I think we need to focus specifically on the family and not on the greater culture or society in general. Society, as a whole, both benefits and suffers from the impact of media. However, when we focus on its effects on the family over the past 50 years, media appears less neutral.

What is redeemable?

1) Families can play video games together. Video games can be a great inter-generational connector and the entire family can exercise around a game like DDR(Dance Dance Revolution). Playing video games can be a great source of joy in the home because many are fun, educational and potentially character-forming. While watching television programs and films together can facilitate rewarding fellowship, playing video games can serve this function even better because they require interaction. Many video games require teamwork between players which can serve to create unity, trust, compromise and cooperation between family members.

2) Parents can teach their children. By setting limits on the time spent playing video games and establishing the types of video games they allow, parents have an opportunity to instill discipline in their children. Parents can provide perspective on life through a medium that children understand and enjoy, while children can benefit from their parent's presence, support and instruction. Parents can teach children how to be graceful losers and winners.

3) Parents can learn from their children. Often, it's children who will teach their parents how to use a joystick. This can be a positive reversal of roles. By listening to and following instructions, parents can validate their child's worth. By expressing interest in their views, parents can promote their children's self-esteems. This can open up new levels of trust and respect in parent-child relations. An added benefit in playing video games together is that parents can pay attention to and learn their child's tendencies, interests and behaviors acted out in front of a screen. This can help parents understand them better which can lead to less frustration.

4) Video games are great educational tools. Christian video games can instill faith in children because they are very impressionable at this point in their lives. They can communicate the story of Jesus in a way children readily understand and enjoy. Because of their interactive and repetitive nature, video games are highly effective teaching tools. In light of this, a strong Christian ethos can be nurtured in children by creating games that glorify Christ-like actions and behaviors. Video games that reflect the fruits of the Spirit can go a long way in developing Christ-likeness in those who play them. For Christian children, these games can reinforce values their parents teach them as they witness positive outcomes, resulting from Christ-like decisions, play out before their eyes on the screen. Christian video games can enrich spirituality by functioning as learning aids that help young peole explore and memorize bible verses. They can communicate a message of salvation and redemption.

Video games aren't going anywhere. The gamer generation is at 90 million and growing, and the industry is booming with sales of interactive entertainment in 2004 topping $10 billion. What used to be the noisy baby in the backseat of media is now helping steer the entire culture, technologically and creatively. Nearly one half of all U.S. homes own one game-playing machine, and 23% own more than three according to Nielsen entertainment. Interactive entertainment is changing the way an entire generation sees itself in relation to the world, expanding popular storytelling beyond passive consumption to include involvement in the development and outcome of an experience. We have a whole new generation of game players who are going to be the prime engine of our economy and society. These are the people who will be writing our books, interpreting history and becoming scholars and doctors. It's too late to marginalize the gamer now. We need games with better stories involving ethical and moral decisions. The online gaming community represents the most important social and cultural components of electronic software's future. Online games have the potential to transform entertainment into a global community exercise, breaking down borders, cultural and language barriers and even political prejudices.

Video games are great teaching tools for several reasons. First, by their nature, they require active participation rather than passive observation. Second, repetition increases learning, and video games involve a lot of repetition. Third, rewards increase learning and video games are based on a reward system.

Video games have many redeeming qualities. They can help to:

1) provide a fun and social form of entertainment

2) encourage teamwork and cooperation when played with others

3) make children feel comfortable with technology

4) increase children's self-confidence as they master games

5) develop skills in reading, math and problem-solving

6) improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

Video games have negative qualities as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association and American Medical Association all say that violent video games increase aggressive thoughts, behaviors and feelings in children who play them. Experts say children spend a great deal of time with violent video games at exactly the ages they should be learning healthy ways to relate to other people and to resolve conflicts peacefully. The reinforcement of racial and sexual stereotypes are associated with violent video games. Violent video games can desensitize children to violence and alter their perception of reality, and this can lead to the idea that violence is an acceptable way to deal with problems and conflicts. Lastly, there is a real and growing concern regarding video game addiction in children. In a study of 387, 12 to 16 year olds, 20% were classified as currently addicted, and in another study of 607, eighth and ninth graders, 40% said they have friends they would call addicted to video games.

