andrew dodson

Television has become a huge part of our society. These days, reality television is all the rage. But, some still prefer traditional sitcoms and dramas. Some like both. Personally, about the only thing I watch regularly on television is SportsCenter. So, I can’t tell you what happened on Deal or No Deal, Extreme Makeover, or American Idol. I am fond, however, of TBS’s lineup in the evening - Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends.

I actually attempt to not watch too much television. For the most part, I find it to be a terrible waste of time, even if I was mildly entertained in thirty minute or three hour intervals. I usually start thinking of everything else I could’ve done while I watched something that is no benefit to me other than maybe a laugh or two. The Christian part of me usually finds nothing God-glorifying on television these days. Mostly, I come across stuff that I shouldn’t be watching. I’m fascinated by the number of Christians who enjoy shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives that explicitly promote sexual situations. The same can be said about my fondness of Seinfeld and Friends. At least with Raymond, it’s usually in good taste and in the bounds of marriage. But, I think you see my point. Not much good on TV these days when it comes to our faith. And I won’t be turning on TBN anytime soon.

My substitute is usually the computer. I spend a lot of time on a computer, whether it be working on websites, recordings, browsing the net, or….blogging! But, the same “waste of time” argument can be used for the computer when I’m not being productive. However, I can use the computer for God-glorifying things - checking Christian sites & blogs, studying theology, sending a note to my Compassion child and more. So, even though there’s a lot about spending time on a computer that isn’t good, at least I can use it more than television for my faith.

All of this to say: I’ve decided that instead of watching mindless television, whenever I do watch it, I’m going to watch something interesting. I’ve been watching more of the Discovery and History channels. Why have I never watched these channels?! I just watched how tape is made! Really, though, it’s pretty interesting stuff for a geek like me. This could be good - at least I’m not watching not-so-good stuff. This could be bad - I’ve watched more TV lately than usual.

Powered by ScribeFire.