Many analysts of our culture would describe this day and age "the age of information." With all the different types of media today there is no doubt that this is, indeed, the most well informed age in history - with information that Neil Postman in Amusing Ourselves to Death would better describe today's epistemology as Entertainment. Logically, information is essential to have an informed opinion or make a right decision, but equally important to the actual information is the context of which the information is found. Today, Information/Entertainment is thrown at us in an incredible rate. Technology has allowed access to fragments of information from the other side of this globe in split seconds, to both our advantage of global awareness and also to fuel our North American misconception of what it means to be well-informed.. Television has the ability to shape, change and distort our view of reality in a very dangerous way.
We must first acknowledge that everything on TV is packaged as entertainment. Everything from commercials, programs, and even the 10 o'clock news. I don't think that too many of those reading would be shocked to hear that commercials and television programs are entertaining, but I would like to suggest that the news programs also are delivered as a piece of entertainment.
Even the newscast that is viewed on the television set has to be packaged in a certain way to attract attention; from the cheerful music they play between newscasts, the physical appearance of the news anchors/actors, the stereotypical, easy-going sports and weather guy, to the flashing pictures and streaming three second audio-video clips that push ideas and morals "... into and out of consciousness that neither permit nor require evaluation."-Postman. By adding the cheerful music, humourous news story and/or cramming a nonsense commercial a split second after casting about the horrible AIDS situation in Africa does not convict me that their story is so terrible and a worthy cause of my attention. Therefore, becoming nothing more then entertainment.
What is the purpose for the newscast? Is it to bring to our attention the fact that AIDS is a huge crisis in Africa? or Do they seriously want us to consider the situation and see how we, the audience, can help? Not even the people in the newscast room have a purpose or message to take from the actual image that the viewer just saw. Without a purpose, how are the viewers supposed to interpret a meaning or message? Because we aren’t actually informed with the whole situation the story has no context, because this situation has been taken out of context it has no meaning, and because it has no meaning it becomes entertainment. If the situation is a fact it is useless and nothing more then another fragment of information irrelevant to our daily lives!
Because the news has no value to be drawn from it, it has very little if any weight in our daily lives and decisions. Because our knowledge on a certain topic derives from television, the information that we are given is extremely tainted and give us opinions about anything and everything based on NOTHING. Nothing consists of nothing. This is obvious and let me explain; “nothing” consists of no morals, no message, meaning, purpose, or context. How then, are we to derive our opinions on something that is not a true reflection of reality? This is obviously an extreme case where one only collects information from the television set. It would be ridiculous to think this as true, but with the extreme decrease in reading of print based material and the drastic increase in televised information in today’s youth, one’s view are fairly heavily weighted by the source most often sought after.
With this in mind, the North American definition of what it means to be “informed” must be revamped! Currently, western culture has define it as a wealth of information and “knowing about lots of things,”says Postman, not “knowing a lot about things”. The western culture believes that we live in the most informed era of history, to which I would much rather suggest that our culture is more ignorant than it is well informed. I would say that most reading this critique know of the AIDS crisis in Africa, but would venture to suggest that not very many reading would be able to tell me what language they speak in South Africa, or what religions are prevelent, what government they have in place, or what “tucka; mayuc’kala” means. Postman asks an awesome question when he asks: "Ignorance is correctable, but what shall we do if we take ignorance to be knowledge?" pg.109
Let us first look at some definitions. These definitions seem simple, but really look at what they mean.
Entertainment:
Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts.
-Amuse:
To cause to laugh or smile by giving pleasure.
Originally meant: To delude or deceive.
-Pleases:
To give enjoyment, pleasure, or satisfaction
To make glad or contented.
-Divert:
To turn aside from a course or direction
To distract
To entertain by distracting the attention from worrisome thoughts or cares
(courstesy of Dictionary.com)
By realizing that everything on Television is packaged as media we can then draw some conclusion to the effects that this form of media can have on us. The point that I find quite disconcerting is that everything points to distraction, deceptions, and pleasure and eludes any sort of assessment on life, critique and thinking. Other points I wish to discuss are that television gives us a misconception of reality, it takes the glory of God and places it upon our pleasure, and has the very real ability to divert us away from God by acting as a comfort, or an escape from reality.