Boys age 6-18 spend an average of 3.5 daily hours playing video games, while girls of the same age spend 1.5. A recent study of children in their early teens found that almost a third played video games daily, and that more worryingly, 7% played for at least 30 hours a week. Dr. Griffiths is concerned by that figure. "What are the long-term effects of any activity that takes up 30 hours of leisure time a week on the educational, health and social development of children?" A ban on video games is probably not in the children's best interest, however. Parents and professionals should seek creative ways to increase the acceptance, popularity and availability of games that are relatively pro-social, educational and fun. We need to look at both the positive and negative effects that video games have on children and take actions to maximize benefits and minimize potential harms. Some teach and drill specific facts or academic skills to enhance learning, while others dehumanize, desensitize and alter perceptions of reality.

Almost all video games are produced by white males, and most games reflect young male fantasies. The most popular games among pre-teen and teen males reflect a violent and misogynist attitude towards girls and women and treat them as sexual playthings. However, parents and other adults are almost totally unaware of the content of these games. A survey of 600 parents and teachers showed that less than 3% have any knowledge of the anti-female content of video games. Studies show that exposure to sexual violence can desensitize viewers to it. For example, in an experimental study, viewers of films including sexual violence expressed significantly less sympathy for domestic abuse victims, and rated their injuries as less severe, than did a no-exposure comparison group. The onus is on parents. Christian parents need to be more involved in their children's interactive gaming habits. They need to understand the issues involved in order to provide proper perspective on them. They need to choose games wisely, control the amount of time they allow their children to play them and know how and when to say "no." Christian parents shouldn't allow their children to play violent video games, period. We wouldn't let them smoke or drink alcohol. We pick out their clothes, so why wouldn't we select their video games? Parents need to set standards and make sure their children understand them. We need to fight to take more control of their thoughts, values, behaviors and habits. We need Christian software companies to develop "good" games that reward integrity and form Christ-like character in children, and make these available to Christian families. Luckily, help is on the way. The Christian Game Developers Foundation is creating games with a different mission. Wealthy Christian investors are bankrolling a slew of new Christian games that communicate messages of salvation and redemption, and teach young people to explore and memorize bible verses. One such game is Catechumen, which is set in 2nd century Rome. In it, a player takes on the role of a student of the Word who works through the catacombs of Rome to free his mentor and brethren who have been captured by demon-possessed Roman soldiers. Washington-based Brethren Entertainment Software has a statement that reads, "As believers in Christ, we pray that God will be glorified through our work and that each draw nearer to him as we develop and grow as a business."

To deny there's a problem and to argue that the media is doing only great things for the church is sticking your head in the sand. I'm not suggesting that the church abandon media completely. I think we need to put our relationship with it in perspective. TV programs like Travel the Road on TBN, films like The Passion and music by Switchfoot are powerful examples of how media edifies the church and points the world to Christ. Over the years, books, films, songs and television programs have inspired me to greater faith and have shaped my definition in Christ. Media can serve to spread the gospel and create social reform for humanity's betterment in the world. It should serve to promote unity, compassion and understanding between all earthlings so we can work together to make our planet a better place. The problem is most people lack discipline for using media to serve Christ-like purposes. Rather, media dominates our lives and exercises its influence to shape most of our decisions and hoard our time. I think Christians in media should be salt and light in the industry and transform it from within. Christians should use all their God-given talents and creativities for the glory of God through telling better stories or speaking better messages. However, I feel Christians are called to transform media from without through prayer as well. We need to intercede and invite the Holy Spirit to convict, break and transform the hearts and minds of media leaders. I think God will use Christians to fight fire with fire, but He will use us to fight with water also. It's good to have great ideas but we need to pursue them with humble prayers. I feel that we just suppose everyone is praying when we're not. It makes me sick to think that we act like we know how to change the world when we can't even pray for an hour a day. The bible says to pray continually for this is the will of the Father for us in Christ Jesus. There is no power where there is no prayer.

The Powers & The Internet - the Social Problem

We are relational beings. God made us to connect intimately with Himself and others. The problem is (since the fall), humans are imperfect. Relationships are tough. Baggage complicates new relationships. So we find substitutes. At the beginning these substitutes seem to fill the void of belonging and feeling loved. We almost feel complete. Until we begin to realize that we're left even more thirsty and hungry. There is no substitute for God and healthy relationships. Yet we continue to use those things that bring us momentary pleasure but at a high cost.

