Christian entertainment is a most important part of the
issues facing Christians today. Our youth need good and healthy forms of
entertainment. There are complex questions to deal with. Does Christian entertainment have a high moral standard to
maintain? Can Christians keep a pure reputation to pursue a career in the
entertainment media? Pray for Christian discernment in a mass media culture to
gain valuable insights on how to live a spiritual life in a global, high-tech information
and entertainment culture. It is all about forming correct Christian values and
ideals in the media age. Christians must celebrate the saving power of Christ
in all spheres of life including the entertainment media.
Public opinion and culture is hugely shaped, expressed,
controlled and dominated by the global communication media conglomerate. Christian
discernment observes our mass media culture with the eyes and ears of Christ to
ascertain the real values that control our cultural environment. It has the innate
power to discern how the media is actively used to shape our lives. What truly inspires
our sensibilities and moral sense? Which kind of comedy amuses us to the point
of healthy laughter? What makes a drama particularly appealing to our artistic and
aesthetic senses? Which new film or refreshing sound of music awakens us to admiration,
awe and wonder?
The media provides a constant and steady stream of news, information
and entertainment. Our senses are avidly bombarded by sensational news and a
vast variety of conflicting opinions and views, to highlight the vivid images, graphic
sights and high-tech sounds on the computer, internet, radio and television,
and the printed newspaper, magazines and books that keeps us dramatically up-to-date.
Today, the staggering influence of mass media like the internet and television is
absolutely mind-boggling as it constantly conveys a continually relentless stream
of information and entertainment instantaneously and simultaneously to people around
the globe.
Critical awareness analyzes media content. Christian
discernment requires silence and solitude in our life, peace and quiet amid the
daily routines, precious moments to listen to God and to be creative in our
media use, an integral part of our whole lives. A culture is a mutually shared
view, a joint collaboration of values, ideas and ideals. Songs, stories, dramas
and news highlight the issues and conflicts of our culture. This is a selective
interpretation of reality, not a transparent view of reality. Mass media reflects
our culture socially, politically and culturally.
Critical awareness generates a critical appreciation of media
content to enrich our lives and culture. Look for quality content that inspires
and educates society. Be active users, alert and conscious of how the media subtly
integrates into our lives. Mass media has the great potential to enrich our
lives. Christians must find ways to improve media content effectively. Critical
awareness of mass media content deepens our perception of media culture. It
allows us to communicate better in our daily lives. As we reflect on the
communication process of the mass media, critical awareness highlights the basic
defects and deficiencies of communication. Christian discernment sees the numerous
faults and flaws of the media with wide-open eyes.
Genuine communication builds up a common understanding in
which great values and ideals are shared with a courageous and fearless
dedication to truth. It gives us the power to agree or disagree in an
atmosphere of bonhomie, camaraderie and co-operation. Our disagreements are safely
cocooned within a framework of mutual respect and understanding. Communication celebrates
human dignity and equality for all. At the heart of communication is the true willingness
to listen more to what is not said than to what is actually said. This is the
art of great communication that has the power to move hearts.
A contemplative spirit integrates critical awareness into
daily Christian living. It opens our life to the power of prayer, a glorious
testimony and powerful witness to the work of God in our lives. It helps us to see
with Christ's eyes and hear with Christ's ears, as we pray for justice and forgiveness,
mercy and peace in the world. The media educates us to see the dignity and
beauty of the world, with inspiring stories of selfless courage and bravery, using
pictures, videos and films to heighten our understanding of the human heart.
Christians in the entertainment media are witnesses
to the "Good News" of Christ, torch-bearers to shine His light upon the
world. The love of Christ transforms
the lives of people daily. Christian discernment in a media culture
allows us
to see what is truly valuable in life, endows us with a Christ-like love
and deep-sighted
reverence for our honorable culture under the true standard of Christ.
Raise
the banner for Christ and His cause!
© Miriam Jacob
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