Christians And Viewing Violence

[Mike Wooldridge]

There's a current thread about Christians viewing sexual behavior in movies and on TV. Do you have the same reaction to violence?

[Robin Hatcher]

Great question Mike! A few years ago I was hooked on crime shows that were violent for TV at least. I had been convicted of the sexual behavior on TV before and allowed myself the "treat" of watching crime shows. Then HE had to go and convict me of that too... It was like this...should I be entertained by the things that Jesus died on the cross to forgive? Should I be entertained by the things that break Jesus' heart? I quit watching TV about two years ago because truly there was nothing at least on the four fuzzy channels we get worth watching. And giving up TV game me time for something I enjoy much more -reading! Our library has a wonderful supply of Christian books and often if they don't have it they will purchase it at my request.

I'm not saying its wrong to be entertained, but I do think we need to think about what we put in our heads because as the old saying goes "garbage in - garbage out."

My library also gets DVDs that we can borrow and I have borrowed some DVDs that should have been turned off and they were PG13 or less. I told myself that if I turned the volume down or did something else during the bad parts it was ok, but I think not. I've told myself that its ok if its just a little - is it?

Have any of you seen the story about the dad making brownies? Check it out here (http://www.godandscience.org/doctrine/brownies.html).

We really or at least I really need to consider what I allow to enter my mind and spend more time putting things of God into my mind. There are some neat movies out that encourage the Christian lifestyle.

We need accountability in many areas so we can grow to be more like Jesus and attract people to HIM.

[Terri Knoll]

that's one of the reasons I don't read the Old Testament :eek:

[Joel Merrill]

I agree with what Robin said. I also think that we can watch so much of it that we get hardened to pain, suffering and death.

I am especially concerned about the violence that children watch. They are learning to solve their conflicts and problems through violence. Hollywood is very anti-gun. They blame all of the gun crimes on the guns but it would help if they would quit making all those movies and TV shows about gun violence. While I'm on my soap box, you should walk through the video game isle of your local Walmart sometime and look at the types of games that are being sold to our kids. It's full of fighting, gun violence and violence toward women. If you go to a store that specializes in games, you'll see a lot worse.
Joel

[Barb Bouldrey]

I, too, am concerned about the violence our children are allowed to view.

When Stephen got his first Nintendo we would not allow him to have violent games. Every now and then he would borrow a game from a friend and bring it home. One day I stepped into the family room and he was playing a game where the hero walks across the screen with a machine gun and amunition across his chest, shooting down the enemy. The enemy would splurt blood and die, then get up again.

That game was quickly banned from our home. I could not control what games he placed when away from home, but I could control what games he played within our home.

And the same guidelines went for what movies we rented or viewed on TV.

One time he rented a Mel Gibson detective(?) movie that was part of a series. (This was after Stephen was married.) I sat and watched the ending with him and was surprised how many times Mel Gibson was attacked and should have been dead, but always came up without a bruise showing and nothing broken even though he was stabbed, shot, fell into a very deep pit, etc.

If the good guy wins in the end and is still walking and smiling, I guess some think it okay to watch all that violence.

I know it was a movie I would not have allowed him to watch when he was a child or teenager living in my home.

Adn I do believe that violent TV shows, movies and video games promotes violence in real life.

Barb

[Billy Cox]

As of this posting, this thread has only 5 replies while the thread on 'viewing sex' has 33. What better object lesson do we need? :)

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

I seldom watch TV, have never been to a movie, but sometimes see the commercials, or have read lots of things written by Don Wildmon about them.
I love to read, arrange flowers, study about the Civil War, do genealogy on the computer. I like politics, current events and History. I use to sew a lot.
Violence on TV, I don't watch. But, that is up to each person, what they feel OK watching.

[Jim Franklin]

I'll go along with Joel's rating of Robin's response. Should we not be saddened and revolted by violence and cruelty as heinous as Christ's crucifixion?

[Meghan Schoonover]

It sticks with me. Personally I can't watch shows like that, even ones like CSI that have a supposed reason (to solve the crime), b/c it sticks with me and I relive it in my brain. I especially can't handle violence against children. I once watched a CSI (I think) that had a lady who was delusional after she had a baby...it hit too close to home for me having had PPD after both my kids. I just sat there with tears streaming down my face but I could not turn it off, I was weirdly paralyzed. It was so, so, so awful.

[Cindi Hammons]

Okay, I've been thinking about this thread and I have come to a question in my mind. Does exposure to violence make us less of a Christian? Serious question.