In a culture that emphasizes consumerism, entertainment and information combined with the human needs of relationship, knowing and being known and purpose, there are plenty of substitutes to fill the voids in our lives. Media provides one of the most common ways Americans escape reality, find purpose and feel alive. Now, the Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, do business, are entertained, educate and live our lives. With the click of mouse, a world of resources are at our fingertips. From websites that help new moms learn about parenting (http://pediatrics.about.com/od/newmoms/) to sites that help evangelistic and church organizations reach the world with Christ by offering stories, lessons, guides, sermons, tools and many other helpful items (www.intouch.org), the Internet has simplified and benefited our lives in many ways.

But living in a fallen world, we can expect the enemy to repurpose anything - no matter how well intentioned - for the purposes of destruction and separation from God. Being one of the most powerful tools ever created, perhaps affecting more people than any technology in history, the Internet has become a potential enemy stronghold that if not regulated and discerned against, threatens among other things, healthy human intimacy and relationship and the bonds of family life.

Perhaps the most destructive offering of the Internet is pornography. When only the most bold men would visit an adult bookstore or purchase a Playboy at the corner market, now any person can connect with the most hardcore of pornography in the comfort and privacy of their back bedroom or basement. Not only shocking is the instant availability and access, but the anonymity and privacy allowed by online access. Studies are estimating that three to six percent of Americans are sexually addicted . Of these numbers, most are men which is creating havoc in the family. Two-thirds of the divorce lawyers attending the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers meeting in 2002, said online porn contributed to more than half of all divorces.

The problem is the release and high acquired by using porn and masturbation feels a lot like intimacy. But it's false intimacy. Wives feel as if they're not good enough for their husbands and feel cheated upon. Men may waste hours of time feeding their addiction. Instead of cultivating a healthy relationship with his spouse, the man feeds his insatiable desire for sex in a way that teaches intimacy is brought about my gratification and receiving, not giving. Porn also creates unrealistic and ungodly views of sex that both pervert the act of sex and devalue women. And with seasamestreet.com just being a few strokes away from xxxstreet.com, it's like sending our children into the red light district all alone. This is just the beginning of how pornography can devastate families.

Besides online pornography, the Internet is notorious for being a time-stealer - where minutes turn into hours. In addition, even though the Internet has made communication more efficient and has connected a good portion of the world, online relationships (chat rooms and email) often impersonalize and complicate relationship (remember the last email you sent that was taken in the wrong way?).

As Jesus-followers, we should approach the Internet in a discerning and Christ-honoring way. In appreciating and taking full advantage of this tool to grow and reach a fallen world for God, we must be extremely careful in setting up behavior, expectations and discernment for ourselves and our families as we welcome this enormous tool into our homes and lives. There is no doubt God can and is using the Internet for His glory and purposes - but it's here we question the threat of the powers to overturn the Internet for the glory of the enemy.

What are the practices/structures that give rise to this problem?

Need for information . The Internet is virtually an endless resource of information on any imaginable topic. And in a world where information is power, the Internet increases both the qualitative and quantitative benefits of becoming informed cultures.

Need for connectivity . As we become an increasingly wired world, so to is the human desire to be connected and "in touch" with friends, family, our workplaces, our calendar, our stocks, our email and of course, information. The Internet is the tool in which our lives may be connected on every level through data-sharing and communication. This practice not only complements face-to-face or other non-Internet communication (such as letters and phone calls), but allows for the replacement of traditional relationship and communication.

Greed . If there is a human need to be met, capital America and the rest of the world corporate conglomerates will be sure to see that need is met. Now, not only may advertisers and companies market and sell to the consumer through every type of technology, but they can target interests through purchasing history and tracking through cookies and online purchases. The emergence of "personal marketing" is nearing possibility which will allow producers to market the perfect consumable, at the perfect time, in the perfect way to the producer. What better way to make a dollar than to target lonely or struggling husbands who are on the Internet at one in the morning than tempting them with some naked young girls who will go as far as one pleases? As greed has driven capitalism for centuries, no doubt corporate America is excited about the tool that makes spending money as easy as pointing and clicking.

Need for intimacy. As previously discussed, humans are relational beings and for us to be fulfilled, we need to be intimately connecting with others to feel purpose and support. Intimacy can be hard to find in the real world and requires real risk and perseverance. Pornography meets this need instantaneously, although the feelings of intimacy are false and short-lived, usually ending in shame, guilt and even greater feelings of detachment.

