The Idol god Television

The Stranger"A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bill, five years my senior, was my example. Fran, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors-- Mom taught me to love the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening. If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it all. He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future. The pictures he could draw were so life like that I: would often laugh or cry as I watched. He was Iike a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. My brother and I were deeply impressed by John Wayne in particular. The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn' t seem to mind-but sometimes Mom would quietly get up-- while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places-- go to her room, read her Bible and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-- not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home - not even for cooking. But the stranger felt 1ike we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (probably too much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes sugestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man-woman relationship were influenced by the stranger, As I look back, I believe it was the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. He is not nearly so intriguing to my Dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? We always just called him TV." -Told by Keith Currie

Wow that was a great story.

Television as a concept is based on a lie; it's sole purpose is advertising and nothing else. Advertising whose sole purpose is to provoke a sense of envy and covetousness, which is a blatant sin. Anytime I've 'preached' this I've been labeled a fanatic and kook and at times I've even backed down. After our church's weds. night bible study some friends of mine, who are new believers and I went to eat at the local resteraunt and this topic came up. As I was sharing about my feelings on T.V. I said," It's not as if the Holy Spirit has given me this 'T.V. is evil' as a message;' when I was immediately reproved by the Holy Spirit quite clearly; "Yes I did" I heard as plain as day. If you want to be set apart tell people you don't have a T.V. because you don't believe in it and then go a step further and proclaim T.V. as EVIL. All I need to remember is that I am to redeem my time and every second spent in front of the T.V. is time away from the Word. I am convinced it is a solely satanic device to drive us apart and further into ourselves, any compromise is a dangerous and slippery slope. If I had a church I bet I could empty the seats awfully fast with this message and I can hear the first response," Where is it in the bible that T.V. is evil?" and "what about all the good things on T.V.?" I would like to propose a T.V. fast until we are no longer inured to violence, depravity and worldly values. The world and it's attractions are powerful enough without me opening up my mind to it's primary tool of propaganda; how can I possibly hope for a deeper understanding of God's precious word when I bathe myself in the depravity of the world? I could go on but I need to say this, if only for myself.Rich

I heard this recently about tv:Psalm 23 For TV PeopleThe TV is my shepherd, my spiritual growth shall want!It makes me sit down and do nothing for His name's sake, because it requires my attention.It keeps me from doing my duty as a Christian, because it presents to me so many things I must see.It restores my knowledge of all things of the world and easily keeps me away from the study of God’s word.It leads me from the paths of attending my church and doing anything for the Kingdom of God.Its sounds and pictures comfort me and it offer’s me no time to do the work of God.TV violence and commercials shall follow me all the days of my life; and I’ll live life second-hand from my goggle box in my house forever!Author Unknown.

Here is another thought provoking piece:Television Compared to a SnakeI had never dreamed of having a snake for a pet until I saw one at my friend’s house. I had always been afraid of snakes - they somehow gave me the willies. But this one was different. It wasn’t slippery and slimy like most I had seen, and its colors were beautiful. Somehow it was intriguing. I knew it was poisonous, but it looked and seemed so harmless.So I bought one for myself. I was living alone at the time and somehow its presence comforted me. I didn’t feel so alone anymore.Later, when I married, my husband took right up with it and to my surprise, he grew to love this creature even more than I had. Before long I realized I was very jealous. My husband seemed to visit more with the snake than with me. This snake caused many arguments between us and I began to hate it. I resented their relationship so much that I refused to participate in their fun and games. I spent many evenings behind the closed doors of our bedroom, in loneliness and tears.This snake was allowed to do absolutely anything it pleased. When the children were born I became even more frightened.“Honey,” I pleaded, “we must get rid of this snake. If it bites one of the children, it could be fatal!”“Oh, nonsense,” he responded. “We’ve had it this long, and it’s done no harm. Besides, it’s kept in a box. I’ll watch and make sure it doesn’t harm the children.”One night the snake hissed at my daughter. Poison filled the air. We had to pray hard that night before she could sleep. Somehow the more frightful and violent it seemed, the more pleasure my husband derived from it.One night I dreamed of praying over the snake and it withered an dried up. So I had friends at church join me in prayer. One saint came to the house. We laid hands on its box, praying that God would free us from this evil.Soon my husband agreed to get rid of it. “But let’s sell it,” he implored. “We can’t destroy it!”“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said. “It’s poison - we can’t endanger someone else!”I finally gave in and agreed to sell it. At least my children would be safe. Still I feared for this new innocent family. It was my joy to keep this poisonous creature from intruding on them.One night while I was at church alone (my husband stayed home), the snake died. Just before it died it made one big long hiss-s-s-s-s! The picture tube went out—some innocent family was spared!Source unknownginnyrose

I got rid of my TV a couple of years ago, though I still watch films. This Christmas it was on at some of the houses I was visiting and I was glad that I didn't have one. I think we get numbed when we watch it, and don't realise the filth and blasphemy it pours out, until we take a step away from it and see the influence it has on us. Len Ravenhill says 'having a TV won't send you to hell, nor will getting rid of it get you into heaven' which is true, but if you struggle with sin especially lust, like I do, it helps ALOT when TV is not around. My next step is to stop watching films...

Here's another interesting article on this theme by David Wilkerson called Conspiracy of Interuptions.

excellent storyvery thought provoking (I'm feeling guilty)

Brother, you could preach that message in my church anytime. God bless you. I think you hit the appropriate nails right on the head. Excellent. I'm old enough to remember life before TV. I'd take the old way back any day. Also, what you said about stewardship of time is exactly right. It's amazing what you have time for, if there is no tv in the house. There is none in mine, by the way.God bless you real good.

