It started out as a simple idea, a one-month fast from all things science fiction. But it blossomed into an incredible opportunity.
This is my story.
My Life One-Year Ago
Almost one year ago, I was a very different kind of person. Science fiction television programs and movies obsessed me. I was a self-professed Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor Who fanatic.
The Bible was a second or third priority and my relationship with God was taking a toll.
My parents had mentioned my obsessions several times. But my stubborn sci-fi engrossed flesh would not heed their warnings. On Wednesday, January 16th 2013, that all changed.
The Call
I was at home, alone, working on schoolwork. I was working at an algebra lesson when, suddenly, I could felt a strong sense of terror.
I realized that my priorities had shifted. I could feel that God was concerned about my life.
I fell to my knees and began to cry out to God. I prayed, hard. I realized that I was being defined by my nerdy fandoms more then my relationship with Christ.
I remembered that when I was watching the evil images on that television screen, Christ was watching them with me.
I realized that non-believers would see my life as a reflection of science fiction rather then a reflection of God’s light.
I was moved to tears.
That was when God gave me a hard, Rebelutionary idea. He told me to take one month fast from all things science fiction.
I got up, removed all the Star Trek and Star Wars memorabilia from my room, stuffed them in a box, and put the box in the closet.
I got on my computer and put all my science fiction related files in a password-protected folder.
I felt released from all the things that had once ruled my life.
I sat down and wrote an email to my friends about what I was doing.
In that email I addressed all the things God had been telling me.
I outlined what God had showed me about my life.
I asked that they would hold me accountable to continue my pledge.
I even invited them to join me in my fast.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought the worst was over with. Boy was I mistaken!
The Fast
My family got home and I explained my fast to them. They were overjoyed. I next called Wes, my best friend. He thoroughly read my email. The next morning, he sent out an email of his own.
He said was proud to see me as “A man. A reflection of his creator.”
He concluded his email by saying “I will not make a promise as yet that I will join James in his fast… An even greater influence than that of Captain James T. Kirk, Picard, The Doctor, or The Force, is the influence of a great friend. Like a rocket igniting, James has challenged me with this. James is a leader.”
This email touched my deeply. It was my first inkling that this decision would cause a greater affect than I had expected.
Reactions, Good and Bad
The next day I arrived at my homeschool co-op for classes.
I received a far different reception there then I did from Wes. One friend said I was “betraying Star Trek.”
This saddened me deeply.
I admire this person very much and had expected a different response. Another friend at co-op, David, respected my decision but did not want to join me.
This was only the beginning of the challenges that lay ahead.
That evening my family and I stopped by Barnes and Noble bookstore.
My fast was up for another challenge.
On the shelf in front of me I saw a toy TARDIS (a time machine from Doctor Who).
I had never seen a toy TARDIS and I had enough gift cards from Christmas to purchase it.
For a moment I wavered. Then I remembered my friends. How could I explain the purchase of a Doctor Who toy to them?
It was my accountability to them (and a good dose of supernatural strength) that enabled me to place that toy back on the shelf.
Later that month I was on a trip to the Library to pick up a video.
Shortly before my fast, I had ordered an episode of Doctor Who from an out-of-town branch.
I decided to keep this video and continue renewing it until my fast was over. It would be my reward at the end of my fast.
Once again co-op came around.
I was discussing my fast with David. Several students overheard our conversation. I was approached by two of them.
They asked me about my fast. I explained my reasons and they listened politely.
I believe I made an impact on them that day.
At lunch I was approached by another student, Ty.
He told me that he had been struggling with his interest in secular music.
He asked me my what fasting from science fiction had been like. Once again, my fast had made a larger impact.
The End of the Fast
I filled the rest of my fast with classical music and good Christian books. At the end of the month I sat down and watched that Doctor Who episode from the library.
It did not hold the same attraction for me.
God was helping me move on. I removed my files from the folder and the memorabilia from the box.
It still took several more months for me to begin to get over my obsession.
God is still helping me overcome science fiction.
I can thankfully say that I am no longer the person who watched Star Trek constantly or spent all his time researching Doctor Who. I still enjoy science fiction, but God is my priority.
Conclusion
Never be afraid to listen to God’s voice and make changes.
When God gives you a rebelutionary idea, do it. Set up an accountability partner to keep you on the path. Share the decision with your friends, acquaintances, and classmates.