Consumption . Consuming is ingrained in our culture and the Internet has become the ultimate shopping mall. One may purchase almost anything on the Internet. From rare antiques through eBay to spices from half way around the world, we are able to purchase whenever and whatever . Unfortunately, we can also consume items that were once much more difficult to consume, such as pornography.

Entertainment . As Americans, we love to be entertained. And as the Internet has brought other practices to our home computer such as shopping, our computers are like the ultimate jukebox. Movie trailers, music, online radio, video and online magazines are just the beginning of how the Internet is and will entertain.

Perhaps a complication of the Internet is how many practices are combined into one. In the span of a few minutes, one may be entertained, buy some shoes, look at some porn and chat with someone in another city all at the same time. This may present some problems as these practices can now happen concurrently. We will have to wait for further research.

Why ought Jesus-followers to be involved?

As believers, we are called to be salt to the world (Matthew 5:13). In His Word, God has clearly forbidden sexual idolatry, fornication and impurity. This is much more than a list of rules though. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus redefines the law and the definition of Christian, ethical living by transforming the law into a new way of life for Jesus-followers. He addresses the issue of adultery and proclaims that a man has already committed adultery when he looks at a woman lustfully. This is important as it defines the boundary of sin on a very basic level. This is an important distinction because having a physical affair with another person is one thing - a quite difficult thing to do, compared to the act of pulling up a pornographic image on the internet. Jesus would say the man in his basement looking at porn has already committed adultery. This is a serious issue.

In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul tackles sexual immorality. With a very convincing argument, Paul says "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial...but I will not be mastered by anything." The question is: does porn master us? Does the media master us? In many cases it does. And even though some consider using porn is a harmless behavior, Paul says it's definitely not beneficial. Paul says that most sins are committed outside of the body, but sexual sins are committed within the body, which is the equivalent of a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6). And if that's not enough reason to stay pure, Paul reminds us we are not our own, and we have been purchased by the ransom of Christ's blood.

From Paul once again in Thessalonians 4:3-5, he urges us to avoid sexual immorality - that we need to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust. And in Philippians 4:8, "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." In simplistic terms, Paul is warning us of the "garbage in, garbage out" concept. In being human, what we intake or are exposed to, often will reveal itself in our outward behavior.

What is so problematic with sexual sin is the nature of the emotional and spiritual bonds created through our sexuality expressing itself. Our sexuality was created not only to procreate and to bring man and wife together, but also to draw us nearer to God Almighty in our desire of intimacy and relationship. When we abuse and contaminate this bond, we are destroying something that runs deep through our soul to our very identity in Christ. Ironically, sexual sin turns a very Godly drive upside-down into idolatrous, self-gratifying lust.

We are called to be involved because this issue is destroying everyone from pastors to families to marriages (see statistics above). The very Church itself is threatened by the power of pornography as well as the unchurched who shall continue thinking pornography is harmless and even beneficial. Our children are growing up with perverted and sick ideas of sex, dating, the sex drive, the opposite sex and God's will for purity.

As with other sin, sexual sin does not allow us to hear from the Father and be in healthy relationship with God and others. The sin blinds, confuses and distracts - it removes our focus from God and places higher importance on women (or men) and the sexual act itself. In sexual sin, there is a great amount of guilt and shame, which causes discord in our relationships with Christ.   And perhaps the most sobering effect of pornography is we learn to use others for our pleasure and comfort. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Within this call, there is absolutely no room for taking a God-given gift and use it for our own satisfaction.

In the covenant Christ makes between Himself and the church, so too is this covenant played out in human marriage. As the Corinthians argued, "Food for the stomach and stomach for food," trying to justify their sinful sex lives, Paul says our sex organs and sex drive have a higher purpose than simply to stimulate ourselves. In commitment to purity, we are more likely to experience Godliness and intimacy with Christ. As believers, we must "throw off everything that hinders" (Hebrews 12:1) us. And to reach non-believers, we must show how sexual sin leads away from true intimacy and fulfillment, and only true fulfillment can be found in Christ.

What is the task of Jesus-followers in response to this problem?

Believers should first accept and embrace media and the Internet. The Internet is here to stay and continues to be deeply integrated into society as it evolves and becomes more user-friendly. As noted, just as the printed word brought God's Word to the masses, the enemy has used the published word for his destructive purposes. So will the Internet be a mixed blessing in being part of a fallen world. As believers, we must take on a positive attitude in believing God can redeem a tool that has been claimed by the enemy. With perseverance and professionalism, we can learn how to use the Internet to promote and proclaim Godliness and wholesome alternatives.

