is not my intention :D

....

:D

....

Luvmy4sons... I agree with you a lot but there are things that... well... I was just thinking... there are things that we have to be strong enough to say they are wrong... I think there are too many problems for not being able to stand and say something is wrong... it's not just a matter of "Well, that's the way you think, I think different" ... If we think something is wrong we should be able to say it... still loving the person... of course each family will make different decisions... but it DOES mean that some are right and some are wrong.... but that's why we should keep reading the Bible and praying... having a close relationship with GOD and He will lead us to what is right... There is too much "respect" now days for what is WRONG... nobody seems to be able to say something is absolutely just wrong...

I like my pastor because he is not afraid to say when something is wrong... of course is not a popular church... not a big one either... everybody prefers to hear just nice things and ... well.. many people like it when a pastor leaves "room" for you to think what's right or wrong... there are to many gray areas... of course the final decision is independent, free and ours... but we should know ... "This is life... this is death.... what do you choose?"

I don't know (again) if I am making any sense...

I know it didn't mean to say that "nothing is right or wrong... " but I just thought about it... because I think many times we all misinterpret the "freedom" that we have in Jesus... the "liberty" that we have in HIM.... we are free to be HIS slaves... His followers, to continue growing.... we are free FROM sin.... are free to choose... to choose what is right... we are free to be the salt and the light of the earth... we are free to use our freedom as an example for others to grow... we are free to not be ruled by the world... we are free to be different... we are free to be more like Him... our Father....

We are all still growing... and when I write about all this I am speaking about my own struggles.... my own weaknesses... my own sin..... I am not judging anyone...but I hope I find in this forum sisters who love me enough to tell me: "Paloma... that is absolutely wrong! it would be your decision but we love you and let us tell you: God is not pleased with that!" ....

:D

Love you all!!!!

I might have sound harsh and is not my intention... I just thought I should say that we should all be brave enough to say when something is wrong... if you think people might be offended... don't worry ... at least I won't be... if you correct me based in the Bible and to make me better and help me grow... I will love you and appreciate it even more".

...... Faithful are the wounds of a friend

Paloma.

P.S. I have to go.... Getting ready for church :D

I just wanted to share how I handled a situation on tv with my kids. Sometimes we will flip thru and if I am that fed up with children's tv but not quite ready to turn it off myself we will watch something like Montell Williams. There have been some tear jearker moments watching that show in our house! lol! So my kids thought it was alright to watch it when I was out of the room. Usually I will say otherwise but I never mentioned it about Montell. They put it on one afternoon and the subject of rape came up, and a young girl had been raped by this man. When I came in and it was finishing they told me what it was about, and I cringed and 'Whats ....rape?' was asked. I had to say it is when someone forces themselves on someone else sexually. They didnt know ALL the details about what sex or intercourse is so I kept it simple, keeping in mind their ages. I said sex is something special to be enjoyed between a husband and wife only. Rape is a violent act against another person, when the other person doesnt want to do it. These things come up! We've previously talked vaguely about where a baby grows, how it meets with the sperm from a man and the baby grows. I have not discussed the mechanics of sex to them. Dont think they are ready. Or Im ready. Whatever!! Anyway. That was a tv incident in our house and how we handled it.

Yes, Leslie, fme, I agree, boys love guts, violence, and horrible creatures more than girls and me. He can watch some things like that but usually movies like that have explicit sex scenes now a days. So up to now its been an absolutely NOT unless Ive watched it first and oked it. Dh knows the score, he's ok with that so. He's rolled his eyes at me more than once when Ive told HIM 'absolutely NOT!' lol.

We are all still growing... and when I write about all this I am speaking about my own struggles.... my own weaknesses... my own sin..... I am not judging anyone...but I hope I find in this forum sisters who love me enough to tell me: "Paloma... that is absolutely wrong! it would be your decision but we love you and let us tell you: God is not pleased with that!" ....

:D

Love you all!!!!

I might have sound harsh and is not my intention... I just thought I should say that we should all be brave enough to say when something is wrong... if you think people might be offended... don't worry ... at least I won't be... if you correct me based in the Bible and to make me better and help me grow... I will love you and appreciate it even more".

...... Faithful are the wounds of a friend

Paloma.

I think you can set your mind at ease on that note, Paloma. [hug] There are sisters here who will be very clear when someone is biblically off base. However, this tv/movie debate is not a new one on C'moms. In fact, when you have access to the other forums you will see a similar conversation "stickied" in the Controversial Forum.

Knowing Leslie, she is not advocating compromise in the Christian walk and she is one of those sisters who would "speak the truth in love".