You never know how a simple idea may change the world.
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section!
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Hey, James,
Great job on the Si-Fi fast. It’s pretty awesome that you were willing to do this. I did something similar a few months ago. I have a tendency to talk too much, and to do it without thinking. So, I decided to go on a Word Fast. I wouldn’t talk for 1 day, except in prayer. But because of a few questions I had for school I was only able to go about 12 hours. That was a big deal for me. I can’t imagine a whole month! That’s amazing, man! God must be proud to see you do all this. Keep up the good work and trust God.
– Trent
Trent,
Thank you! A word fast is an interesting idea. Great job going twelve hours! I doubt I could go that long! Avoiding science fiction for a month was very difficult. I found other things to fill my time like good Christian books and classical music. Through my fast, I developed a great appreciation for both! Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
The fruit of the Spirit…. self control. 🙂 good job.
Elaine,
Thank you!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Wow, awesome! I too am a 17-year old homeschooler, and I used to be completely obsessed with science fiction, namely Doctor Who. It took me a long time to realize that I was spending much more time watching, thinking about, talking about, and researching Doctor Who than I was spending time with my Savior. Of course, I still love the show (I mean, who wouldn’t?!), but I needed to put Christ first. Ironically, it was the topic of Doctor Who that began a conversation in which one of my friends accepted Christ! Anyway, I think it’s great that you are willing to sacrifice what it takes to keep your relationship with our Lord strong. It’s certainly not easy – but that’s a good thing! Thanks for sharing your story.
Nathan,
I’m glad you enjoyed my article. I have also got into spiritual conversations by way of science fiction. If you’re interested in that you may want to check out my first article on my blog (thebibliophileblog.blogspot.com). I still enjoy science fiction, but God in the priority. Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Good stuff! I enjoy various levels of sci-fi, from Doctor Who to the 1960s’ Twilight Zone. It doesn’t matter what entertainment you’re into; if it stands between you and a closer relationship with the Lord, it’s got to go; it’s become an idol. You may find you’ll have to repeat this fast, whether in this area or others, but God will bless every one of them!
Rachel,
Yes! A fast of any kind is not a one time event. As a matter of fact, shortly after my fast I actually relapsed into obsession. It took some hard yet loving words from my father to remind me what really mattered. Any interest that takes the place of God is a violation of the first of the Ten Commandments and has to go. I’m glad you enjoyed the article! God bless you!
Signed,
James W. Ware
James,
If you’re OK with it, I’d love to include a few lines from this article in an upcoming post on IfYeStandFast.wordpress.com, about handing our personal identities over to God. I’d be glad to include a link back to your article here. Is this all right by you, and do I need to request permission from TheRebelution.com?
– Rachel
Rachel,
I’m not certain if you need to ask permission from The Rebelution but I’m fine with you using my article as long as you credit the original article. Let me know when the article is posted! If you need any further information, you can message me through the contact page on my blog thebibliophileblog.blogspot.com. I’ll be certain to take a look at your blog!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Great article! I wasn’t obsessed with science fiction, but I was obsessed with The Lord of the Rings. After the second movie came out I started to drift back to the Lord. I had realized that I was to obsessed. I still love it . . .just not more than God. 🙂
Thank you Liam! Obsessions are so easy to get into. They are slow and sneaky. Before we can recognize it, they have become an idol. That’s when it’s great to remember that God is still an idol-smashing God!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Amen to that James!
God Bless,
Liam Siegler
Starting this year, I began to get way too obsessed with LOTR and the Hobbit. I don’t know why because I’ve liked it OK for a long time now but this year, it went over the top. Thanks for sharing, Liam! I’m not the only one! 🙂
Yeah, its very enchanting isn’t it. 😛
God Bless,
Liam Siegler
I love LOTR too, but I love the book “The Hobbit” too much to really love the Hobbit movies… the producer changed too much in my opinion.
I couldn’t believe it when I read this article! I did a “Doctor Who” fast last year. I felt like it was consuming to much of my time and attention, and was distracting me from God. I took a month or two long fast from watching it right before we went on vacation with free WiFi. Free internet, and I couldn’t stream the Doctor Who episodes I had missed! It was torture at first, especially because not everyone understood, but it helped me grow stronger.
