Ditching the Television?

A few of my conservative Christian friends have decided that they should no longer watch television... Often that fact will slip my mind, so whenever I ask them if they watched a particular program, they will quickly remind me that they did not watch the program because they don't watch TV anymore.

The decision to get rid of TV in the home is probably not the worst idea I have ever heard. I believe many of us Christians could do much for sparking revival and Reformation if we would just cut down on our TV time and pick up the Bible a little more often. I believe also, as an article by American Vision indicates, Americans are increasingly being indoctrinated with Liberal propaganda through watching Television. Even still, the decision to totally do away with a TV in the home of a Christian concerns me a bit.

I've given it some thought, and here's 4 reasons why the Kelley home will not ditch the "Hellevision" anytime soon:

1. Current Events: . If ever a category 5 Hurricane is heading our way, I think I'll let my anti-TV friends track it via newspaper and see how that works...!!! No, not really, but even though much of the programming is slanted to the Left, I like being able to watch the News and keep track of what's going on in the world. (I mean, how else will I be able to keep up with the latest high speed chases in L.A. or the lame brain shenanigans of Paris Hilton?)



2. Christian Programming: Not TBN mind you... I'm referring to broadcasters who might actually be saved! Take for instance the NRB Network on Direct TV. This network has some really awesome -and theologically sound- programs: R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, and Ravi Zacharias are just a few big timers you will find there...
   


3. Educational Value: I seldom watch TV, but when I do, I normally watch the Military Channel, the History Channel, the Learning Channel, or the Discovery Channel. I have found that these channels often have decent programming that is helpful in supplementing our homeschooling program. Believe it or not, one of my children's favorite shows is the Discovery Channel show called "How It's Made," which as the name indicates, is a show that teaches how all sorts of everyday items are manufactured.



4. Teaching Discernment: Even though "offensive programs" are not viewed in our home, we have trained our children to be able to discern themes that are objectionable to our worldview and (if we are out of the room for some reason) how to change the channel or turn the tube off if they need to!

Let me be clear: I fully support a Christian family's right to get rid of a TV if that is their heart-felt conviction. If a family feels that is what God would have them to do, I would never try to stand in their way. However, I cannot imagine how a parent will expect their child to be able to discern the good from the bad if they totally do away with the TV in the home. I realize some may disagree with my strategy here, but I am not naive enough to believe that totally barring children from watching TV is somehow going to better prepare them to make good choices in the real world after they are on their own.

Ohh... I gotta go! A new Spongebob is about to come on!!