Mass Media and Me
A Christian Response to Popular Culture
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Twenty minutes of mindless scrolling YouTube on my phone and I can’t even tell you what I’m watching anymore or why. It’s amazing how quickly time slips away without any purpose - films, music, video games, TV, books, magazines, social media, podcasts. We have more control over how we curate our content than ever before, so why does it often feel like we’re still failing when it comes to what we listen to and watch?
As Christians we should be trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:10) but how do we practically apply the Bible’s teachings in a world that can feel so distant in time and technology? We must remember that, as the infallible Word of God, the Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and relevant at all times and for all time. As Christians we enjoy many freedoms when it comes to how we spend our time, but also many responsibilities
I started writing fiction when I was in primary school. When I was 15 my friends and I decided to start a band (even though at the time none of us played an instrument) and we went on to write songs and play gigs together for years. At 14 I started running around with a video camera, and to this day I am still involved with making short films (with slightly bigger budgets). I’ve studied literature, film and cultural theory. I have spent most of my life thinking about and discussing these things.
I have also spent enough evenings, listening to friends debate what is and isn’t acceptable viewing, listening, reading or playing, for a Christian to know opinions can and do vary in the extreme on these topics. So, for those who are wondering, no, I am not going to tell you if it’s OK to watch Game of Thrones. Instead, I’m going to ask you a question. What do you spend your time thinking about?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul tells the believers what it is they should be thinking about, what their focus should be. He does not call them (or us) to be thoughtless viewers and hearers. We are instead called to discipline our minds and focus our hearts on what is pleasing to the Lord.
I want to share some thoughts on engaging with popular culture, using Philippians 4:8. They are by no means exhaustive, and are shared to serve as a starting point to encourage a more thoughtful approach.
WHATEVER IS TRUE
In the age of ‘fake news’, truth has been downgraded to a subjective, changeable point of view. Even in a Facebook feed it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
So what’s the answer? Should we throw out our smartphones, laptops and TVs and make our way to some remote location, far from civilisation? A drastic solution, but as our calling includes being light in the world (Matthew 5:16) (which is pointless when hidden away), I would recommend a different approach.
Begin with what you know to be true. The Bible. Use it as your starting point. Spend time with it each day. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word. It’s not for nothing Paul calls it the sword of the Spirit .(Ephesians 6:17) It is our weapon against the muddy lies of Satan.
When it comes to what you listen to, read or watch, look for what you know is true and be awake to what is false. Many seemingly harmless TV shows and so-called “reality TV” present entirely twisted views of life, love and God (as do a lot of the songs that top the charts). These false views are at odds with God’s Word, and if they get a grip on our hearts they open the door to all kinds of doubt. Don’t forget, the first fall was instigated when Satan distorted the word of God .(Genesis 3:1)
WHATEVER IS HONOURABLE
Every man must have a code. This sentiment has been voiced by countless characters throughout book, film and TV history. This “code of honour” is one by which they live or die. Their sense of honour is what ennobles them and ultimately makes us root for them.
But the truth is their ‘honour’ is entirely unfounded. They pick an arbitrary set of rules about what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour, and then they judge themselves and everyone around them by that standard. Dom Toretto (one of the main heroes of The Fast and the Furious franchise) preaches morality and loyalty, while at the same time taking no issue with stealing and illegal street racing.
As Christian our goal is not to honour ourselves but rather to honour God .(1 Samuel 2:30) As sinners, our desire is to set our own standards for our lives, but ultimately this is rebellion against God.
We tend to admire characters who do the right thing, whatever the cost. This self-sacrificial spirit is something we should be able to relate to and admire.
But if a character’s highest moral authority is themselves then their reason for doing the right thing is either entirely subjective or driven by society’s mood at that given moment. We should instead be seeking to honour the unchanging God, not by living by our own code, but by living according to His. Where do we find that ‘code’? In His Word. How do we honour God? By keeping his commandments. We should not make idols of celebrities. We should not listen to music that takes God’s name in vain. We should keep the Sabbath holy. We should honour our parents by obeying the rules they set for us. We should not watch pornography. We should not download or stream films illegally. We should not covet the lifestyles we see on reality TV. These are just a few practical examples of how we should be applying God’s Word today.
WHATEVER IS LOVELY
Where do you go at the end of a long day? Some people collapse on the sofa to watch TV. Others head straight to their computer or game console. Music. Books. Social media. We all have ways we like to unwind. And that’s a good thing; our bodies and minds weren’t designed for 24-hour work.
I’m not against downtime, but when we relax we often disengage our brains and become less vigilant about the things we do, watch and listen to. There is a tendency to be complacent about what we hear and see. We do not ask ourselves if how we are spending our time is worthy of our attention at all. I was told once that we always have time for the things we want to make time for. Relaxing with a video game or episode of a TV show can be a perfectly acceptable way to spend an hour of your evening. But if you’re struggling to find time in the day to read the Bible or pray, it does raise a question of priorities. Our main focus should always be on what edifies us, what is pleasing and acceptable to God, and our entertainment should always come second.
WHATEVER IS COMMENDABLE. IF THERE IS ANY EXCELLENCE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING WORTHY OF PRAISE
I watch films, read books and listen to music for enjoyment. But I’m also interested in artistry and storytelling. I’ve written stories, songs and screenplays. I’ve directed and produced short films. I know the time, study and effort that go into these things. The ability to share experiences with others is a phenomenal gift, I would encourage more Christians to consider becoming involved in the arts. Writers, directors and songwriters can’t help but reflect their perception of life in their art. Art can be used to educate and empower, which is why we need art that reflects real truth, truth that saves.
But let me be clear: there are limits when it comes to “art”. The golden calf (Exodus 32:4) may have been an artistic masterpiece for all we know but the Israelites committed horrendous sin on its account. We cannot hide behind the false veneer of “art” when something stands in stark contravention of God’s law. If something you watch, play, read or listen to is fanning the flames of sin in your life, get rid of it.
Think about these things
Imagine a road, known for its breath-taking scenery and treacherous potholes of various sizes and depths. A cautious driver might take this route, albeit slowly and with a great deal of attentiveness. They might also choose to not go down this road at all, thereby avoiding the risk of damaging their car altogether. A careless driver should always steer clear of this route. And some roads are impossible to travel unscathed.
For most of my life I was happy to carelessly watch, listen and read. After all, aren’t all things permissible? (1 Corinthians 10:23) But the more time I spend with God’s Word the more awake I have become to the danger areas in my own life. Just because I know how to justify something does not necessarily mean that thing is edifying for me. This fallen world is designed to tempt us away from Christ, but He is not someone who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses .(Hebrews 4:15) And in His Word we find the toolkit for engaging with popular culture.
Are you struggling with some secret sin? Do you find it hard to believe God’s Word in the light of what you see in the world around you? Do you feel like you’re standing still rather than growing in your faith? Examine yourself in the light of God’s Word, for it is by the Word that the Spirit conforms us to Jesus, and His tastes increasingly become our tastes. Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise. Think about these things.