First, an interesting fact that I wish to point out is, clearly in the definition of the word “amuse,” deception was its original meaning. Although it may not use in this way today, I think it very mush so applies to the description of entertainment. If our culture recognizes that what we see on the television set may not be reality, how are we to decipher what is real and what is not? We have all used or heard the line "its only TV." or "its only a movie." Let me clarify something: television is not a true reflection of reality, it is merely what the author thinks that you think would be ideal. Such is the outline of every commercial you see on TV. In many cases it comes very close to making us think that it is reality. I do not wish to leave you with the lasting impression that the news is not important nor that actual event is real, but what I want to stress the effect and ability that the television has to alter and form the way we think of certain topics to their advantage. Television is a dictator, a one way form of communication, it tells you how and what to feel. If communication is supposed to be a two ways, there is obviously something wrong.
In a sentence or two let me briefly touch on the topic of “reality” television shows. Reality television shows are nothing but a few select individuals with certain, very strong personality traits that are forcefully assembled together so that North America can be grossly entertained by their sinful nature unfolding in a “mere game” where biblical principles like that of honesty, integrity, patience and love are not embraced or seen as positive traits but more so as a hindrance to that of the earthly prize! Such as the phrase from Survivor goes, “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.” Need I say any more.
Secondly, our purpose on earth is the honor and glorify God, celebrate in Christ’s victory over death and in turn spread the gospel to those in need. My question is: where in the definition of entertainment does the glory point towards God when everything points to pleasing ourselves?
Finally, in the list of definitions we find “divert:” -To distracte the attention from worrisome thoughts or cares. Is this the biblical way of dealing with our thoughts and cares? In Psalm 55:22 the psalmist writes “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” In Revolution in the World Missions by K.P. Yohannan, he asks an interesting question, “why is it that in America we feel the need to be constantly entertained and assaulted with media...? It is as if we are trying to disguise a guilt that we have not yet defined.” He goes on to suggest to possibilities of straying from out walk with the Lord, or the guilt of over-eating, big houses, or nice cars, meanwhile, we are letting thousands die to the name of Satan every day.
In conclusion, television is a powerful force of deception. It is easy to slide into a state of constant entertainment and media assault without even noticing. As Christians we must realize the dangers that exist and also fight them. Satan would love it if we were to turn to our television sets in order to temporarily escape this world, and for us to believe the lies that is displays. It is easy for one to defend television in the fact that it never openly lies, it only tells half the truth. But as K.P Yohannan says "the interesting thing about the half truth is that they in themselves contain an entire lie."pg 101 God is truth, let us focus on God and not constantly being entertained. To Him be the Glory, and may we fall on Him for our comfort. Amen.
Now it is your turn. What is your response?
Monday, January 17, 2005
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Challenging Quote
"If you don't sincerely attempt to live out what you claim to believe, then don't claim to believe it." -Anonymous
Saturday, December 25, 2004
The Phrase "How's it Going "
When used in the proper context, "How's it going" is an appropriate phrase for greeting someone. While this is socially acceptable it is also an over-used, inauthentic method of greeting. I find we too often use this phrase without actually meaning what we say.
An authentic greeting is supposed to express a honesty that is shared when two parties meet. Unfortunately, this phrase has been much abused and is, in many cases, an easy way to escape a moment social awkwardness at initial encounter. In the event that you do get an answer it is usually one of the the classic, socially acceptable, answers like "fine," "good," or maybe even "great." Consider going to church: have we all had a splendid week? is everything fine and dandy? Where has our true and real communication gone? There is such a thing called "social grace," but I believe we have mistaken social grace with authentic communication.
Recently I overheard a brief conversation between two co-workers. To understand the story you must know that one co-worker only asks a question for on of two purposes; first, to initiate a conversation in order that he could tell you something, or second, to say some sort of sarcastic or smart-ass remark. The conversation was very short, but says tons about our society. It went like this:
"John ... how are you doing?"
"What do you want Steve?, because you really don't care how I'm doing"
-Steve walked away without a response.
Now, John's response seems a little harsh but it gets the point across well. This exact situation might also explain why many people do not even repond to this question. In many cases we can see through the question and notice that the questioner doesn't really want to know to answer nor is prepared to listen if the answer is a negative one.
