How You (and Your Family) View the World

I was watching The View today (yes, I know… a hole must now be punched in my Man Card), and in it they brought up Jesus Christ and Satan. To begin the conversation Whoopi G quoted "spiritual guru" (whatever that is) Dr. Deepak Chopra as saying:

“Healthy people don’t have a need for Satan… healthy people need to confront their own issues, understand themselves.”

Cue Barbara Walters asking the rest of the table if they believe in Satan or Jesus Christ (Elisabeth and Sherri said “yes,” Whoopi nodded in interest, Joy cast jokes). Following this exchange, however, Barbara quoted a “study” (from the Bonner Group?) that stated the following:

• Only 9% of all adults have a “Biblical Worldview”
• Only 1% of adults 18-23 have a “Biblical Worldview”

While there are many things that can be asked about the truth of these numbers (Who is the Bonner Group? What was their sample group? Who was their sample group? etc.), based on my own experience in church ministry, campus ministry and family ministry, I think these numbers are closer to accurate then not.

How many people in our churches actually have (and LIVE according to) a Biblical Worldview? How many could actually describe what a Biblical Worldview is?

How would you, or your teens/kids answer the following questions:

1. Who is God?
2. Who is Jesus Christ?
3. How did the Universe come into existence?
4. What is man?
5. Why is there evil in the world? If yes, where does it originate?
6. Is there life after death?
7. Is there a such thing as Truth and if so, how can one know it, truly?

EVERYONE has a worldview… everyone has a thought on life and how it came about, how we are to function in it and what happens when our life ends. Our worldview drives how we answer questions about: love, relationships, worship, social justice, hope, spirituality, family, ethics, morality, etc.

What’s your worldview? What the worldview of your family?

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Additional Resources for you to use:

What Is Your Worldview? (Answers In Genesis)

What's a Worldview Anyway? (Focus on the Family's The Truth Project)

___________________________________

My Beef with Disney/Nickelodeon/Noggin (The "N")

I’ve held my tongue long enough. I can not keep silent anymore. Cheesy programming aside I have some major issues with the so-called kid-friendly programming on so-called children’s channels. TO BE CLEAR FROM THE START, I am specifically referring to the shows that begin after the little kids shows that are on in the morning (like "Suite Life...," "iCarly," "Wizards of Waverly Place," "Hannah Montana," etc.). Also, I am aware that each of the listed “beefs” do not apply to each and every show on these networks, but they are a pretty good summation.

I am…

- Tired of adults being Homer Simpson… buffoons who are constantly being told what to do by kids or outsmarted by them. Seriously, is it too hard to portray parents/adults with a shred of dignity (and a clue, because apparently none have one regarding their kids lives or what it’s like to be a kid)?

- Tired of shows aimed at audiences of 8-13 years old focusing on dating. The last thing my 8 year old needs to be watching and thinking is important is some “cute boy.” Besides that, what’s the 11 year old on the show gonna do – date the “cute gurl” (sic) for 4 years… propose at 15… be engaged for 3 years… then marry at 18?!? Even if dating IS what some 11 year olds care about, should programming encourage it? Should parents encourage it by calling it “innocent” or “cute?” Is it? This particular beef can go on for a while, but I’ll stop now – you get my point.

- Tired of mixed messages. The majority of the lead characters are “beautiful” kids with “that” look (you know – the “it” look that matches all the popular magazine covers) and the majority of the shows revolve around being popular/beautiful and then every once in a while they throw in an Oprah/Tyra episode (you know – “be yourself,” “you’re beautiful inside – that’s what really matters,” etc.). So, which is it?

- Tired of adult themes toned down and made “kid-friendly.” They take a common theme found in romantic comedies, dramas, etc. and replace the cast with kids/teens. Examples: So-and-so wanting to impress someone (some 12 year old) so they lie and cheat and deceive to get their way. OR A certain girlfriend has been seen playing on the swings with another boy. OR A girl in love with two guys and unable to choose (will it be the “bad boy” or the “right boy”?). These are but a few examples shown in recent shows geared toward the 8-13 year old market.

- Tired of the kid actors growing up and feeling this obsessive need to shed their “good” girl or boy image. Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff, Shia LaBeouf, etc. What in the world is wrong with doing the right thing and refusing to sell-out or compromise?

While I could easily keep this list going, I’ll stop simply because I’m tired of thinking about it. I do not ascribe much value to watching TV as it is (we do not watch a ton of it to begin with), but what little bit of enjoyment is there is quickly being sucked away by networks’ inability to provide shows that actually have a shred of redemptive value to them. I digress…

Until tomorrow…

Want to join the conversation? Click here to post a comment or ask a question.

_______________

NBC's New Show Steals Its Story Straight Outta the Bible

On Sunday night NBC premiered its new drama series, “Kings.” It tells the story of a modern day monarchy (some say it begs the question, what would the U.S. look like with a monarchy). According to NBC’s synopsis, the series is “an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances -- and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom.”

“Why write about a new series?” you ask. To answer the immediate question, no I am not getting paid by the network Goliath, as it were, to write about their new series (though, should the NBC exec’s see this and feel compelled to, I’d be happy to receive their donation). I write about this because this story is actually a contemporary re-telling of the story of King David, from 1 and 2 Samuel. NBC says it’s a re-telling of David and Goliath, but I disagree greatly as there are many plots and storylines taken from the epic story of David. Here are but a few of the borrowed storylines and character casting seen in the premiere:

Bible: David is a shepherd boy in the country
Kings: “David Shepherd” is a mechanic boy in the country

Bible: David is anointed and appointed by God to be King of Israel through the prophet Samuel
Kings: David is “anointed” (so to speak, though not said like that) by the Rev. Samuel for something unknown… yet.

Bible: King Saul was initially appointed by God to be King of Israel, then fails God through selfish ambition
Kings: King Silas was initially appointed by God (yes, God) to be King, then fails God through selfish ambition

Bible: David is a “man after God’s own heart”
Kings: The Reverend Ephram Samuels (stand in for the prophet Samuel) tells King Silas God no longer favors him and has appointed a new King – “a man after His own heart.”

Bible: David slays Goliath with a stone
Kings: David slays the military tank Goliath (yes, I agree… they really stretched for this one) with a rocket launcher. LOL, sorry, I laughed watching it, too.

Bible: David is a musician
Kings: David is a musician (plays the King’s piano)

WORD OF WARNING: As anxious as I am about this new series, I feel it is important to remind you that this is NOT the Bible. It is a “re-telling” which means they have (and will use as often as they can) the liberty to change, adjust, flip, twist, and re-imagine the Biblical account of King David. Yes, there are many similarities (to include negative qualities, such as betrayal, lust, greed, selfishness, etc.), but mind you they are very loose (some are even stretches)! One example: Jonathan, Saul’s son, in the Bible is “Jack” in “Kings” and is somewhat outed in the premiere episode as gay.

The story of David served a much larger purpose than the establishment of government/power… it ushered in the arrival of Jesus Christ and paved the way for true redemption and restoration for mankind through Him (the One True King), not a hero king. Also (SIDE NOTE), it is curious how David in the show is considered a man after God’s own heart when, so far, he has demonstrated no sign of being Godly… only noble, heroic, brave and kind (good attributes).

For those with teens you might, as a family activity, consider reading the story of Saul and David in 1 and 2 Samuel together and watch the show together. Point out similarities and misinterpretations. Talk about how the coming of the King (Jesus) through a country shepherd boy has changed and influenced modern society in ways that an earthly monarchy never could.
It’ll be interesting to see how this series unfolds. Watch it on NBC’s Sundays at 8pm.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.

________