In the course of writing material for the Teacher Guide for an eighth grade Bible course, I’ve come to a lesson titled “Evil Will Lose.” It’s based on portions of 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2.
While researching through some of my previous writing on those chapters, I came to this:
I’m talking about pleasure sources that may be amoral or even moral for the most part but have unrighteousness scattered through them.
I know, I know. Life is life, and life has loads of unrighteousness through it.
But why must my “entertainment” present it?
To be more interesting and realistic.
Fine. My concern stands.
This is a strike against many of contemporary Christian novels.
I wrote that almost eight years ago, but it’s pertinent enough that I’m encouraging you to read the entire piece — My Pleasure.
I still stand there. Or do I need to see something differently?
What do you think of including detailed evil in order to make something real-to-life?
What do I think of including detailed evil in order to make something real-to-life?
Here are my thoughts, for what they’re worth.
I have read stories that portray everyone as being perfect, and I found that so unrealistic and idealistic that those stories had very little value to me.
I have read stories that detailed the sin the characters were involved in, and I found that to be disturbing and most unhelpful.
I say that to say this: It seems to me the inclusion of evil, unrighteousness, sin, etc. in a way that does not deny its reality and effects on people and situations is necessary. But it is very important that the inclusion of unrighteousness is done in a way that does not promote, condone, or encourage it. Going into detail is mostly not necessary. Consider how the Bible approaches this. The reality of sin is by no means glossed over, and some details are included, but you never get the impression that it’s okay or acceptable.
What I read, listen to, and watch has an effect on me. I need to exercise discernment and listen to the Spirit on what is appropriate, and what is harmful. I have stopped reading certain genres of books in the past because I realized they were not helpful. Sometimes entertainment is harmful. That should be recognized and avoided. Sometimes entertainment is neither-here-nor-there. Then the question becomes, “Is this a good use of my time?” Sometimes entertainment is helpful and encouraging. I’ve found I need to be honest with myself about the effects entertainment is having on me and allow God to show me when things are harming me and I don’t realize it, or when there’s something else He’s rather have me doing.
This might have become a bit rambling. I guess I had something to say for once. 🙂