SHOULD CHRISTIANS WATCH TELEVISION?
Harry Bethel
BethelMinistries.com

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with a television set. Like the telephone, the TV set is incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong. Television, however, is of a different nature than telephones. And the argument that TV is amoral (neither moral or immoral), and that there are some "good" programs that could benefit the viewer is merely a smoke screen that conceals a diabolical scheme, the scale of which is unprecedented in the history of man.

Christians who enjoy the offerings of television today have quenched the Holy Spirit within them. They can no longer discern the more subtle (and some not so subtle) schemes of the enemy, and this to their eternal detriment.

Church leaders who partake of these programs offered by the world via television will incur a stricter judgment, not only for indulging in this, but also for their refusal to denounce this abominable thing. There is propagandizing and brainwashing of God's people on such a grand scale that it can only be explained by the prophesied apostasy of the last days.

To the one who has not been born again this message is absurd. And the typical Christian in America today has degenerated to virtually the same point. He regards such a message as legalistic, encroaching on his "liberty in Christ."

Many Christians today have become desensitized by a steady diet of things that are unholy. They defile their minds, and can no longer discern much of that which is evil. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil" (Isa. 5:20).

The eyes and ears are gates through which two of the physical senses channel information to the soul within a man. The Spirit of Christ within a believer is grieved as the Christian watches and listens to the filth, and, as it were, forces Christ in him to see and hear these same things. What an unconscionable thing to do to our Lord!

A Christian father would not allow the popular pornographic magazines in his home, and would not think of browsing through them to read only those articles from which something good might be gleaned. The very thought of this is ludicrous to the man walking with Christ. But the same position would have been taken by Christians a hundred years ago concerning television. Actually, there are thousands of Christian fathers in America who do not tolerate a TV set in their homes (conservative Anabaptist groups, for example).

There are perhaps some programs broadcasted today that are more or less neutral regarding good or evil. But many ads interspersed among programs are an abomination to God, whether they are displays of things that are outright immoral (and would have been considered so a few generations ago), or whether they are more subtle in alluring the viewer with worldly values.

The world with its vain philosophies has nothing beneficial to offer the Christian. This world is under the control of Satan and his demons (under God's sovereign hand) and this includes all commercial television programming. "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one" (1 Jn. 5:19).

Much of that which is broadcasted today, and is daily fare for many of God's people, would have been cause for imprisonment of television network and station managers just thirty years ago. What the world, a short time ago, called pornographic or sensual is now acceptable among the masses and even many Christians. The world and Christendom have changed their standards concerning what is indecent, but God has not. Defiling one's mind with much of that which is on TV today is sin. This says nothing of the sinister subliminal messages to which viewers are unknowingly subjected.

Concerning so-called Christian actors, acting is a pagan art and it is impossible to be filled with the Holy Spirit and act at the same time. The Greek word hupokrites (an actor) and the Latin word hypocrita (a stage actor) is where we get the English word "hypocrite," and is translated so in the English Bible. Jesus used this word many times and always in a way that showed contempt for the sin of being a hypocrite. But many eminent leaders in the Church today rationalize this concept and employ it to spread a watered-down Gospel message or to entertain nominal Christians.

But true Christianity is not something that can be depicted as some form of entertainment. Drama and movies did not originate from the Holy Spirit, by whom Christians should be led, but rather from the spirit of this world, that is, the spirit of antichrist. And while some would defend so-called Christian movies or drama as a way to evangelize the unsaved, their rationale results from a lack of discernment. The Holy Spirit simply is not involved in this sort of thing. To pretend to pray or be converted before a camera or audience is a perverted form of insincerity that borders on blasphemy.

Many Christians enjoy watching sports on TV. Identifying with these highly paid or highly esteemed athletes brings joy to their souls. But Jesus said, "... That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God" (Lk. 16:15).

The power of the Holy Spirit is not manifested in competitiveness, but rather in humility---God gives grace to the humble. Jesus is our Example. Can you really picture our Lord running down a football field knocking down his opponents, headed for the goal line as the "fans" (short for "fanatics") jump up and down and yell and applaud?

Some would argue that television is good for shut-ins who can watch worship services. But the truth is, shut-ins don't watch only worship services. It would behoove church leaders and other Christians to visit shut-ins frequently and require that all the flock dispose of their television sets. "Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1).

Many Christians irrefutably declare by practice that they do not really fear our holy God---"by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil" (Prov. 16:6). We should "fear the Lord and shun evil," (Prov. 3:7) in fact, we should "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22).

The Christian who enjoys being amused or entertained by celebrities on TV (or any other way) should take heed to God's warning through the apostle Paul: "Avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness" (2 Tim. 2:16), and through the Spirit-inspired James: "Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent" (James 1:21).

Much of the best that the world has to offer via television and other media including radio and newspapers is permeated with humanistic philosophy. They are part of a diabolical scheme to mold the minds of the partakers. The same truths concerning television also apply to radio, newspapers, and news magazines. The only difference is that the television is the more powerful medium in its influence.

Concerning the Internet: If you are tempted to look at pornography and must use a computer "pluck out" the modem and stay off the Web. It simply is not worth it, my dear friend. If you are a Christian you grieve the Holy Spirit in you Who must look at that filth with you through your eyes. It brings reproach on the name of Christ among the holy angels and among other Christians when you are caught---and you can be sure your sin will find you out! (Numbers 32:23). Click here to read article on pornography.

Christians should be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2) that they may become more like our holy Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that will not happen while one fills one's mind with the programs on television and with other media, including the cheap output of the press. Beloved Christian, get rid of your television set, repent, forsake your sin and receive forgiveness.