I do not want to suggest that we spill our feelings to everyone that we come into contact with, but I do want to stress the importance of authentic communication. God designed us to have different types of relationships throughout our lives, some being far deeper then others. One being companionship, others being close friends, friends, and some aquaintances. None or these alone can completely satisfy our social lives, but together they make it whole.
Social grace is not the ability to talk to anybody easily. Social grace is the ability speak authentically when in contact with people from all different levels of intimacy. Greet people with respect. Respect includes asking real questions as well as listening with an open mind and ear when their answer should come about. Here are three things that will help with authentic communication.
There are a three basic things that make up true communication. The first one I want to mention is Physical contact. There are a few ways to achieve this and they range from a kiss or Holy kiss to a hug or firm handshake. Physical human contact is something you must go out of your way to accomplish. This is a subconscious and simple means way to show authenticity in you greeting.
My next comment may be harder for some then others. You must spend more time listening then talking. If you listen to people, who are relatively open, long enough, you will notice most people have a lot of things to say and would appreciate nothing more then for you to just listen. It is a humbling and great experience to put someone else before yourself.
The last part of face to face cummunication that I want to mention is the actual words you speak. Do not use slang. Slang words, cursing, and swear words are so broad that they lack meaning. When you speak, use words that accurately discribe how you feel and what you want to say. Ask questions to further the conversation. Dig deeper. When you are not sure about motive behind a statement, ask about it.
Relationships are a gift from God which take time, effort, and cultivating. We must exercise this gift and give thanks and glorfy God through our relationships while here on earth.
An authentic greeting is supposed to express a honesty that is shared when two parties meet. Unfortunately, this phrase has been much abused and is, in many cases, an easy way to escape a moment social awkwardness at initial encounter. In the event that you do get an answer it is usually one of the the classic, socially acceptable, answers like "fine," "good," or maybe even "great." Consider going to church: have we all had a splendid week? is everything fine and dandy? Where has our true and real communication gone? There is such a thing called "social grace," but I believe we have mistaken social grace with authentic communication.
Recently I overheard a brief conversation between two co-workers. To understand the story you must know that one co-worker only asks a question for on of two purposes; first, to initiate a conversation in order that he could tell you something, or second, to say some sort of sarcastic or smart-ass remark. The conversation was very short, but says tons about our society. It went like this:
"John ... how are you doing?"
"What do you want Steve?, because you really don't care how I'm doing"
-Steve walked away without a response.
Now, John's response seems a little harsh but it gets the point across well. This exact situation might also explain why many people do not even repond to this question. In many cases we can see through the question and notice that the questioner doesn't really want to know to answer nor is prepared to listen if the answer is a negative one.
I do not want to suggest that we spill our feelings to everyone that we come into contact with, but I do want to stress the importance of authentic communication. God designed us to have different types of relationships throughout our lives, some being far deeper then others. One being companionship, others being close friends, friends, and some aquaintances. None or these alone can completely satisfy our social lives, but together they make it whole.
Social grace is not the ability to talk to anybody easily. Social grace is the ability speak authentically when in contact with people from all different levels of intimacy. Greet people with respect. Respect includes asking real questions as well as listening with an open mind and ear when their answer should come about. Here are three things that will help with authentic communication.
There are a three basic things that make up true communication. The first one I want to mention is Physical contact. There are a few ways to achieve this and they range from a kiss or Holy kiss to a hug or firm handshake. Physical human contact is something you must go out of your way to accomplish. This is a subconscious and simple means way to show authenticity in you greeting.
My next comment may be harder for some then others. You must spend more time listening then talking. If you listen to people, who are relatively open, long enough, you will notice most people have a lot of things to say and would appreciate nothing more then for you to just listen. It is a humbling and great experience to put someone else before yourself.
The last part of face to face cummunication that I want to mention is the actual words you speak. Do not use slang. Slang words, cursing, and swear words are so broad that they lack meaning. When you speak, use words that accurately discribe how you feel and what you want to say. Ask questions to further the conversation. Dig deeper. When you are not sure about motive behind a statement, ask about it.