It's not my intention to sound harsh either, but a thread of this sort can begin to take on a "one upmanship" sort of tone if we are not careful. The non-tv person can feel a bit more spiritual than the tv viewer who is viewed as kind of worldly. The tv viewer can feel like they are walking in more liberty than the non-tv person who is perceived as rigid. I'm not saying that this is happening, necessarily, but this type of thread can have those possibilities.

Yeah, for me I think this is one of those things that falls under, "all things are permissable, but not all things are expedient." If I watch to much bad stuff it hinders my relationship with God, and I don't want that to happen.

Just last night I was watching the notebook, and they started kissing, and I was pretty sure I knew where that was headed, so I paused it and told Timmy he should probably go play something for a minute. And he didn't want to. Then I realized I was doing it. I was trying to keep him from watching something I really didn't need to be watching either. So I just turned it off. Better to err on the side of caution. I still remember bad scenes from when I was a kid.. those things just stick with you, and you can't erase them once they're there.

Knowing Leslie, she is not advocating compromise in the Christian walk and she is one of those sisters who would "speak the truth in love".



No. Thanks dear friend. It's funny...I guess I have journeyed long enough to see where God has gently led me through some of my choices. I can see that often I did not recognize that someone else could not see things the way I saw them because their hearts were not ready for it. That is because I could look back in my life and see a time when I too was not ready for a message.

When it comes to applying biblical principles in this world to habits and choices I try to be careful to apply them only as God has spoken to me because I don't know what work He is doing in someone else's heart. I don't know what they can hear and what they won't be able to hear. I have a difficult time pointing to an activity and telling someone it is wrong for them to do it, because it might just be something that God is allowing for a reason and a good purpose in their life so that they can learn something. Abortion-sure. Murder-yes. But a TV show...not so clear. If that makes any sense. [lovewuvu]

I just wanted to make it clear that it is never ever ever ever every my intention to sound one-up-ish. I felt I had to clarify myself. I just wanted to give an example of how I handle situations in our home. I like doing that, never to sound uppity or what you said Madre. Im very sorry if I ever have come across that way. Ill be honest and say that Ive struggled with this and submission but we have come to a happy medium, finally are in agreement. Not only that but sitting and watching somthing my dh will be ok ith and I usd to say I had to leave the room or Id refuse to watch a movie flat out because I knew the content. He'd sit and watch it on his own. Ive relaxed quite a bit. I struggled because I didnt understand the liberety of Christ. I am still learning about it. I still struggle with it, having liberty in certain areas. I keep hearing Jesus saying His grace, His mercy is covering me. I beat myself up tho. Not just tv tho.

X-Posted with you Leslie, but that makes perfect sense.

It's not my intention to sound harsh either, but a thread of this sort can begin to take on a "one upmanship" sort of tone if we are not careful. The non-tv person can feel a bit more spiritual than the tv viewer who is viewed as kind of worldly. The tv viewer can feel like they are walking in more liberty than the non-tv person who is perceived as rigid. I'm not saying that this is happening, necessarily, but this type of thread can have those possibilities.

This is why I mentioned in my last post an acknowledgemnet of God's leading differently in Paloma's life may be how he's making her (or someone else with the opposing view point) a witness in their family and friends life. I mentioned it more to keep myself in check=) I agree with Leslie, it's seasons of life on this topic cause I have to say I believe it to be a gray area, a matter of conviction not biblical absolute. A little off topic- My senior year at the Bible institute I went to, one of the teachers challege us with a list of things we Christians do in relation to worship and daily living- not doctrinal things but, daily living. The challenge was to put each item in one of three catagories- Biblical Absolute (clear biblical verses that leave no room and are not gray), Personal Conviction (changes during life circumstances, spiritual maturity, personal understanding and maturity) and Personal Preference (the way you like things). At the time I was quite a bit more ridgid then I am now- this excersise was EXTREMELY influencial in my life. It caused me to look at things that I thought were Biblical absolutes and look at then again and say to myself, "oh, yah? prove it." The thought that things could be a Personal prefernce wasn't even on my radar. Example- at the time I think I put contemporary christain music in the catagory of conviction when it's really a matter of preference. I didn't agree (especially at the time) with every answer of hers that opposed mine but, time has shown me that not all my thoughts were as right as I thought they were. I now view alot of these "christian issues" through those critia. Is this a Biblical absolute? IMO- no. Is it a personal prefernce? well, I think the topic warrents a little more thought and self examination then generally given to a prefernce so, IMO- no. For me this topic comes under personal conviction. I throw that out so, you'll understand me a little better and also *sheepish* to give you something to think about. I wish I had that list- I think it would make an excellant thread. Maybe we could come out with one of our own though, I think it'd have to go under controversial=) -ren

Timmy's mom - I also have images stuck in my head from watching stuff my teen years I wish someone had forbid me from watching! My parents and friends parents thought we were being "silly teenage girls" when we would rent all 3 (that dates me!) of the Friday the 13th movies, and those stupid Freddie Krueger movies! How i wish those were never in my brain. Fortunately as I age, those gruesome scenes are starting to get fuzzy.

