Torch, Summer 1982

learn how to behave in our society. Many of the lessons that TV teaches us are easy to recognize because they are explicit - on the surface , part of the story line . However, Christians need to be aware that numerous behavioral lessons are being taught that are implicit - underlying. These subtle messages are drawn from the lifestyle and relationships depicted. Dangerously, the unsuspecting viewer absorbs these messages without even thinking about them. In time , these implicit messages can shape behavior. Some of the values communicated by television are good. Dr. Paul Borgman has written a book entitled TV: Friend or Foe? which is useful for alf parents seriously concerned about TV viewing in their homes. He deals extensively with the idea that, generally, television programs teach moral lessons upon which Christians can draw in teaching their children values . One basic lesson, for example, is that in most stories "right conquers wrong; good wins the battle against evil ." The problem, of course, is that there is no recognition of God's role in the lives portrayed in the stories, and parents must work at bringing the lessons out and applying them to Biblical truth. Another problem, brought out by secular researchers, is that although the good guys may win, the _rrograms "often treat socially desirable goals as achievable by socially disapproved means." This is true even of those old series, fondly remembered, which tum up regularly on local stations in the late afternoon when the children are home from school. Part of this implicit teaching of values is the concern that the constant exposure to the "good life" of television dramas and commercials will cause Christians to become overly materialistic . Kenneth Curtis, a Christian film producer who did his doctoral work on commercials and American life, calls commercials "an insidious assault on the Christian view of life." The subtle message of materialism must be countered by the Biblical message that the "good life" is not achieved in riches (Mark 10:17-27; Matt. 6:19-21 , 24; Luke 12: 16-21) or in what the world counts as success (Mark 9:33-35; 10:35-45), but in giving, sacrificing, and serving . Like Peter, we must warn against false teachers who lead us astray with "covetous practices" (2 Pet. 2: 14) . That means we must make sure our own attitudes and priorities don't reinforce the materialism of much of television's implicit content. . Perhaps the most important research finding of ~nterest to parents is the discovery that any bad influence television may have can be blunted by par– ents - when they take the time to do it. One report concludes, "Interpersonal sources of communication are frequently the most influential guide to children's behavior. When adults play an active interpretive role, they can significantly moderate television's impact on the behavior of children." Yet researchers have found very little evidence that parents are exercising any control. Even preschoolers are usually free to choose their own programs. God has given us a responsibility as parents which many have clearly abdicated . What can we do to take back that responsibility? To return to our opening question , how can we watch TV to the glory of God? SOME GUIDELINES The following are practices that we as a family have found helpful and that you might wish to implement in your own family . As an initial step, keep a television diary so you can assess exactly how big a chunk of time television is t~king . If heavy television viewing is detracting from time spent in Bible reading, devotions church activities , or in time with your family , then 'priorities need to be reevaluated following the Biblical injunction to be "redeeming the time" (Eph. 5: 16; Col. 4:5) . Keep track not only of the amounts of time, but the types of programs watched. Once you have this information you will be ready to take some more specific action . ' The first is to limit the amount of time the set is on each week. Borgman, in his book, has a checklist of ~ppropriate viewing policies for each age level, which 1s helpful in setting these limits. .A?other _sugg~st_ion is to plan your weekly viewing w1thm the time hm1t set. Take a regular time each week to go over the television schedule as a family, selecting the programs to be watched. Once the schedule is established, hold to it. Tum on the set only to watch a program, not just to watch TV. Balance your viewing during the week and seek out programs the whole family would enjoy watching together. Watch television with your children . Remember it is important that the parents be able to reinforce any good lessons taught and to counteract any negative messages. That means time should be allowed for d!scussion. D~n 't al~ow the set to run continually from dmner to bedtime with only a chance for an occasional comment during commercial breaks . Watch programs actively, seeking out the implicit ~essages. Become a critical viewer. Ask yourself what is really being said in the programs and commercials an~ attempt to respond from a Biblical perspective. This typ_e of critical evaluation will help protes;t you and your ch1ld.ren from any subtle conditioning TV might produce . Organize activities to replace television emphasizing family interaction . One writer suggests a~ "_equal time rule" - for every half"hour of TV , equal time must be spent in another activity. All of this means work on the part of parents. Those Julie? by the _ l~c_k of effort that television viewing requires may 1mtJally rebel. But it will be worth the e~fort i! television can be used as a springboard for d1scuss1ons which go to the very heart of our Christian values. Scripture commands us to train up our children in the way they should go. If television is to remain as a part of our households, we must become alert viewers - rec~gnizing TV's benefits and dangers. Only then can we include television viewing as a part of our doing " ... all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). 5