Instead of running and hiding from culture, it will be our job to affirm and reveal the true and deeper needs of those who seek pleasure, escape and stress-relief through Internet porn. In doing this, we do not attack but cut to the deeper motivations of why people use pornography. We affirm their need of intimacy and connection and then show them a better way to find that intimacy.

Our next step is to educate and teach discernment. Many may not be aware of the highly addictive nature of pornography addiction - some experts say sexual addiction is more addictive than heroine! The other part of this is starting a discussion and/or growing awareness of the issues. Getting a family to honestly and openly communicate can go a long way to understanding. Most wives are not even aware of their husband's addiction.

In learning about discernment, families can equip themselves with the tools to be aware of danger and how to fight the enemy. A man can understand those times when he is tempted most by porn - when he is most stressed and pressured. Internet filters can be installed and children's use of the Internet should be monitored. Moving the computer into a public, high-traffic part of the home can destroy the privacy needed to use porn. Making covenants about how much time is spent on the Internet can also be helpful. It can also be determined if professional counseling or treatment is needed to deal with addiction.

In the Sermon on the Mount regarding lust, Jesus' solution is to remove the cause of the temptation. By removing or limiting the source of temptation, it will make our job that much easier. Joshua understood this simple solution: run.

In being human, we must understand that the battle will continue to be waged, no matter how great of progress we make in reclaiming our purity. Accountability partners as well as simple "check-ins" between spouses can lovingly monitor the situation. And of course, last but not least, the whole process should be saturated in prayer. No sin is outside the healing hand of Jesus. If we focus on seeking Him first in all we do (Matthew 6:33), He promises deliverance and hope in the midst of a fallen world (Psalm 23). Christ understands what it is to be thirsty and to desire. It's the way we quench our thirst is what matters to Him. To the woman at the well, Christ offered Himself as living water. In Him, desire is quenched. We must believe this ourselves and then take this truth to a desperately thirsty culture.

The first advance toward reclaiming purity and the Internet is in our churches, our families and the lives of men and women. Secondly, we can engage our culture politically and make our convictions heard. Obscenity laws dealing with the Internet and pornography are a constant topic on Capital Hill as well as our nation's courthouses. Decisions are being made daily that will affect the Internet, pornography and the family. We must become involved politically, but not make it a political issue. Again, as believers, we shall not attack the practice of the Internet, communication and technology, but attack the brokenness, loneliness and lack of intimacy being caused by adulterated sin found in porn. We start by presenting evidence and facts, not opinions. We do this in a loving, calm and courageous effort that is not personal or vengeful, but redemptive and transformative.

Finally, Jesus-followers should continue to redeem and transform the Internet by producing high-quality websites, podcasts, blogs and other Internet-based resources that are not just "Christian" in nature, but promote Godliness and other fruits of the Spirit. Believers should produce critical, insightful, kind and provocative material that may "feed" those who are hungry and are seeking meaning and purpose. Churches, para-church organizations and ministries should use the tools of the Internet to partnership with other ministries, expand the reach of ministries, share resources and ideas and continue to pursue our oneness in Christ as the Church.   The Internet is a great opportunity to connect and grow with ministries and believers from around the world, bringing together brothers and sisters from ethnically and economically different backgrounds.

By embracing the Internet, we may find one of the greatest tools to fulfill the Great Commission since the printing press was invented. We cannot shut down porn sites, but we can offer alternatives and actively engage in the world's "Grand Central Station" of information and communication.

Examples & Resources of Jesus Followers

1. XXXChurch.com - Two men who are using the Internet, magazines and professional and creative marketing to battle the evil of pornography and sexual addiction. The site includes many resources to help including articles, links to filtering companies and resources to help heal.
2. Pureintimacy.org - A truly thorough Christian and theological perspective on the nature of sexual addiction, the consequences and affects of pornography/sexual addiction and treatment and healing resources.
3. Morality In Media - Advocacy group who reports on indecency in the media and how that's affecting our culture and families. Gives practical ways to lobby against indecency.

Final Exhortation

Today, the enemy continues to pursue new ways to bring destruction to the lives of believers and non-believers alike. It's a guarantee that enemy will overturn the practices and tools of a culture to bring people away from God and into confusion, brokenness and emptiness. What would Christ do if he had a broadband connection to the Internet?