When my fast was over I watched another episode, and realized it didn’t have the same hold on me as it did before. I found myself able to both see, and judge more clearly than before. Things about it that had sorta bothered me before stuck out in plain view. Sometimes Satan disguises something bad with some good, to trick us, and learning how to tell can be very difficult. (It’s not the most pure and lovely show if you catch my drift, but there are some good things like friendship, love, sacrifice, and loyalty.)
Now I still watch some of the reruns with my sister occasionally, but I am far more careful in what I watch. It is so easy to idolize a fictional hero like “The Doctor,” and forget the that the real Doctor and Savior of the world is Jesus Christ. Don’t let anything, good or bad, take over your relationship with Jesus.
Mallory,
I’m glad to hear that you also found a Doctor Who fast beneficial. I too still enjoy Doctor Who, but it does not have the same hold on my life. I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Signed,
James W. Ware
This is a great article, James!
So many teens struggle with entertainment obsessions, including Christian teens. What a great testimony to keep God a priority in your life!
Thank you Hannah! I’m glad you enjoyed my article.
Signed,
James W. Ware
Beautiful.
Wes,
Thank you my friend! It’s God’s beauty which he has chosen to reflect in me.
Signed,
James W. Ware
This is a great idea. I’ve done “fiction fasts” before. I read nothing but my Bible and my school books. I haven’t done one in a while. Every time I did it though, it really helped my walk with Christ (AND helped me get some things done around the house). 🙂
Bethany,
Thank you for commenting! Yes, fiction fasts are extremely helpful when it comes to getting housework done. It also drew my much closer to Christ. I’m glad you liked the idea!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Neither of my parents are big on science fiction so I’m not allowed to watch, read, etc. anything that has to do with science fiction, but I know there are other things in my life that I could “fast” from
Grace,
A fast is certainly not limited to science fiction. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives must be reduced or limited. A fast is an excellent to ween us off of these idols. Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
I’m the same, except I *could* watch/read sci-fi, but I really don’t like the blatant liberalism and anti-women messages. (Note: the anti-women messages I’m talking about are the idea that women are there solely to look good for the men, and that somehow women need to be like men (fighting, etc.).) Not to mention the lack of morals from just about anyone in Star Trek or Star Wars (Haven’t watched Dr. Who, but it seems too weird).
James, I thank you for putting this out there. When I was fourteen, I was OBSESSED with lord of the rings (lotr). I knew the movies by heart and had to watch them constantly. I knew all of the actors, collected the pictures, and everything in my life revolved around lotr. I didn’t realize the extent until one day on the soccer field I was thinking about Aragorn as my inspiration instead of asking God to help me through the game. I cleaned it out of my room; I wouldn’t touch the books; I wouldn’t see the movies; and I didn’t listen to the music. I abstained from lotr for 2 1/2 years in which time I refocused. Praise the Lord, now I am able to enjoy lord of the rings but in it’s rightful place.
For my fellow brothers and sisters, don’t be afraid to take a fast. God is worth it, and you will feel better.
Stephanie,
Wow! That’s quite the story! When I was younger (10-12ish) I was obsessed with Star Wars. I thought, dreamed, drank, ate, slept Star Wars. God convicted me of this obsession. However, I filled the Star Wars void with other science fiction. It was from this science fiction that I took my fast. It’s incredible that you took at 2.5 year fast! God bless you for your faithfulness! I echo your last comments, fasts aren’t easy, but they are worth it! You will crave what you put aside to focus on God but He will fill your life with His will. And God’s story for your life is way better than any Doctor Who plot!
Signed,
James w. Ware
btw James, I am also a whovian. 🙂 But it really has been amazing. I read the books to my dad, and I found that now reading them can actually turn my focus to God. When I read about Aragorn “The hands of the king are the hands of healing” how true is that about our King! From there I looked up and found all of the passages where God promises healing, including a tree in heaven that is a tree of healing!
Only God can turn a person’s heart around from idolatry to worship!
Stephanie,
It is amazing how God can use secular franchises to reveal truths about him! You probably know, J. R. R. Tolkien wrote Lord of the Rings from a Christian perspective. He and C. S. Lewis were good friends. As a matter of fact, Tolkien led Lewis to Christ. I have never read Lord of the Rings, I need to get around to it sometime!
