Comments on: Visual Onslaught: A Diversion of Focus

By: Rebecca Fosgate

Rebecca Fosgate — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:29:22 +0000

Man! That was a VERY good post!! It’s saddening (because it is so true), and convicting for me. Thanks for posting it!
I think that that kind of thinking has even penetrated the Christian circle more that we would feel comfortable admitting. (Am I right?) I think that it has made us much more shallow. We are afraid to let people in to our churches, or even to witness to them, just because we are afraid of how they look or how they might act (and make us look bad).
And I think that even though we try to convince ourselves that (because we are Christians), we will not be affected by a certain movie, a certain website, or a certain TV show; but I think that if we are humble enough to admit it, they DO affect us, even if it’s only a teeny little bit.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:44:02 +0000

Actually, Katy, Dr. Howard Morgan wasn’t the first person to say that. The Apostle Paul did. I’m not trying to be nit-picky, just saying.

By: Katy Waldrop

Katy Waldrop — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Regarding question #2, I belive it says somewhere in the Bible that there is an enemy that marches to and fro over the Earth, seeking whom he may devour… Coming from a the generation who for the most part was brought up by a television set, I say we are extremely succeptible to the effects of media and culture. I still battle with the fact that when the TV is on, I can’t think of anything else to do. Ane there’s plenty that needs to be done. My husband and I just attempted a TV fast for the past few days and honestly, in the beginning I actually had withdrawal symptoms. I was very irritable and bored. It really taught me a lot about myself. I realized that when my mind is distracted by 100’s of different images per second, I absolutely cannot hear from the Lord. Even if it’s a seemingly harmless program such as Martha, or a remodeling show that I enjoy, I am still distracted with something that is less than the Word of God to me. And that just doesn’t cut it. The wise Dr. Howard Morgan once said, ” If you think you are above being deceived, you are deceived already!”

By: SecDef

SecDef — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

1) As Robert Lewis Dabney said, the church is one step behind the culture. First, everyone laughs at an idea; then the culture accepts it; finally, the church accepts it. I think that is true in many situations, unfortunately.

2) Very. The very fact that advertising companies spend so much money researching the effects their advertisements have on the human brain shows how seriously the ‘professionals’ take this. Some examples: When I say “Palestinians,” what do you all think of? Arabs, right? If you watch the classic movie Exodus, which was produced in the 1960s, some of the Jews are referred to as “Palestinians.” Also in that movie, persons with whom you are only aquainances are addressed as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” We don’t do that anymore. There are sooooo many things that have changed, primarily because of culture. Why don’t we call the Israelis “Palestinians”? (Forget for a minute the origin of the name “Palestine.”) Don’t they also live in “Palestine”? Why don’t we address people as “Mr.” and “Mrs/Miss”? Change in culture.

By: Brett Harris

Brett Harris — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I thought I should mention, “The Tipping Point” by Malcom Gladwell, does an extraordinary job uncovering (among other things) the vulnerability of the human mind to outside influence.

I would highly recommend his book to anyone who hopes to start a movement, fad, or cultural trend.

By: Renaud

Renaud — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

1) Claiming a God invisible and who died on the Cross, I think Christianity is in itself a call to “inner” values. There is today not a penny of social recognition to gain being a Christian. For the best. Christians who look for God in their daily lives are naturally led to look for these values.

2) I think that the animated and speaking image is fascinating for all human being. Watching TV implies an apriori acceptance of this power of fascination, thus of the content. Christians should not watch television. Full stop.

By: abby berg

abby berg — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

wow! that is a really good post! I have dealt with the consequences of the german lifestyle this summer when my cousin came and spent a month with us so we could ’straighten her out’. It was not fun…! It seriously shows us that we need to turn our nation back to christianity!

By: 4HisChurch

4HisChurch — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I think your observations are very wise and on target. America is becoming a “fake” culture based only on looks. Anyone who is at all “different” is expected to change, or cease to exist. This trend does not bode well for those with disabilities, especially in light of the recent Terri Schiavo case here in the U.S.

God bless you for your youth and wisdom!

By: J

Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Excellent post. I seriously doubt that the problem of superficiality is greater now than it was in previous eras and cultures, but Hans’s thoughts are nevertheless a very good critique of the problems of this mindset and the ways that it is perpetuated in our current culture.

By: Hans

Hans — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

J, could I ask you to elaborate? From what do you derive that previous eras or cultures were as caught up in the superficial as today? I respect your position, but I have not seen any proof for that claim.