I posted awhile ago a preview of my attempt to blog about the tv show "Lost". I had seen ads for this show now and then and heard a lot of "buzz" about it, but had never seen an episode until a couple weeks ago when I started researching it. What started this researching was when I found out about a church that was using this tv show sort of as a Bible study. They were getting together weekly to watch the show, discuss themes and theories about the show, and then try to see what they could learn about God from the show. When I read this, I was very surprised that a church would use a secular, hollywood-produced tv show to try to learn about God. After watching a few episodes and doing some research on the symbolism in the show, I have realized that this show definitely has a spiritual message in it...but the kind of message in it is definitely not a biblical one from what I can tell. It is full of mysticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, New Age spirituality, greek mythology, and much more. It is a smorgasborg of all different beliefs intertwined and mixed together. More about that later.
From watching the show, I personally do not believe that a Christian should even watch this show for entertainment, let alone for a Bible study. Here's why:
1) In one episode, I counted at least 8 profane words used, and at least one blasphemous use of God's holy name.
2) In that same episode, one of the characters was in an adulterous relationship with another woman. They had been dating for a few months, not married, and then it was obviously implied that they had been sleeping together. (they are shown lying in the same bed together and the woman gives the man a key to her apartment)
3) In another episode, there was a scene with a VERY scantily clad female suntanning on a beach. And, in that same episode, a man accidentally walks in to see a woman bathing, and even though there is no explicit nudity, it is still a very suggestive scene.
4)) There is quite a bit of violence in it, as well. I had to turn my eyes a few times from some quite frightening and disturbing scenes. For instance, in one episode, a man was dying a slow death from an infection, and we see him in agony, and then another character goes in and shoots that man (this was not shown, but graphically heard) to "end his suffering" (a.k.a. murder him), and the man did not die from the gun shot immediately and his last cries were heard before he died. This was an extremely disturbing scene. This is just one example of some of the gruesome and disturbing and violent scenes.
What does the Bible say? This must be the standard with which we test all things.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:16-21)
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 21-22)
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13)
So, based on this alone, a Christian should not be watching this for entertainment purposes, let alone for a sort of Bible study. We are to flee from temptation and youthful lusts, and I think choosing to watch a show with scantily clad women would not qualify as fleeing youthful lusts.
And, here's another question...would you feel comfortable if this show "Lost" was shown on a Sunday morning in church? If not, you shouldn't be using it for a Bible study on Thursday night.
Next time, I'll try to start to scratch the surface on some of the spirituality in the show and a brief description about the show from the few episodes I saw.
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5 comments:
I am new to your blog..."saw" you over at More Books and Things. I found this blog entry very interesting...I know so many people who love this show and tell me they are "addicted" to it, etc. I was wondering what all the hoopla was about...doesn't sound like I am missing much. Looking forward to stopping by here again.
Thanks for stopping by, Janie. The "Lost" show has created a LOT of hype. It is a mix of all kinds of spirituality, and I can't help but wonder if it's playing off of the heightened interest in new-age and inter-spirituality in the world. I still plan on posting more about the mysticism and symbolism in the show, but I haven't quite mustered up the time (or energy) to undergo that project yet. I have a bunch of research about it stored in my computer that I need to wade through first. I just find it crazy that a church group would use it as a "Bible study"!
I really appreciate this entry and the information you have presented here. I have watched the show once, and I don't intend on watching it again. It is sad to see the way people can read into these shows. For instance some reference it for "spiritual" underlying thoughts and others such as yourself as misguiding messages that promote impure thoughts and actions and so on. I appreciate you writing about it and helping people become aware of the terrible things the media is allowed to present to the population for entertainment. You spend a lot of time researching these topics, many of which of criticisms. It is very important for Christians to be aware of darkness surrounding our lives, but at the same time I notice very little positive writing on your part. We are to be on our guard and be aware of things going on around us and resist temptations, but with the negative aspects you write about, I find it all so negative. It is one thing to critically write about these situations once in a while, but is there no joy in your life that you can write about? I don't mean getting personal on your blog but couldn't you spend your time researching positive experiences in your life and sharing and inspiring others? Or better yet instead of blogging to Christians who have found Jesus, go out and help those in your community who do not know Jesus and help them find him? I enjoy your insight and you are a great writer and researcher, but I am just questioning how your blogs are benefitting anyone. If they are for yourself then why are the posted on the internet. If they are to help people, couldn't there be more benficial ways to help people see the light since most of the people viewing these blogs share the same views?
Greetings "anonymous". Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I admit that much of my blog is "negative" in content and I can be guilty of not showing the joy of the Lord at times through my writing--something I need to work on.
I started this blog primarily after the Lord opened me and my husbands eyes after we had being deceived and affected by a lot of worldliness and unbiblical teachings, much of what was coming through our church at the time. I realize the days we live in are "as in the days of Noah", but the majority of professing Christians are joining in all the worldliness rather than separating themselves and trying to be a light. For much of the past year or so, I have been deeply saddened that so many professing Christians are unaware of the times we live in and may not be ready for His return. The Bible tells us that it will not be good for those who are not ready or watching for His return when He does come. I am sad about this, so this blog attempts to warn and inform that we are living in the last days and the bride needs to get ready for the Bridegroom, contend for the faith, share their faith,and rejoice that the Lord is soon coming! I also have attempted to present the gospel on this blog for those who do not know the Lord in hopes they will repent and receive Christ so that they may have the assurance of salvation.
Since the Holy Spirit opened my eyes, I have a greater zeal to share my faith (both in blog-land and to my neighbors, friends,former co-workers, and people I meet). I definitely need to share my faith more, but many of the blogs I read encourage me to do so by reminding me that the time is short. I hope this blog might do the same.
Although you are correct that some people reading my blog are Christians who share my view, I am certain from comments I receive that there are also many people reading my blog who are deceived like I once was or who do not know the Lord and just stumble across it.
I hope this does not come across as pretentious, but by you commenting and spending time reading my blog, you are somewhat guilty of the same thing you accuse me of--spending time blogging/reading blogs/commenting on other Christians' blogs as opposed to going out into the community to share your faith.
I am sure some of my posts do not serve much benefit. I have many short-comings, but I hope that through some of what I share and my attempt (and sometimes pitiful attempt) to "contend for the faith", someone will seek the Lord regarding these things and come to know the truth, or Christians will simply be encouraged to set sight on eternity, share their faith, and look up for the Lord's soon return. These times are "perilous" for sure, but I agree that the joy of Lord needs to be evidence of the faith we profess-something I need to convey more in this blog.
One more thing I wanted to mention. My post about the TV show Lost did examine some of its spiritual underlying teachings, which I don't think is 'sad' to examine--especially when the church my husband grew up is using it to teach a "Bible study". I think it's wise to be aware of the false teachings out there. After researching the show, there is no doubt in my mind that it does convey a mixed, confused, and twisted spiritual message, whether intentionally or not. It does, after all, contain things like the "Jesus stick", the "dharma initiative" and numerology, does it not? That is one reason I am so concerned with youth groups attempting to get biblical guidance from it. Trying to learn biblical things from an ungodly television show with weird spiritual ideas is never a good idea.
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