I think not...and here's my reason. After reading Meghan's response, it hit me that some violence affect some more than others. The episode that she discussed had very little affect on me. Is it because I am calloused? No, it's because I haven't gone through what Meghan has gone through...therefore it doesn't affect me in the same way.

If the answer to my question is that, yes, exposure to violence does make us less of a Christian, then we need to start seriously campaigning to get all Christians out of law enforcement, social work, legal aide, fire fighting, etc. However, I don't think that is the answer. I think that there are certain people who can handle those jobs and do a wonderful service to the community...and remain good Christians. Other people could never handle doing those jobs and it would emotionally mess up their lives.

My point is this, I do think there is too much violence in the media (and I include news television as well as other media...not just CSI), and I do think we should shield our children from violence. However, I don't see a problem with watching CSI, or many other police shows. It is a personal decision.

I am very happy to see that the responses thus far have been saying that the decision is personal, and that our children should be shielded, because it would be so easy to fall into the trap of saying that "Good Christians can't..."

[Robin Hatcher]

Okay, I've been thinking about this thread and I have come to a question in my mind. Does exposure to violence make us less of a Christian? Serious question.

I think not...and here's my reason. After reading Meghan's response, it hit me that some violence affect some more than others. The episode that she discussed had very little affect on me. Is it because I am calloused? No, it's because I haven't gone through what Meghan has gone through...therefore it doesn't affect me in the same way.

If the answer to my question is that, yes, exposure to violence does make us less of a Christian, then we need to start seriously campaigning to get all Christians out of law enforcement, social work, legal aide, fire fighting, etc. However, I don't think that is the answer. I think that there are certain people who can handle those jobs and do a wonderful service to the community...and remain good Christians. Other people could never handle doing those jobs and it would emotionally mess up their lives.

My point is this, I do think there is too much violence in the media (and I include news television as well as other media...not just CSI), and I do think we should shield our children from violence. However, I don't see a problem with watching CSI, or many other police shows. It is a personal decision.

I am very happy to see that the responses thus far have been saying that the decision is personal, and that our children should be shielded, because it would be so easy to fall into the trap of saying that "Good Christians can't..."

Cindy,

I do agree that its a personal decision (everything we do is) and we need to seek God to find out what he wants us doing in each situation so that it brings glory to HIM.

I don't think there is a comparison to watching violence on TV and being a social worker, law enforcement officer, fire fighter, ect... Some people probably are not cut out for those jobs. My husband works at a psychiatric hospital and he takes abuse from patients that I'm not sure I could tolerate. Those jobs offer unique opportunities for ministry that may not be available otherwise. Again, we need to seek God in all we do because HE has great plans for our lives and HE has much to teach us about Himself and HIS love.

If we are inspired to love and serve because of something we see on TV then that could bring God glory. I'm certainly not pointing fingers because I don't have it all figured out. Discussing in this way is challenging at best especially when we don't really "know" each other (in many cases) or know where we are coming from or what we are struggling with or what God is attempting to teach us.

Seek God in everything!

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Admittedly, I haven't read this whole thread (or much of the one on sex either).

I got some (and I mean "some") flack a few months ago for showing a video in a worship gathering that included a murder, evidence of torture, and some pretty bloody graphic images.

It was put out by the Church of the Nazarene, produced by NMI Director Daniel Ketchum. I can't remember the name of it right now, but it basically told the story of a Columbian drug dealer/mobster who came to Christ in the Cali CotN. I don't often use video resources from the general church, and even this one was hokey at some points, but I appreciated that this man's whole life story was told, demonstrated, and then shown to be redeemed by Christ.

I still have no problem with having shown it in our gathering (we warned the parents of children).

Asking "should Christians view violence?" (or sex) just isn't a yes/no kind of question. (And I think the two questions are quite different.) But since this one is about violence:

Violence is a reality of the world, and I think followers of Christ need to walk through it sometimes. Even if we're just talking about viewing violence, I'd say that we need to experience it. I want my kids, when they have reached an appropriate age, to sit and watch things like Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, The Passion of the Christ, and such stuff with my wife and I so we can understand their meanings, their importance, and what does indeed go on in the world to be able to respond in a Christ-like manner. I don't want them to be ignorant of the world in which they are and will be living.

Certainly there is a major portion of our society that dwells on violence as entertainment and which should be avoided; but in my mind, to dismiss the whole of it as evil and unworthy of viewing is bordering on ignorance.