Long ago when Israel was growing as a nation, Internet connections were unavailable but that didn't keep the Israelites from sin and idolatry. In 1 Samuel 7, Judge Samuel tells the Israelites to leave their idols of Baal and their Ashtoreths behind, and serve only the Lord. Without any modern-day technology, the practices and structures of living in that period were still overturned to bring about separation from God.

No matter what country we live in, or time period in history or social class we belong to, the one common trait is our humanity and thus, our fallen natures. Given these natures, we must learn to understand the threats of the enemy and continually work to redeem fallen practices for the glory of God. We must seek God first in obedience and trust, that He defines us and He fulfills us alone. This is of course easier said that done. Yet, perhaps a starting point for a wicked world, that appeals to the flesh, offers much, but will always leave us hungry for more.

So here's the counter-offer. Christ said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

"Sex Addiction Q&A," SexHelp.com, www.sehelp.com/sa_q_and_a.cfm (16 May 2005).

"Is the Internet Bad for Your Marriage? Online Affairs, Pornographic Sites Playing Greater Role in Divorces," PR Newswire, 14 November 2002.

Describe the social problem - Music and the influence it has on the family

Is it possible for us to listen to music and not be affected by the content or lyrical substance?  Sure we might tell ourselves that we just like the music but don't pay attention to the words, but can we completely shut ourselves off from the negative parts?  The influence of music goes much deeper than just what is said in a song.  Artists today are given authority in many different political and social areas.  Bono from U2 leads many different campaigns to fight AIDS and bring global equality while artists like Eminem and Kanye West use their songs to make political statements about our government.  When we listen to music we are also being influenced by the artists personal motives and objectives. 

Each family member typically has their own style of music that they prefer to listen to, and in most cases tend to stick to their own music and not listen to what the others are.  This is especially true for teenagers.  Teenagers are said to listen to between 3 and 4 hours of music a day and consider musicians to be their heroes more frequently than any other profession.  A problem in the family is that parents are not aware of what their children are listening to.  As a result the musician is having more of an influence in shaping beliefs and ideas than the parents are.  It is important for parents to be aware what their children are listening to so that they are aware of what is effecting them and how to properly handle it.


What are the structures/practices that give rise to problem

There are many structures and practices that give rise to the negative influence of music on the family.

Greed:  Sex, violence and profanity sell no matter what the medium is.  Record companies know this and so they produce music that deals with adult subject matter because it will sell better and make them more money.  Music videos are commercials designed to get you to spend your money on that album so they put half naked women and people partying as the prominent figures because they know that is what people want and what people are going to buy.

Social Acceptance:  As a teenager, if you don't have the newest and coolest music you run a high risk of being ostracized because you are not a part of the new movement.  If you have similar interests in music you are more likely to be accepted into a social scene because you automatically have something in common.

Conformity:  Image is a huge part of music.  Every artist wants their own image and people want to copy that image.  Musicians become icons and people conform to the image, style and belief system of their favorite artist.  This conformity impedes the growth of self and the growth of self in Christ.

Why Ought Jesus Followers to be involved

Jesus followers ought to be involved for many reasons.  The musicians are becoming peoples focus and teachers instead of Christ.  People spend more time looking at lyrics, listening to albums and reading interviews about their favorite artist instead of reading the Bible and pursuing the ideas of Christ.  The musician becomes a bigger influence on the person that Jesus.  This goes for the influence of parents as well.  Children are spending more time listening to music than they are with their parents.  This could be because their parents are never around, strained relationships in the family or just lack of interaction.  The values and morals of the musician are the ones getting put into the minds of the children instead of that of the parents.  It is our job as Christians to help spread the Gospel of Christ and live our lives as Christlike as possible.  For parents that includes bringing their children up in a Christian environment and teaching them the principles of Christianity.


What is the task of jesus followers in response to this problem

Proverbs 4:23 tells us "above all guard your heart because it is the wellspring of life."  In regards to music our response as Jesus followers is that of discernment and support.  We must be careful of our intake of music because it does have a great effect on who we are and what we do.  We are the house of God and we should not be polluting it with inappropriate music.  It is our job to discern what is good for us and not something that is going to strain our relationship with God because it is preaching a separate set of morals and values.  We are also called to support each other in our actions.  We are constantly bombarded with this music and these messages and so we must prepare ourselves and each other to stand strong against it and focus on that which is of Christ.  Parents should listen to music with their kids and talk about what is being said and what the music is really talking about instead of just a catchy beat.  It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their kids are not being polluted and inundated with negative messages.