Relationships are a gift from God which take time, effort, and cultivating. We must exercise this gift and give thanks and glorfy God through our relationships while here on earth.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Grow and Help Grow
I would like to propose a challenge to those reading. To no credit of my own, the following challenge was once proposed to me. I felt so compelled to do so, that I wish share with you my experience.
Find someone that you know that is either struggling in their faith life or totally outside the faith, sincerely and intensely pray for them until you recieve the courage through the spirit of God to go out of your way to build a relationship with this person and direct him/her to Christ.
After praying deeply for that person you immediately begin building a relationship, and eventually this relationship reaches a plateau unless further cultivated. Without speaking a word, you begin to feel very connected with this person and God creates a strong desire to begin the next step of relationship. And so the journey of discipleship begins.
Consider.
Find someone that you know that is either struggling in their faith life or totally outside the faith, sincerely and intensely pray for them until you recieve the courage through the spirit of God to go out of your way to build a relationship with this person and direct him/her to Christ.
After praying deeply for that person you immediately begin building a relationship, and eventually this relationship reaches a plateau unless further cultivated. Without speaking a word, you begin to feel very connected with this person and God creates a strong desire to begin the next step of relationship. And so the journey of discipleship begins.
Consider.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Power of Prayer
Recently, after reading John 15 as part of my personal devotions, I noticed something that has been told to me many times before but this time it was revealed in a new light. That is that God craves to give us gifts, also known as: the Fruit of the Spirit. Because I grew up in a Christian environment, this didn't particularly slap me in the face, but what stood out was the amount that God gives compared to the amount that He receives. This realization made me take a step back and stand in awe. What an awesome God we have that He so freely lavishes His gifts upon us. It is such a humbling fact to know that we cannot possibily give back what has been given.
This does not means that we are free to receive without giving. Gifts from God are to have a cause and effect; to futher your relationship with the Lord and to glorify His name. We are called to develope these gifts in order to further God's kingdom and increase in love and understanding.
In this chapter Jesus compares our relationship with God to a vine; where we are the branches and God is the vine. To grow in our faith lives we must remain in Him, which is to say, first we must remain in love. At this point Jesus makes it clear that if we want to grow in our faith we have to ask for it.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15: 7-8
Lately, in my life there have been obstacles larger then I can see past. And by these things I felt trapped with nowhere to turn. At this point all have I have to fall back on is God's word and prayer. When I found no solution within myself for these obstacles, God began to reveal His word to me. Just like in any trade, you need the right tools for the right job. In order to deal with life I need the right tools. In the process of searching for these tools I came across Galasians 5, part or which lists the fruit of the spirit. If I want to grow in faith, I have to ask for it.
Over the past six months God has worked in wonderous ways. My life has forced me to turn to God in prayer, and in return, God reveals to me his power and makes me thankful. With this kind of God, I can't really loose.
A topic of which we talk about frequently in our circles, but rarely take time to focus on is the power of prayer. Prayer is a very broad topic, and I only wish to address it in the light of us asking God for His gifts. Prayer is only effective when it is sincere, that is when we actually believe the God can make a difference. Often our prayer contains this disclaimer "if this be your will." It seems as if we allowing God an "out," or neglecting to set ourselves up for disappointment if we don't get what we are asking for. This frustrates me! If we are praying sincerely for God to nurture our faith life, Jesus promises us "...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." This does not mean you will recieve without hardship and struggle, but you will get what you pray for.
Prayer invovles a few things: our prayer, God's giving, and our receiving. Asking for God's help in our developement is only part of the equation required of us. The other part being; praise and thanks. Pray that God will make you aware of His work in your life so that you may give Him the glory and forever be thankful to our Lord, Jesus Christ. For we are mere servants of God and shall be humbled by that!
In summary, be bold in what you ask for, expect changes, be prepared to follow where God leads you, and never stop praising God!
God is powerful. Let Him display that power though your prayer.
Pray about it.
This does not means that we are free to receive without giving. Gifts from God are to have a cause and effect; to futher your relationship with the Lord and to glorify His name. We are called to develope these gifts in order to further God's kingdom and increase in love and understanding.
