Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/77

Contributor - Peter J. Yff

Title -Editorial

Topic - Editorial

From time to time, in the interest of not repeating one's self, it is helpful to look up what was written last year at this time. I've done that, and decided to repeat, or at least, to go over some previously stressed material. This concerns what gets into your home, by your invitation, or by your indifference. It gets in, not like a termite into structural members or flooring, not into closet or basement, but into your family room, your living room . . . into the places where your family is together for much of the time. The culprit is the television set. Or is it? The culprits are the people producing certain kinds of programs, agreed, but also they are those who allow these programs to come into their homes unchallenged.

One of the new offerings this fall is a program entitled "SOAP". It has nothing to do with cleanliness, however. Its basic themes are at best amoral, and often immoral, playing with things like adultery and a youth's desire for a sex change. Without actually saying so, of course, it takes the position that such things are either acceptable because they are so commonly a part of life, or they are worthy of serious, and neutral consideration. And after all, when you can laugh about something, it doesn't upset you anymore. What used to be snickered at in locker rooms now gets a belly laugh in the family room. Therein is part of the problem.

Putting a label on the show, "Parental discretion advised" is no safeguard whatever . . . merely an assurance that the material is dirty, and therefore likely to be popular. Moreover, what is supposed to be bad for junior to watch, because of the impressionable character of his developing mind, is this good for the parent or adult to watch ? The apostle has some good advice for us when he counsels, "do not be overcome by evil, but-] overcome evil with good". (Romans 12: 21.)

There are other programs just as bad, but identifying them in a column simply advertises their availability.

What are we concerned about? The quality of life, the moral climate in which we nurture our children, the very preservation of our society. Modern society seems bent on destroying itself or choking itself via its own filth. Many of us are concerned, and properly so about the rights of the unborn to enter this world. We should be just as concerned with the rights of those who have come into this world . . . the right to clean air, and the right to a decent environment. Certainly decent environment includes television and home entertainment of wholesome character. We are not advocating something so bland that it will offend no one. We are insisting, however, that to be funny something need not be dirty; that to be adult or mature it need not be in questionable taste.

The program I have referred to has been refused airing by some stations' Some sponsors have withdrawn. If you don't like the program, or television offerings like it, write the sponsor, write the station, write the network. It will not only get something off your chest, it will help. Should you be interested, I am using again the suggestions for parental discretion given last year at this time:

- know what your children watch.

- control what they watch in the years when control is realistically possible.

- set standards for life quality in your home. Parents have this responsibility, after all.

- when a program offends you, don't just tell the neighbour how bad it was, write the station, the network, and above all the sponsor. You will very likely get some action.

- Read the description of the program before the set is turned on, and see to it that something acceptable comes in its place, or that the set stays off.

And certainly, instill by your own teaching and example the attitudes and qualities of life you would like your children to follow.

Among the things for which we should be thankful is a free society. Freedom brings responsibility, as you know. Freedom involves choices, and responsible freedom requires choices that build, that bring attractive and useful qualities to the fore. In this month which highlights a Thanksgiving Day, let us be truly thankful for our freedom, and let us be truly responsible in its use

The second big day for the Reformed family this month is Reformation Day. This too involved choice, and decision, and commitment. Reformation is not just a day, but a process. It speaks of renewal, it addresses itself to change for the better. Our homes, our society, our churches need such reformation always. The base for it, and the source of it is the Word of God. If it is true that we are part of the Church of Jesus Christ Reformed according to the Word of -God, let us demonstrate, as well as say, that it is true.

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