Signed,
James W. Ware
That’s so awesome! I’ve never loved tv/movies like others. Usually I find them too confusing! haha But still, every night I’d watch them intently and enjoy it. I began to realize that I was thinking of the different character throughout the day. And I began to see how pointless it was….I was spending more time thinking about and watching these fictional characters more that I was spending time with Jesus and thinking about my real life friends. I ended up starting to e-mail people during the time I would usually watch tv. I started to focus on real people and spend time memorizing Scripture. It had such an impact on my life! It is thru my e-mailing at night that I met and grew close to my best friend. It is such an encouragement to share life with others.
Thanks for sharing! It’s a blessing to hear about your Sci-Fi fast!
Lizzie,
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed my article. I’m thrilled to hear how many people God has saved from the idolatry of television and movies! It’s a great encouragement to me. Thank you so much for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Love computer games, but don’t it get in the way of time with God. Read my bible every day, come on this site at least once a month. Love this site! Rachel, I definitely agree with what you wrote about letting sci-fi stand in between you and God.
Not quite a teen(5 months to go!) but find these articles very helpful and inspiring.
Lily
Lily,
I’m glad you found my article and this site helpful. Very good Bible reading routine! It’s certainly helpful to be in God’s Word! It’s fine to have interests other than specifically Christian things. I still enjoy science fiction but, as I said in my article, God is my priority! Thank you so much for commenting! God bless!
Signed,
James W. Ware
This is a wonderful thing you’ve done in giving up sic-fi: something we should all strive to apply to our lives (the giving up of that which wastes our time).
However, I do to some extend wonder at the phrase “fast’. This is a new thing I’ve realized after listening to this podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/desperation-podcast/id164590241 (the episode from January called “DSM: All In: Think Fast”). In the Bible, fasting always refers to sacrificing food. It is always giving up that which is essential to our existence so that we are saying, “God, we HUNGRY for you, so hungry, more so than for food.”
So I wonder if we stretch the word in an unbiblical way by calling the giving up of the things that don’t physically give us survival (such as Facebook or looking in mirrors, or whatever) a fast.
Obviously, this isn’t a large part of your excellent article and it is something I’ve just begun to contemplate. In addition, it is just just a minor little nitpick that I have, kind of poking at the linguistic word itself. But it’s interesting to think about giving up food as well to follow Jesus’ implicit command in Matthew, “And WHEN you fast…”
Anyway, good job! Thank you for sharing your experiences. It inspired me to think more about sacrificing for the sake of following Jesus.
Cecilia,
You are quite right. The way I used the term “fast” was incorrect Bionically. After consulting The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary I would say that there is no Biblical prerogative for the term “fast” being applied to anything except abstinence from food. Perhaps reprieve or break would have been a more apt description of my avoidance of science fiction for a month. Thank you fro bringing this to my attention. I will be more careful with my use of the word in the future. I’m glad the article inspired you and thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Thank you for being so kind in your response. Often, people get angry at my comments when I try to point something out, which is probably my own fault for not being soft enough or using enough emoticons or something. But you were very gracious. This is why I love The Rebelution!
Cecilia,
You were welcome!
Signed,
James W. Ware
You rock! i’ll have to do that!
Awesome,
I don’t necessarily rock. It’s God that rocks! It was my honor to be used by Him! Thank you for commenting I hope your reprieve (I learned not to use the word “fast”) goes well!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Ok, your right, that’s not 100% what i meant to say. it is awesome that God used you to do that and possibly change lives in his name throught your actions! it rocks that you listened to him- instead of being like some of us (uh, me) who totally just (try) to ignore him every time he tells me to do something
God has been trying to get me t lay of the media for awhile. in fact, it’s kind of a God thing that i was on this cite today and to find this post. Today. I am way (way, way) to addicted to my phone, computer, tv, (OK, truth time, i’m one of those people who has doctor who playing in the corner of my computer while i’m doing homework-supposedly- and episode of star trek on my phone while i’m at school and star wars playing on the tv at night before i go to bed. Yeah, it’s bad.) that media is, like, my life. (well… it is.) I totally need to take a break from it. Thank-you!
