I have an observation that has been troubling me for long. I'm a South African, and here, as in many countries, the American film industry rules the TV, streaming site and so on. There are good films here and there but majority is typical Hollywood films - blasphemous, idolizing sex, feministic and just really terrible stories of people doing terrible things to one another - and making it normal. I believe you become what you watch. I have seen it in my own life.
Now what is troubling me is this - I have been listening to various American preachers (such as Timothy Keller and RC Sproul - whom I both admire) and is always slightly shocked when they refer to such worldly films in a good light. Taking examples from them. Thus, watching such material is normal for the paster and by referring to it in a sermon is encouraging the congregation to watch it too. Have the Americans Christians become blunted to the attacks hidden in films? Well, the whole world has, I suppose. But might this negligence be one of the many underlying problems of a nation this confused? It most definitely is one in South Africa...I'm just wondering if the American preachers are aware of the danger of these films?
I think the overriding concern among many preachers is appear “cool” and “with it.” So they echo popular culture, often embarrassingly so. I’ve known preachers to wear sports team jerseys in the pulpit. Then there are those execrable skinny jeans. The worst manifestation of this need to be hip is sucking up to the LQBTQOBN+++ crowd. While these ministers should know the better, the need for narcissistic supply takes over.
I guess what I’m trying to ask you is, whenever things like this happen, SHOULD they affect our next sermon? I find myself as a shepherd needing to guide my flock whenever things like this happen because of the effect of certain events like this and others (e.g. the Texas floods) that could potentially leave my people with questions or even anger. So I’m just wondering if I’m alone in this or if I’m playing hostage to my heart too easily.
Amen!
“Let the exaltations of God be in their throats,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples” (Psalm 149:6-7).
Thank you for this.
Preach preacher!
I have an observation that has been troubling me for long. I'm a South African, and here, as in many countries, the American film industry rules the TV, streaming site and so on. There are good films here and there but majority is typical Hollywood films - blasphemous, idolizing sex, feministic and just really terrible stories of people doing terrible things to one another - and making it normal. I believe you become what you watch. I have seen it in my own life.
Now what is troubling me is this - I have been listening to various American preachers (such as Timothy Keller and RC Sproul - whom I both admire) and is always slightly shocked when they refer to such worldly films in a good light. Taking examples from them. Thus, watching such material is normal for the paster and by referring to it in a sermon is encouraging the congregation to watch it too. Have the Americans Christians become blunted to the attacks hidden in films? Well, the whole world has, I suppose. But might this negligence be one of the many underlying problems of a nation this confused? It most definitely is one in South Africa...I'm just wondering if the American preachers are aware of the danger of these films?
I think the overriding concern among many preachers is appear “cool” and “with it.” So they echo popular culture, often embarrassingly so. I’ve known preachers to wear sports team jerseys in the pulpit. Then there are those execrable skinny jeans. The worst manifestation of this need to be hip is sucking up to the LQBTQOBN+++ crowd. While these ministers should know the better, the need for narcissistic supply takes over.
This is EXCELLENT! And it is the aspiration for my life!
SOLI DEO GLORIA
Thank you… excellent.
Thank you for not capitulating; for not trading "boldness" for "nuance". God bless you Pastor.
Amen!
Does this influence your next sermon?
Like am I gonna change my sermon? If so, probably not. But it will influence me.
I guess what I’m trying to ask you is, whenever things like this happen, SHOULD they affect our next sermon? I find myself as a shepherd needing to guide my flock whenever things like this happen because of the effect of certain events like this and others (e.g. the Texas floods) that could potentially leave my people with questions or even anger. So I’m just wondering if I’m alone in this or if I’m playing hostage to my heart too easily.