[Robin Hatcher]

The movies for NMI and movies like the passion of the Christ do have violence, horrible violence, but as mentioned they are reality. I do think we need to have an understanding of what Jesus suffered for us. I recently watched some DVDs from my library on some of the old testament heros and there was so much violence in them. I didn't feel convicted from watching them because it was giving me a better understanding of the Biblical times (and yes I check the stories against the Bible).

For me personally, I was letting crime shows take up too much of my time and I certainly don't need to watch them to give me a better understanding of the time in which I am living. I can read the newspaper or watch the news if I want more than what I'm experiencing. The crime shows showed horrific scenes that I truly don't need running around in my mind.

I agree with Jeremy that we can't toss everything out just because its violent, but I don't think I need to be entertained by violence. Now some of the movies and NMI promos that he mentioned I see as education. Christian education helps us to know where we came from, helps us to avoid some mistakes and or sin, and prepares us for the future. Consider American history, its quite violent, yet we still teach it in schools. Biblical history is quite graphic in both the old and new testament during wars or stonings or executions. The scenes where the baby boys are killed in The Nativity (movie) are gruesome even though they don't show the actual murders.

So for me and my children I'm attempting to avoid violence as sheer entertainment, but allowing violence for educational or spiritual purposes at times when I feel it is appropriate.

[Sue Pyles]

I agree with Cindi, but I am not a "violence" watcher.
I will watch an occassional CSI show.
I am personally all about Joy and Laughter. I am 99.9 % Sanquine
personality.
So...........there isn't a whole lot on TV I enjoy watching.
As a teacher, I do believe most of the school violence could be
directly related to the violence our students are exposed to in the home,
in games , movies and TV. Most students do not understand the finality
of death.
As a teacher , there are somedays I probably feel violent , but
that's when I quickly say one of those prayers that we aren't
supppose to be saying in school.

[Robin Hatcher]

As a teacher , there are somedays I probably feel violent , but that's when I quickly say one of those prayers that we aren't supppose to be saying in school.

I wanted to make sure you didn't think I was laughing at anything but the above comment :) Also I'm so glad that our public schools have Christian teachers.

[Joel Merrill]

Okay, I've been thinking about this thread and I have come to a question in my mind. Does exposure to violence make us less of a Christian? Serious question.

I think not...and here's my reason. After reading Meghan's response, it hit me that some violence affect some more than others. The episode that she discussed had very little affect on me. Is it because I am calloused? No, it's because I haven't gone through what Meghan has gone through...therefore it doesn't affect me in the same way.

If the answer to my question is that, yes, exposure to violence does make us less of a Christian, then we need to start seriously campaigning to get all Christians out of law enforcement, social work, legal aide, fire fighting, etc. However, I don't think that is the answer. I think that there are certain people who can handle those jobs and do a wonderful service to the community...and remain good Christians. Other people could never handle doing those jobs and it would emotionally mess up their lives.

My point is this, I do think there is too much violence in the media (and I include news television as well as other media...not just CSI), and I do think we should shield our children from violence. However, I don't see a problem with watching CSI, or many other police shows. It is a personal decision.

I am very happy to see that the responses thus far have been saying that the decision is personal, and that our children should be shielded, because it would be so easy to fall into the trap of saying that "Good Christians can't..."

I think there is a very big difference between having a job that prevents or helps to heal the effects of violance and watching it for entertainment. I sometimes watch documentaries about wars. I hate the violance but it is important to study history to learn from it and to realize that out freedom isn't free. But to watch a show or a movie that is pure fiction and the main theme of the movie is violance is unhealthy. Much of it is so graphic and realistic that it is sick in my mind to enjoy watching that sort of thing.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Phili 4:8

Joel

[Genevieve Boller]

But to watch a show or a movie that is pure fiction and the main theme of the movie is violance is unhealthy. Much of it is so graphic and realistic that it is sick in my mind to enjoy watching that sort of thing.


[/I]Joel

This is the core of the issue... violence in itself is less the issue than ENJOYING the violence.

That's the reason I hate the horror genre--the entire point of it is to glorify that which is inherently and truly evil. To find evil entertaining is very disturbing.

However, graphic violence that serves only to deepen our appreciation of the power of good (such as in The Passion of the Christ) or the need to prevent such violence in the future or present (as in movies about the Holocaust), can be good in small doses. We may turn our heads away during those parts (a good, healthy response!), but the violence isn't the end--it's only part of the means.

[Billy Cox]

I wonder which video game, movie or TV show gave Cain the idea to kill his brother.

[Meghan Schoonover]

I wonder which video game, movie or TV show gave Cain the idea to kill his brother.

