Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris:
Last time we talked about the effect of HDTV on children. So, Jeff, here’s another media question: How do you decide which movies you let your kids watch?

Jeff Myers:
Well, like most families, we like to watch movies together occasionally. But overall, we try to tilt the balance far to the side of doing things with friends, or playing sports, or doing things outside the home.

When we watch movies though, we have two goals. First, I want the movies to reinforce the values that we think are important: courage, initiative, compassion, and so forth. That’s the Philippians 4:8 principle: whatever is good or wholesome, that’s what you should focus on.

But second, I look for opportunities to point out how movies teach or reinforce a particular worldview. That&rsuqo;s the idea of using the culture as a platform from which to proclaim God’s truth. That’s what the Apostle Paul did in the Book of Acts, chapter 17, which is really worth the read. I have no problem stopping a movie to make comments. Last week, for example, we watched a movie in which a character said something that represented Eastern Mysticism, and it led to a great conversation. And I was also able to say, “Notice how they used the lighting to make the bad guy look really bad, but the good guy’s fully lighted, as if he has nothing to hide.”

And so the key things for us are discernment, conversation, and togetherness.

Mike:
Jeff, you’ve offered real wisdom that flows directly from your love of God. Thanks so much. I’m Mike Farris.