Awesome,
I get what you mean! I ignored God’s warnings about my obsession with Science Fiction for several months. I was at the end of my rope. When I said that “I fell to my knees and began to cry out to God” that was not a figure of speech! I literally fell to my knees and broke down into tears before the Lord! I begged him to help me. It was only when I was in that point of utter hopelessness that I was finally able to hear from Him. I learned the hard way that God will get his point across sooner or later. Learn from my mistake, do what God is asking you to do now and don’t delay. If you need tips on exactly how to go about taking a break, look at this website: http://www.mediatalk101.org/index.php/action-steps/. I will be praying for you that God will help you!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Ok, Gonna give this a try
Awesome Sauce,
I’m glad to hear that! I will be praying for you. If you need encouragement throughout your fast you are welcome to contact me through my blog: thebibliophileblog.blogspot.com I’ll be praying for you! God bless!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Hi James,
I think you were correct to use the term ” Fast” because you were abstaining from something that was feeding you.
We all can feed off or look to be nourished by someone or something (not only food).
Jesus who was hungry I assume at the end of His forty day fast answered the “tempter” (who wanted Him to command stones to become bread) with this ……. Matt 4:4 ” Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
Whow! Priorities…. obeying God and not doing what the devil was asking….. remember Jesus only did what the Father showed Him to do.
It boils down to recogniseing what is trully important and of the highest priority in God for our lives…..which is Him of course.
Everyone of us personally needs to listen to God and do what He is asking….I am glad you heard and responded not everyone will.
God bless,
Grant
Grant,
Frankly, it does not bother me too much whether or not I used the term “fast” correctly. It’s the most applicable work I could come up with for what I did. That being said, I prefer to use words based on their exact definitions rather than by contextual definitions. When I have some more time, I will look up the original Greek and Hebrew terms for fast.
You got the point of my story, God deserves to take presidence over anything else! He should come first! Whenever anything else gets in the way, it needs to be removed or scaled back. A fast (or reprieve if you prefer) is an excellent way to do that! I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Can I just say YES!!! to this post? It saddens me so much to see my fellow teenagers basing their identity in “fandoms” instead of in Jesus.
I enjoy sci-fi and fantasy – and have blogged about it quite a bit in the past. But I realized that entertainment was beginning to take over my life. I was trying to “fit in” with my blogging friends, by becoming someone I am not (and never want to be): a fangirl.
I always think of the verses in Matthew 8 and Luke 9 titled “the cost of following Jesus.”
Jesus asks a man to follow him, but the man says, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus replies, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Is burying your father a bad thing? (Similarly, is being a geek a bad thing? Or a musician? Or an author? Or a scientist? Or being a book lover? Or a board game lover?) No! Absolutely not! But if it gets in the way of a relationship with Jesus, or if it becomes more about yourself than about God, it becomes a bad thing; it becomes an idol.
So, like you, I still enjoy Doctor Who, and am a bit of a Trekkie, but it doesn’t take over my life or my relationship with Christ. That comes first (I’m not going to say always, because I’m still a sinner).
I’m curious: Did your fast from sci-fi also include soundtracks, and is that why you switched to classical?
Also, would you mind if I linked this post on my blog? (Giving due credit, of course.)
Abbey
Abbey,
Thank you so much for commenting! It never ceases to surprise me how many young people have gone through similar experiences! Yes, I did fast from soundtracks. Music from Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Star Wars music were almost all I listened to. I love orchestral music so I decided to try classical music as an alternative. Through my fast I devolved a taste for Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst. Vaughan Williams is now my favorite composer!
You are quite welcome to link to this post (as long as The Rebelution has no problem with it.) Please put a comment with a link to your blog. I would love to take a look at it! If you are interested, you can take a look at my blog at thebibliophileblog.blogspot.com.
God Bless!
Signed,
James W. Ware
With the birth of jazz, rock, and pop in the past 100 years, classical composers have sort of faded into the background. You don’t hear of too many modern classical composers. Yet I think that instrumental soundtracks are, in a way, “modern classical music.” John Williams’ stuff is very classical. (I read somewhere that he based the music of Star Wars off of Holst’s Planets.)
I’ve never listened to much Ralph Vaughn Williams, but I love his Fantasia on a Theme!
I checked out your blog and I had to giggle at your post contrasting the “Homeschooler’s Dictionary” (aka the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary) and the modern dictionary. I think Webster’s 1828 is on it’s way to becoming a homeschooling stereotype – nearly all the homeschool families I know (mine included) own it! It’s a great dictionary. I really enjoyed your post on the different words.
Here is blog post with the link to this post (though it isn’t exclusively about this post): http://dollsbooksthingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-decision-and-apology.html
Abbey,
Thank you for posting a link to your blog. Yes, classical music has been largely forgotten in this era of modern music. I agree that John Williams is a bit like modern classical music. I greatly enjoy his soundtracks!