Examples of Jesus Followers to this problem

www.relevantmagazine.com
www.ministryandmedia.com
www.inmusicwetrust.com

The Good

Television has an amazing influential power in today's society.   That is both good and bad.   It is good, in that, when TV is used in a positive way it reaches millions of people. TV brought families together during the CNN broadcasts of 9/11.   People thousands of miles away were all watching the same images and even though they were not physically with the ones they loved they were all sharing in the same experience.

Families and friends come together to watch the Super bowl every year.   It may be to see the game or to rate the commercials but for those few hours there is a community in which everyone is involved.   Sure at the end of the night, some will be winners and some will be losers but for that period of time everyone is together.

Groups of college students gather every Thursday at 10/9 central to watch their favorite doctor fall in and out of love, fight with ethics and possible squeeze in a life saving moment.   Again, they meet on Sunday nights to watch a cute carpenter tear down a home and rebuild a new life for "one disserving family."   Then Monday morning classes are spent discussing how much they cried last night.

The Bad

Television also has some problems as well.   Television was created to entertain and educate but when we allow it to become a controlling power in our lives that is when the trouble starts.

Television is often used as an escape from every day life.   We spend hours a day living vicariously through the characters on TV.   This escape is fun from time to time but when we allow ourselves to become dependant on television it becomes a problem.   When TV starts to take the place of family time, church, or time spent with God then it has become a problem.

Television was also not created to baby-sit children.   When parents constantly plunk their children in front of the television while they make dinner, clean the house or do work the children are being neglected.   They begin to learn their values from what they see on TV and when a parent is not there to interact with their child while they learn these things the child can learn things that are not in line with God's will.

Television also has an amazing power to shape our value systems.   When we see images over and over again we start to become desensitized to them.   It is very important to guard our hearts and minds.   We must put into our hearts and minds what we want to get out of them.

Galatians 6:7-8

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature a? will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

The Resources

Further understand the impact of media on children and teens check out this link.   It provides information on how media impacts children and why it is important to be involved in your child's development.

If you are interested in looking for Christian bradcasting check out these sites:

Christian Media Association

Christian Media Network

For an interesting use of media look at:

Rob Bell's Noomas - for more information on the effects on media see specifically the Nooma on Silence

Books to read for more information:

Guiding your family in a misguided world

Battle Cry for a Generation

For information on family shows and to find out how some shows rate look at:

Family Guides to Viewing TV

Final Thoughts

Television can be a great way to interact with family and friends but when the interaction is absent and television viewing turns to a babysitter or an escape you are entering dangerous territory.   Be careful of how you interact with television and with what you chose to watch.   We are charged to guard our hearts and minds so that the things we put into them are also what comes out of them.   We also must do the same for our children.   What we allow them to take in is what they will exude as well.   Take pleasure in the fun that television can provide but also use it cautiously.

The Problem. Every day we are bombarded with advertisements and encouragements to buy coca cola, Old Navy, Miller High Life etc. We live in a world that is an ever evolving world of sales and marketing. The generation between   ages 12-19 consists of 31.9 million people, the largest generation ever. Teenagers are exposed to an estimated 3,000 ads per day: billboard, television and radio commercials, t-shirts etc. In 2002, teenagers in the United States spent an estimated $105 billion and influenced their parents to spend an additional $48 billion. In 1998, American companies spent nearly $200 billion on advertising, and worldwide over $435 billion was spent on marketing.

A recent article on Foxnews.com discussed the development of a remote control to control humans . The specific context was for larger than life video games. The way it works is that the person being controlled puts a helmet on, and upon command it send electric shocks into their head behind their ear, throwing off their balance and direction by messing with their equilibrium. In many ways, advertising works similar to this. The executives study and research the target group, and then they figure out just the right thing that need to be said, or just the right image needed to tempt, so that their target group will buy their product. They essentially try to predict and control how the masses seek pleasure and popularity, and then they use that information to take advantage of them.

What are the practices that give rise to the problem?