AMEN death to the idiot box :-x

Thirty-One Scriptural Reasons Why Overcoming ChristiansShould Remove the Idol Of Television From Their Homes by David Wilkerson"To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word" (Isaiah 66:2).1. We have a direct commandment not to bring it into our homes."Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing" (Deuteronomy 7:26)2. It puts viewers in the seat of the scornful."Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3).3. Overcomers are not to set any wicked thing before their eyes."I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me" (Psalm 101:2-3).4. When animated by Satan it is fellowshipping with the works of darkness."Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).5. It pollutes the pure stream of righteous thoughts."Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever thins are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).6. It is touching the unclean thing that Paul warned against."And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:16, 17).7. It is unsuited to the bride preparing herself for Christ."And John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2."... to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).8. We are not to waste time, but redeem it."Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:14-16).9. We are not to partake with idols of the children of disobedience."But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved rare made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light" (Ephesians 5:3-13).10. Viewers are in the seat of violence which takes away grief for sin."Woe to them that are at ease in Zion... that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; that lie upon beds of ivory... but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph" (Amos 6:1, 3, 4, 6).11. It certainly does not renew the mind."I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:12).12. It represents the leaven of the world and should be purged from the home."Your glorying is not good. Knowing ye not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).13. We are to mortify all that is unclean and idolatrous."If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience" (Colossians 3:1, 2, 3, 5, 6).14. It is a filthy communication that we are commanded to put off."But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth" (Colossians 3:8).15. It is not walking worthy of God, unblamable and holy."Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).16. Viewers are not possessing their vessel in sanctification and honor. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; for God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7).17. It is a polluted fountain out of which proceeds cursing and bitterness."Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh" (James 3:10-12).18. It takes away the blush toward sin."Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:12.)19. Christ calls us to anoint our eyes, not poison them."And anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou may see" (Revelation 3:18).20. We are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).21. A ministry to Christ demands we renounce hidden things of dishonesty."Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Corinthians 4:1, 2).22. It is an idol that causes confusion and should be hated (Psalm 97:7,10)."And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea" (Mark 9:42).23. It offends children, causing them to stumble."And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea" (Mark 9:42).24. Viewing becomes a dominating sin of presumption."The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:7-14).25. It is too late. Christ is coming soon. We should be casting off all works of darkness."The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honesty, as in the day; not in rioting [reveling] and drunkenness, not in chambering [immorality] and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:12-14)."And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).26. God commands holy people to destroy and cast down all idols."But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God has chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 7:5-6).27. It is friendship with the world, causing enmity with God."Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:3-4).28. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, and viewers are not eschewing [avoiding] evil as commanded."For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew [avoid] evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue [persue] it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" (1 Peter 3:10-13).29. If you consider it only a spot on your garment, it is still wrong."Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14)."Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness" (2 Peter 3:17).30. Television encompasses all three temptations Satan introduced in Eden."Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17).31. Overcomers who have seen the Lord in His glory do not need it!"What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him" (Hosea 14:8).ConclusionShall we tremble at His word and obey -- or shall we make excuses and continue sitting in the seat of the scornful? Will we become so enthralled with Christ that we can no longer gaze upon that which would grieve Him?Will the bride of Christ truly separate from all that is of this world? Are there any in this nation who can hear and accept this message? Or, are we too sedated by the addictions of this world to hear?Will the church of Jesus Christ call me a legalist, a self-proclaimed judge? Or, will the Spirit raise up an anointed body of saints to shake off all entanglements and cry out for cleansing and separation?We shall see!

Thank you for all the scripture. All I can say is yes an amen.Onesimus

While I agree that TV is an idol for just about anyone that owns one, and I myself do not have television in my home for several reasons, I am reminded of what Leonard Ravenhill said: "I do not believe you are going to hell because you own a tv, nor will anyone go to heaven for not owning one."I don't think a tv is inherently evil, it is just (mis)used that way. But I'm glad so many are convicted of it and are following your convictions!

BeYeDoers,Amen!Ravenhill had a tv in his home and yet he was a spiritual giant! He prayed 8-10 hours a day. That means his tv didnt control him. I watch my Ravenhill videos on my tv. ;-)

Television as a concept is based on a lie; it's sole purpose is advertising and nothing else.Are you against the radio too? It's sole purpose is for entertainment and advertising. What about the Internet? If you want to be set apart tell people you don't have a T.V. because you don't believe in it and then go a step further and proclaim T.V. as EVIL.Are you saying the box itself is evil or what most watch on it (cable or something similar)?I don't agree that TV is evil. If a TV is evil, then so is the monitor you are looking at. A TV takes in signals and displays them for your viewing, the same thing a computer monitor does. I'm not 'for' TV, I usually watch less than 5 minutes of TV a week. Most weeks I could say I watch less than 1 minute.I spend hours on the computer (I work with them). Our heart should be like this:Psa 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way. If its 'vanity' turn it off.

THE STRANGER Author Unknown A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. Mom taught me to love the Word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it, but the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spellbound for hours each evening. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies, and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places, go to her room, read her Bible and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but this stranger never felt an obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four-letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My Dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home, not even for cooking, but the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He talked freely (much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man/woman relationship were influenced by the stranger. As I look back, I believe it was because of the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? We always just called him TV.

I've read that somewhere before, now where was that? :-?