Webster’s 1828 dictionary is a bit like the homeschooler’s dictionary. It is stereotypical but some stereotypes are deserved! Once again, thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
I really enjoy John Williams’ soundtracks as well. He surely is a great composer.
Haha, I agree.
Abbey
That’s my story ! I am reading the book of Alex and Brett, and i think that i am building a strong relation with god trough this book ?! I coule never say tanks enough !
(Pleas forgive my terrible english, thanks)
Tobiasz,
I’m glad you identified with my article! “Do Hard Things” is a great book for drawing closer to Christ! It helped strengthen my commitment to Him! Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
No problems
Even if i didn’t understood everything you told me (cause i’m belgian)i think that il should say thank you 🙂
I love reading these comments! Even at young ages we are able to apply biblical principles to our everyday lives. It is encouraging to me to know that I was not the only one who struggled with Lord of the Rings. I pray that each of us can take this attitude of surrender to God with us into adulthood.
Stephanie,
I agree! It is awesome to see young people willing to give their lives over to God’s will! You are certainly not alone when it comes to struggling with fandoms! Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Father God, I pray u Bless & lead James on this path U have built for him. I THANK U FATHER, that u built this path for all of us, and u guide lead protect us every single day b/# U are our Shepherd and we YOUR SHEEP! WE R DEFENSELESS AGAINST THIS EVIL WORLD! WE TAKE CLAIM THAT THE CHAINSOF TEMPTATION R BROKEN THAT WE R MORE THAN CONQUERORS! BECAUS OF U GOD I LOOKETH TO THE HILLS FROM WHICH COMETH MY HELP, AND THAT HELP COMETH FROM THE LORD! SO FATHER GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WE DECLARE
WE’RE BLESSED IN THE FIELD
BLESSED IN THE CITY
BLESSED GOING IN
BLESSED COMING OUT
ANY WAY GOD U BLESS US WE’LL BE SATISFIED! THANK U LORD I’M STILL ALIVE
I DON’T CARE HOW U DO IT GOD, BECUZ DEVIL U IS A LIAR I DON’T CARE HOWE OUR BLESSINGS COME ANY WAY U BLESS ME LORD I WILL BE COMPLETELY SATISFIED! AMEN HALLELUJAH! GLORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Kelcie,
Thank you for your kind comments.
Signed,
James W. Ware
It’s so funny to me that I found this blog post when I did. About a
month ago, I discovered Doctor Who and was completely hooked. Seriously,
I loved everything about it and it quickly turned into an obsession. As
I realized this, I started to try (in my own strength) to set some
boundaries when it came to Doctor Who. However, I failed miserably and
found myself back in it, watching and researching Doctor Who for hours.
One evening, while I was standing in the bathroom and looking into the
mirror, this phrase came into my head: “You can’t love me and love that
[Doctor Who] at the same time.” Boy, that hit me like a ton of bricks
and my flesh hated it! But this post is confirmation that I really do
need to take a step back from Doctor Who and allow God to fall neatly
back into the driver seat of my life. It’s been hard so far, staying
away from Doctor Who…but I know now that I have to do it.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s been a great encouragement!!!
Laura,
Amen! We cannot serve both God and an idol at the same time! Listen to God’s voice when he tells you to give up Doctor Who. Rarely does God ask us to do things that are naturally easy. But, through His strength, all things are possible! I am confidant that whatever God has in store for you will be far greater than the craziest escapades of the Doctor! I’m glad that my article served to confirm and encourage you in what God is doing! Thank you for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Great article! I have several times experienced that taking some time away for certain types of media can help you break the habit. We go to a Christian Homeschool family camp each year and several times I have come back after not being on the computer for a full week and realizing that I had no desire to get ingrained in the things I had been in running my life around before. Thanks again for the article and the reminder to keep my life under control.
Spencer,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I’m so glad that your time at the camp helped yo to realize that you did not need to get enveloped in the world of the computer. Way to go! Thanks for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Wow, what a great article. I recently have become obsessed with Doctor Who and this article challenges me to evaluate my priorities! Thank you.