:/ I think we're all well aware of the violence in the OT, some of which is incomprehensible to me (like the bear killing the boys who teased Elisha b/c he was bald). I think the issue here is more one of entertainment, no?

[Billy Cox]

:/ I think we're all well aware of the violence in the OT, some of which is incomprehensible to me (like the bear killing the boys who teased Elisha b/c he was bald). I think the issue here is more one of entertainment, no?

If we want to talk about whether we should find violence entertaining, then that is worth talking about.

If on the other hand someone wants to argue for a causative relationship between entertainment violence and real-world violence, all I have to do is point out that extreme real-life violence predates contemporary entertainment.

I could even suggest that fantasy violence serves as a safe release for violent impulses and I would have at least as much evidence as those who blame video games for societal violence.

[Meghan Schoonover]

Sure, I understand, Billy. I say the same thing about mental illness and out-of-wedlock pregnancy...it's happened all along.

I did want to address the "differences of being affected by violence" comment. I do think this is *very* true, which is why I used a specific episode and how it related to my understanding. I don't have, for example, the same visceral reaction I did to that show as a rape victim could have to the many, many, portrayals of rape on TV. In a sense, I'm the "weaker brother" in specific cases, but I had only used that to illustrate how sensitive to visual violence I am, and the replaying of those tapes in my head. I do not have the same reaction to, say, reading a murder mystery. So *for me* I must avoid those types of shows to avoid dwelling on them, reliving them, and being paralyzed by the violence.

[Gina Stevenson]

I wonder which video game, movie or TV show gave Cain the idea to kill his brother.


Have to add that while this is humorous, plus thoughtful, in spite of Cain not having such influences, the same enemy that influenced him (& I'm sure you'll agree, Billy) is just as happy to use today's societal mechanisms to influence evil actions as he was to use the sacrificial system/plain old jealousy to snare Cain.

But it was a good one ... like one of your ilk (not meant in a bad way, fellow "Far Sider") would think of! :laughing

Oops! My comments don't fit in as well as if they were just under this comment (as I tho't they were, the window having sat open for a few hours before I got back on & answered this) ... prior to its turning back down a more serious/intellectual road. Sorry, folks.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Maybe God hd a reason for the violence in the OT. If I should look at it otherwise, I would be questioning God.
He often allowed violence to be wrought upon those that worshipped idols. He knew what was in Cain's heart, and Cain knew that he was doing wrong.
The violence in the OT has nothing to do with what we see on TV. But, then, we have to leave that up to each person's conscience, their years of maturity mentally, spiritually, etc.

We read in the news papers and see on TV many crimes that probably ocurrd, due to watching violence. Many people become what they feed their eyes and mind on.

If we are very sensitive to the Holy spirit, I feel that He will lead us to what His will is for us, as a Christian.

[Barbara Moulton]

I do think we need to have an understanding of what Jesus suffered for us.

I heard this idea expressed a lot during the showing of "The Passion". That somehow it was important for us to see this graphic portrayal of the torture of flogging and crucifixion in order to better appreciate or understand what He did for us.

But I could never understand this.

There were literally thousands of others at the time of Christ who endured the same physical suffering. The point of Jesus' death is not that He suffered. It's that His suffering was for a different reason than all the rest who were crucified during Roman rule.

Would I love my Lord more today if I had seen the movie several years ago?

I guess I can't really answer that because its a totally hypothetical question. All I know is that I never felt a leading to go see The Passion for myself.

[Robin Hatcher]

I heard this idea expressed a lot during the showing of "The Passion". That somehow it was important for us to see this graphic portrayal of the torture of flogging and crucifixion in order to better appreciate or understand what He did for us.

But I could never understand this.

There were literally thousands of others at the time of Christ who endured the same physical suffering. The point of Jesus' death is not that He suffered. It's that His suffering was for a different reason than all the rest who were crucified during Roman rule.

Would I love my Lord more today if I had seen the movie several years ago?

I guess I can't really answer that because its a totally hypothetical question. All I know is that I never felt a leading to go see The Passion for myself.

Hi Barbara,

My church showed the movie (Passion of the Christ) when it came out and you know what - I couldn't watch it. I spent most of the time in the nursery with my children because it was too much for me. In Sunday school one time a man who led our class shared some information about what Jesus went through during the process of being flogged and crucified. Reading the graphic descriptions (from the handout) of what He went through in medical terminology was difficult... and to think He chose to do that for me and you (all of us). So in reality I haven't seen The Passion of the Christ, but I don't think its wrong if someone wants to see it and I think it could be helpful if that makes any sense. But for me just reading the Bible account is about all I can handle.

