Implied or discussed among each of the sins of Western Civilization I have explored is the constant of entertainment in our society. Everything must entertain us or it is invalid.
For sexuality, we have the thriving porn industry, grown exponentially through high speed internet and cable TV. Of course, many mainstream movies and TV shows aren’t much different in their graphic subject matter and the morals they portray.
For materialism, we’ve already discussed the advertising that does on, not to mention the money we put into the paraphenalia we NEED to be entertained: big screen TVs, surround sound speakers, the newest gaming systems, movies, games, the faster speeds, the better graphics, the bigger stuff! Our self-entertainment costs money.
For violence, we also mentioned movies and television as well. Individualism is worshipped through our media, too. How many movies are similar to the Rambo movie mentality, one man and an M-60 against a whole army!
Much of sin goes hand in hand in entertainment. But our need for entertainment has conquered even more endeavors.
Education is evolving to strictly believe that if we do not entertain, we cannot educate, despite how it has been done for thousands of years. Children in those other cultures and nations that kick our tails in basic and higher education, continue to learn by rote memorization, but we have “progressed” to the degree that a child cannot be educated if he is bored.
And so we have a rising generation who feel they are excused from learning if they are not entertained.
Even our Christianity has adopted this. For many, a great time of worship on Sunday, or any day, includes quality entertainment. We are encouraged to attend this fellowship or that one because of their drama or video production or the great musicians in their praise team.
Another problem with entertainment is the inordinate amount of time we spend on it. No real community is encouraged when we watch a movie for two hours together. How much more encouraged would our Spirit-man be if we spent two hours in conversation or worship or prayer or even building something with our hands? Infinitely more, I would say.
Now, I’m all about creativity and all, but all entertainment in the Church does is create spectators, not disciples. Spectators are naturally selfish and critical, not to mention passive and disengaged, which stands directly opposed to true discipleship.
This leads to false religion. How many choose a fellowship based on the show that is produced every Sunday morning? How many are prideful of it? The video screens lit up with cool graphics (its almost like being at the beach!), the sound system is well mixed and just loud enough to drown out the congregation, and even the pastor tells some great jokes.
James Edwards started a revival by reading his sermons, fairly quiet and monotone, by candlelight. Jesus sat on the side of a mountain. John the Baptist had bug breath.
It is not that entertainment exists, but it is that we feel we need it and it is a part of the Body of Christ at all. Entertainment doesn’t exist in the Church, the Kingdom of God, the people set apart for His glory. At all. And yet we cling to it all the same. And in so doing, we give place to worldliness, emotionalism, sensationalism, and selfishness … all in a people meant to be separate from the world, temperate, and selfless.
There are varying degrees of this in the Church, and I will quickly thank God that at least the name of Christ is involved somehow using a scripture verse here and there.
But God is looking for a people who love one another deeply in a community, not a show where we try to prove we are as talented as the world. God is not impressed with Christian entertainment; He has a much better show in Heaven. He sees things and hears sounds from angels we can’t hope to produce this side of eternity. (To be honest, most people here on earth aren’t that impressed with Christian entertainment, either) You wanna know what draws God’s eye? A people who truly, deeply love one another, love and bless their enemies, content themselves with less so that others may eat, live righteous lives so others can see Christ, intercede for a lost and dying world because God is their only hope. In other words, God is impressed when He sees a people of character. What character? The character of His Son.
Entertainment cannot produce this character. Only discipleship through relationship can.
Be saved from this evil generation.
Peace.
I agree with much of this, and it sparked a few thoughts of my own.
I think our definition of entertainment is out of whack. We want to be amused, which literally translated means “without thought.” In other words, we don’t want to be challenged.
Reading, movies and TV should be seen in a new light. We should learn to enjoy what challenges us.
Your blogs, for example, are challenging. Keep them coming!