Addy,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I’m glad it challenged you concerning your priorities. It’s very important to take a hard look at what we value most and ensure that something has not taken the place of God in our hearts and minds. I’ll be praying for you!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Fantastic idea! Right now, I am on a self restricted Gmail/Pinterest ban. I found myself spending way too much time on these sights and not enough time reading the Bible or talking/playing with my family. Thanks for sharing!
God bless you!
Abby,
I’m glad the article resonated with you! It’s amazing how your focus shifts toward family and God when you cut out the distractions in your life! Thank you very much for commenting!
Signed,
James W. Ware
That must be really hard. But I say that because I am a Whovian as well. I don’t have this problem of it being my 1st priority though because the only access i have to the show is at my friends house. and i don’t get to visit them often. enough about me but GREAT JOB
Tessah,
Thank you for commenting! It was hard, letting go of much of what had defined me in the past. But God gave me the strength to carry on through the fast. I realize that science fiction is not a problem in everyone’s life. It was just an area of idolatry in my life that needed some work. I’m glad you appreciated the article!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Wow. I guess I really never thought about it this way, being a very big nerd myself:) You know how you always think that “since everyone else is watching it, it won’t affect me” kinda thing. But I actually does! Like, a lot! What I’m wondering is what really is “too far”, or is it all just “bad” in general to watch TV shows like Dr. Who and Sherlock?I mean, it is almost impossible to get away from bad influences on TV when you are watching it.
Rachel,
Thanks for commenting! I appreciate the question! First of all, I cannot decide for you what is too far. In my own life, science fiction had become an area of rebellion against God. I was a slave to science fiction. In my life, something needed to break. The fast enabled those holds on me to break. I would not say that all TV shows are bad. In some instances, they can give us connections to the culture around us which can help us to reach non-believers with the saving knowledge of the gospel! That being said, only you and God know haw much of a place shows play in your life. I would advise you to do what I did and what I do whenever I have a question like this. Seek God. Pray for guidance and read your Bible. He will show you where to walk. Read through the 101st Psalm and the fourth chapter of Philippians. Set your standards and stick to them. The allure of worldly entertainment is not worth compromising your relationship with God! I’ll be praying for you. I know God will show you the paths you should walk!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Hi, I’m Zach. I’ve been obsessed with Doctor Who before, but I have moved on. However, I am now addicted to anime and can’t stop watching it. What do I do?
Hey, Zach!
My, I can’t believe it’s been two years since I wrote this article. Please forgive me for taking so long to respond to you. First of all, I would presume based on your comment here that you are a Christian. I am replying based on that presumption.
I would specify, I can’t tell you what to do. Only God can lead you in the direction He has for you and I can’t take that place. What I can do is advise to the best of my ability. First of all, I would access your relationship with God. If you aren’t already, I would start daily devotions and prayer times. These two habits will get you focused back on God. I will warn you, consistency in these areas is hard! You’ll have to fight for it. You may consider getting an accountability partner or group.
Secondly, I would pray for guidance and seek council from trusted, Godly peers and mentors. If your parents are Christians, I would consult them first. Your parents are your first line of defense. If talking with them is impossible or unwise, I would consider consulting a pastor, youth pastor, or Christian teacher.
Finally, remember that all entertainment is not bad. I still genuinely enjoy science fiction and partake of it. It becomes a problem when this entertainment becomes an idol, distracting from or replacing God as the object of worship in your life. Idols aren’t just statues we bow down to but anything we honor and praise more than God. If anime has become an idol in your life, it needs to be addressed.
I hope this is helpful for you! Remember, you are never without hope! Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me” and 1st Corinthians 10:4-6, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” God’s got you and he won’t let you slip away! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to comment or contact me!
Best Regards,
James W. Ware
Hey Zach,
At the moment, I happen to be in the same place as you. I love anime. Alot. It’s my go-to whenever I’m bored, or even when I have things to do but don’t want to do them.
Right now, I think I’m going to take action by going on an ‘anime fast’ for one month. Because I know it’s turned into an obsession, I’m going to lay it down. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop watching it all together. I don’t think anime is bad, I actually have learned many things about Japan and their culture through it.
Whenever I feel tempted to watch anime or do something else I struggle with (i.e. listen to secular music, browse youtube for hours) I just need to pray.
I also might try using my mom’s K-9 Web Protection to manually block sites that I watch anime on, like youtube, so that I don’t struggle with the temptation as much.
Anyway, this is just a little piece of what I’m doing, so I hope it helps you!