Vol.1 No.3
Q. Can movies really affect my life, the things I do and the way I relate to others?
A. The scripture declares that by beholding we become changed (2 Cor. 3:18). Obviously, if we behold that which is pure, noble, and Christlike it is a marvelous aid to our Christian growth and development. On the other hand, if we behold the immoral, the ways of sin come more naturally to us.
I often hear the argument, “I only choose good films.” Let me suggest that this is dangerous. By what evaluation do you decide what is a “good” film? I have sensed that many begin with high standards but few retain them.
I was startled some time ago when I saw the film industries’ ratings for the major films produced in 1987. Here are their ratings of 483 films released by the Motion Picture Association of America. Eleven were rated G; 102 PG; 73 PG-13; 294 R; and three were rated X (USA Today, 8/15/88). This means only 2.3% were graded for general viewing.
Now remember that ratings are much more liberal than they once were. I’d have to say that Hollywood has no interest in developing films to encourage your soul salvation. My wife and I, in our more than twenty-five years of marriage have chosen not to own a television set because of the danger that we feel it would be to ourselves and our family. We have found this to be a very wise decision. It gives us so much more quality time. |