• Greed—The primary force behind mass media in general is the lust for money and power, and advertising is no different. Companies spend $200 billion a year because they know they will make more money than they spend. The reason morality is compromised in advertising is because people want money. E.g. the Carl's Junior Paris Hilton commercial, any Coors Light commercial etc.
• Consumerism—Our nation is one that encourages people to spend, spend, spend. If it feels good, buy it.
• Pop culture—A documentary film calls these businessmen the “Merchant of Cool.” They try to figure out what is most popular and then how to market it to teens so that they feel that in order to be cool, they have to have it.
• Belonging—The flip side of wanting to be popular is wanting to belong or to be accepted, and pop culture makes it seem impossible to do so without buying into their style.

Why ought Jesus' followers to be involved?

As believers we are called to be good stewards of our resources. Therefore we should be intelligent buyers and informed consumers. We should not put ourselves in a position to be tricked into buying something, and we need to be able to realize why we want to get certain things. We also need to be able to examine the motives behind advertisers.

I find it darkly amusing how television portrays a world without consequences. Someone can do whatever they feel like, and suffer few, if any, negative repercussions. This goes completely contrary to the reality that the Bible speaks of. YHWH is a god of moral standards and integrity, and as responsible, independent beings, he holds human beings to these standards. It is the law. When the law is broken, punishment is carried out. It is a natural order of action and consequence. However, media portrays a lifestyle, which is untethered and free. In regards to violence, we see random acts of violence and mayhem that just seem to happen with no ramifications. Characters in television shows and movies have sex freely with whomever they want, and it is ok.

In advertising, companies push us to make decisions based on feelings and popularity. “If it feels right, it must be right.” Or “If you try our product, people will like you.” That's the basis for the advertising industry. It has removed from the realm of moral reality. As the church we need to reconnect ourselves with true reality where there are standards and law. After all, “sin is lawlessnes.” What is the task of Jesus followers in response to this problem? We need to educate families in the way they interact with media. Parents need to be educated in how to model proper responses to their children

Examples and resources for Jesus followers.

1. Merchants of Cool — A film about how advertising execs intentionally investigate styles and trends in order to exploit teenagers to buy their products.
2. Church Marketing Sucks —This site seeks to reform the way churches advertise themselves and how important it is for them to do so in a savvy way.
3. Media Awareness Network —This group is all about providing resources for families and teachers to educate their children in media issues such as advertising.
4. PBS Kids —On their website, they illustrate all the unnatural things that have to be done to a burger to make it look good in a commercial or how much has to be done to a model to make her look as sexy as she does in commercials.

Final Exhortation.

For me, I've been thinking about the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. David was a strong man, a warrior king, but once the temptation was presented and the opportunity available, he gave in.

1. David was not where he was supposed to be. He was supposed to be out of town leading his troops, but instead he as sleeping in and lying around on his couch. He became susceptible to doing what was wrong by not doing what was right.
2. All it took was seeing Bathsheba bathing from the rooftop, and he was hooked. Oddly enough, this guy already had plenty of wives and concubines, but all of a sudden, this one was wrong and brought about great consequences.
3. His sin led to more sin. Once he started down the "slippery slope," he slid fast. Lust led to adultery to deceit to murder. One sin demands others to either cover it up or feed the drive for a particular sin.

Too often those who are trapped in sin and addiction are not doing the things that they are supposed to be doing. "The idle mind is the Devil's playground." How does television, music, internet, movies etc. fit into life? It's leisure time, and though none of those things are intrinsically bad, it matters what we participate in. After all, what effects do we expect Desperate housewives, Married with Children, Marilyn Manson and Terminator to have on us? Or in advertising, Paris Hilton seductively eating hamburger while being sprayed with a hose? For David, all it took was seeing Bathsheba from his palace, and he was hooked. OK, now imagine the average guy who is surrounded by bathing Bathshebas: on bulletin boards, on magazine racks, in TV shows, beer ads, song lyrics etc. Or, imagine the average teen or anyone with a credit card, and they are constantly being bombarded with ads telling them what is beautiful, what is popular, what will get you accepted etc.

Once a person gives into sin once, it gets easier each time. We are constantly bombarded with temptations, and then finally we give in. however the temptations do not go away. Instead they have penetrated our primary defenses, and now they run recklessly through our lives. In the same way, materialism and consumerism can quickly become an addiction, or an escape from reality. We seek to feed that insatiable desire to have and to have more.

We face an incredible amount of temptation and opportunity for sin in the United States, and many believers and non believers are trapped in addictions without even knowing it: pornography, alcoholism, smoking, gluttony, shopping, gossip etc. Our culture breeds all of these and more, and the church has to step in a break this cycle.