I think when deciding about what we spend for cable and movies out, we have to consider if we are being a good steward too. Dh and I just can't justify paying 40.00 a month of the money God gives us to bring cable/dish into our home. I also don't want the money God gives me going to evil production companies so they can bring more evil into our world. I also don't want to sound one-uppish either because i have a lot of room to grow in this area. I have a friend who will not get internet and uses the same argument. I see her point, but I obviously have internet : ) Just wanted to mention stewardship to get us thinking, praying and making good decisions about how we spend our $$.

Oh! he he ... I am just arriving and reading... and I just want to say that I love u all... and I am sorry if in this thread (or in threads in the future) I sound any aggressive... it will never be my intention...

:D

I thank God for all of you and I look up to you since many of you (or maybe all of you) Have of course more experience than I do...

:D

Whatever I said was never with any wrong intention ... I would never feel more than anybody here for watching or not watching... I watch TV all the time LOL! Maybe more than I should... I just think that it's very easy to "slip" when we think we are firm or strong in an area...

As I said in my first post... Many times I find myself enjoying things that I probably shouldn't

I think all of your answers are amazing and you know why in your personal life you believe either way....

Ok... I got to go again...

Kisses and Hugs

Paloma.

I think in a subject like this that isn't a "biblical absolute", we are given guidelines and they are very simple and clear.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all things to God's glory." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"For the rest, brethern, whtoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if any praise, think on these things."

I do believe there is room for personal decisions in the Word of God, but they must be made with the purpose of glorifying the Lord. He has given us His stardards for holiness and purity and we should use those to judge any decisions we make about what to allow for ourselves and our families. It doesn't really matter what another Christian thinks about what we have decided, what REALLY counts in what the LORD thinks about it and how it compares with His very clear standards. You will never, ever make a decision that every Christian thinks is right, but the Lord will guide us if we are careful to listen and read His Word. I'm not saying that we would never get guidance or help from another Christian, but the decision must be made by what we believe the Lord wants us to do, based on His Word. Not what another Christian thinks we should do.

Hope this makes sense.:-D

Jennifer

I think in a subject like this that isn't a "biblical absolute", we are given guidelines and they are very simple and clear.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all things to God's glory." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"For the rest, brethern, whtoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if any praise, think on these things."

I do believe there is room for personal decisions in the Word of God, but they must be made with the purpose of glorifying the Lord. He has given us His stardards for holiness and purity and we should use those to judge any decisions we make about what to allow for ourselves and our families. It doesn't really matter what another Christian thinks about what we have decided, what REALLY counts in what the LORD thinks about it and how it compares with His very clear standards. You will never, ever make a decision that every Christian thinks is right, but the Lord will guide us if we are careful to listen and read His Word. I'm not saying that we would never get guidance or help from another Christian, but the decision must be made by what we believe the Lord wants us to do, based on His Word. Not what another Christian thinks we should do.

Hope this makes sense.:-D

Jennifer

Bravo, Jennifer! You put that so beautifully!

I totally agree!!!!

[clapping]

The older I get, the less and less tv I watch. I used to be constantly plugged in!

Now, I am realizing how much of it is junk, and just a waste of my time. I watched soap operas for 15 years! One day, during a Bible study from Beth Moore, we were talking about p-ornography and how it can also be more 'subtle' things, and still just as bad. I was convicted in my heart that night to give up soaps. I realized that they were celebrating lying, sexual immorality, adultery, and other things that are sins. At first, it was really weird for me! Then after about a month I felt so free, so blessed, so thankful that I was not bound anymore to the soaps.

Something that helps us is TiVo. It lets you skip all the commercials, and watch what you intend to watch, nothing more. So there's no channel flipping and getting sucked into other shows or movies.

One of the things I detest most about tv is the commercials!! Talk about feeding greed and materialism and being in the world!!!!!!!

We won't get rid of the tv, we do have some programs that we like to watch, some video games we play, and we like to watch movies. But, we certainly have decreased the amount of tv we watch. Now if they only had Bible chapters on demand... that would be awesome, put on Mark Ch. 3 while you are folding laundry! [clapping]

Yes Rach! Exactly! .... the Bible says:

Ephesians 5: 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Of course the Bible won't mention specifically: DO not watch soaps or TV shows like this or that... 'cause there was no TV... But clearly speaks about not being partakers or even name certain things.... and ... those are the things that we should avoid on TV....

Rach: I loved your idea! LOL!!! IT would be great to have those channels :D

God bless u!

Paloma.