My main thoughts for this thread is that for me (and my children) I don't think I need to watch violence for entertainment. But if I decide to watch a Biblical story or some historical story that includes violence I might watch it for the educational purpose. At the same time though its highly likely that I would avoid the violent parts.

[Barbara Moulton]

So in reality I haven't seen The Passion of the Christ, but I don't think its wrong if someone wants to see it and I think it could be helpful if that makes any sense.

Absolutely. Hearing just how explicit the torture and torment was in the Passion of the Christ convinced me that I didn't want to see it. But I would never say anyone else was wrong in seeing it.

I am not sure of the long term helpfulness of such a movie. While it produced much enthusiasm among Christians and some anecdotal evidence of conversion at the time, did it have any long lasting impact?

[Robin Hatcher]

I am not sure of the long term helpfulness of such a movie. While it produced much enthusiasm among Christians and some anecdotal evidence of conversion at the time, did it have any long lasting impact?

Great question Barbara. We live pretty close to the Pentagon and people were really shook up here after the 9-11 attacks and then of course there were the DC area sniper attacks (one murder was in our town). Those type of events shake people up and they start to think about what is really important and then when life gets back to normal the priorities often change.

But back to your question of did those conversions have a lasting impact? If only one of them did then I would say it was worth it. I think we so badly need outreach, discipleship and mentoring in the church and in the neighborhoods after movies like the Passion of the Christ and after life changing tragedies. So an event or a movie may not have lasting impact in a lot of cases, but if the event or movie was followed with evangelism, outreach and mentoring I think we'd see a huge difference - but that is all just my opinion...

[Jim Franklin]

Not watching violence is why Christians should not watch hockey games but it would be alright to sing at one. Hockey is violent mayhem not a sport IMO. Curling on the other hand like bowling is a worthy Canadian sport to watch.

[Joel Merrill]

Not watching violence is why Christians should not watch hockey games but it would be alright to sing at one. Hockey is violent mayhem not a sport IMO. Curling on the other hand like bowling is a worthy Canadian sport to watch.

I know of some hockey fans who think you're looking for a fight. :basic05

Joel

[Gina Stevenson]

All I know is that I never felt a leading to go see The Passion for myself.

Well, I did see it ... tho' I didn't really feel led to ... think I did perhaps feel I needed to be able to know what was in it, if anyone wanted to discuss it. However, there were places where I just couldn't look at it, either.

.............. one time a man who led our class shared some information about what Jesus went through during the process of being flogged and crucified. Reading the graphic descriptions (from the handout) of what He went through in medical terminology was difficult... and to think He chose to do that for me and you (all of us).

Yes, I recall hearing many times this detailed medical description of the things that would take place during a crucifixion ... sounds totally excruciating.

And, Robin, my "thanks" button click for your post re discipleship/mentoring taking place following such movies, or life events such as 9/11, was actually a great big, "Amen!"

I know of some hockey fans who think your looking for a fight. :basic05

HA! Right. But Jim's right, too ... the one hockey game I went to [Red Wings], they stopped fighting now & then to play another few minutes. :laughing

[Cindi Hammons]

Jim,

Serious question...are you kidding in your post?

[Bob Evans]

I don't look for violent things to watch they tend to just happen. However, if it ever gets to the point where I am not a little bit shocked about it then I think I have to dial it back.

I have no problem with hockey because I love football. Neither sport is a non contact sport. It goes with the territory.

[Billy Cox]

There's a current thread about Christians viewing sexual behavior in movies and on TV. Do you have the same reaction to violence?

I base my choice of movies/TV on whether I think the story is worth watching. If there is violence, then so be it.

If the movie is all violence and no story, then I don't want to watch it.

[Jim Franklin]

I remember at Easter of 1963 that our SS teacher at Nampa College Church who was also an NNC professor read about the pathological feelings that Jesus felt as he was being crucified and one of the young men fainted, fell off of his chair onto the floor and took some time to revive. So even an oral description can take some people down and not a full visual viewing of violence.

[Billy Cox]

I remember at Easter of 1963 that our SS teacher at Nampa College Church who was also an NNC professor read about the pathological feelings that Jesus felt as he was being crucified and one of the young men fainted, fell off of his chair onto the floor and took some time to revive. So even an oral description can take some people down and not a full visual viewing of violence.

I have heard such descriptions before and if I ever hear one again, I'll probably leave the room; not because I am squeamish but because I am disgusted by that type of manipulative technique.