In this chapter Jesus compares our relationship with God to a vine; where we are the branches and God is the vine. To grow in our faith lives we must remain in Him, which is to say, first we must remain in love. At this point Jesus makes it clear that if we want to grow in our faith we have to ask for it.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15: 7-8
Lately, in my life there have been obstacles larger then I can see past. And by these things I felt trapped with nowhere to turn. At this point all have I have to fall back on is God's word and prayer. When I found no solution within myself for these obstacles, God began to reveal His word to me. Just like in any trade, you need the right tools for the right job. In order to deal with life I need the right tools. In the process of searching for these tools I came across Galasians 5, part or which lists the fruit of the spirit. If I want to grow in faith, I have to ask for it.
Over the past six months God has worked in wonderous ways. My life has forced me to turn to God in prayer, and in return, God reveals to me his power and makes me thankful. With this kind of God, I can't really loose.
A topic of which we talk about frequently in our circles, but rarely take time to focus on is the power of prayer. Prayer is a very broad topic, and I only wish to address it in the light of us asking God for His gifts. Prayer is only effective when it is sincere, that is when we actually believe the God can make a difference. Often our prayer contains this disclaimer "if this be your will." It seems as if we allowing God an "out," or neglecting to set ourselves up for disappointment if we don't get what we are asking for. This frustrates me! If we are praying sincerely for God to nurture our faith life, Jesus promises us "...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." This does not mean you will recieve without hardship and struggle, but you will get what you pray for.
Prayer invovles a few things: our prayer, God's giving, and our receiving. Asking for God's help in our developement is only part of the equation required of us. The other part being; praise and thanks. Pray that God will make you aware of His work in your life so that you may give Him the glory and forever be thankful to our Lord, Jesus Christ. For we are mere servants of God and shall be humbled by that!
In summary, be bold in what you ask for, expect changes, be prepared to follow where God leads you, and never stop praising God!
God is powerful. Let Him display that power though your prayer.
Pray about it.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Purpose and Audience
Having read quite a few blogs from the Redeemer crowd and most of the time finding them very intresting, challenging and eye opening, I have concluded that the use of Blogger.com has more redeemable values then not.
Before I really get started on this whole blogging world I would have to say: Any blogger who hosts a page fully developed with hundreds of links, pictures and profiles would have to admit to spending too much time behind a computer screen.
I wish to make this clear: this is a blogsite, not my life. I refuse to make this site control my life. However, I do feel that writing blogs is a worthwhile activity and I plan to make the time to keep a current site. Because I am in a non-academic setting all day blogs make me take the time to write out a well thought out and efficiently articulated idea. It forces me to think deeper than what meets the eye. It forces me to dig for rusty vocabulary and stretch the brian which has been relaxed since highschool graduation. Personally, I find having an in-depth discussion with someone acts as a great form of self-evaluation and ultimately works the best for me. But the next best thing would be writing my thoughts out. Whether that be via pen on paper or in the new-found form of a blog.
I would like to compare my blogsite to a friend. One in which I trust to share ideas, challenges and concerns with. Expecting an honest and heart-felt response when wisdom or insight could be added or topics debated. My audience being anyone who feels that they can relate to a real and living relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
May I conclude by saying posting and commenting on blogs can be edifying and much enjoyed, but may we not let it slow and stop our work for the kingdom of God.
Before I really get started on this whole blogging world I would have to say: Any blogger who hosts a page fully developed with hundreds of links, pictures and profiles would have to admit to spending too much time behind a computer screen.
I wish to make this clear: this is a blogsite, not my life. I refuse to make this site control my life. However, I do feel that writing blogs is a worthwhile activity and I plan to make the time to keep a current site. Because I am in a non-academic setting all day blogs make me take the time to write out a well thought out and efficiently articulated idea. It forces me to think deeper than what meets the eye. It forces me to dig for rusty vocabulary and stretch the brian which has been relaxed since highschool graduation. Personally, I find having an in-depth discussion with someone acts as a great form of self-evaluation and ultimately works the best for me. But the next best thing would be writing my thoughts out. Whether that be via pen on paper or in the new-found form of a blog.
I would like to compare my blogsite to a friend. One in which I trust to share ideas, challenges and concerns with. Expecting an honest and heart-felt response when wisdom or insight could be added or topics debated. My audience being anyone who feels that they can relate to a real and living relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
May I conclude by saying posting and commenting on blogs can be edifying and much enjoyed, but may we not let it slow and stop our work for the kingdom of God.
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