Sometimes, we have to say things even though we know they will be looked upon as extremely unpopular.
At the risk of being looked upon as an "old fuddy-duddy" (even though I'm only 29 years old), I hope you will take a moment to consider why God's people should not be viewers of television programs that glorify immodesty and immoral sexuality such as ABC's Dancing With The Stars.
I am well aware of the fact that Dancing With The Stars is one of the most popular programs on television at the time of this writing. I am also aware of the fact that some men and women within the body of Christ are regular viewers. Without beating around the bush, I will say this bluntly and succinctly: Watching Dancing With The Stars is wholly inconsistent with Christian character.
Could we single out other shows and say the same? Of course. However, looking at this show is particularly important because it so clearly illustrates the problem with modern dancing. This program should be a reminder to Christian parents and teenagers in regard to school sponsored dances, such as proms and homecomings.
Someone might ask, "Well, how can you know it's bad if you don't even watch it?" This hearkens back to the age-old, "don't knock it 'til you've tried it" argument, which of course is an argument that holds no water and is completely illogical.
Nonetheless, it is only fair to address such a question. One need only be watching some other program on ABC (such as college football) to see the frequently-run promotions of Dancing With The Stars, and if the full hour of each episode contained only that which is included in these 30-second spots, that would be sufficient to consider such a program unsuitable for viewing. In truth, however, it does not take a nuclear scientist to accurately conclude that a considerable portion of the program is devoted to sexual movements by scantily clad contestants. Incidentally, there is no way I could have used 90% of the photos I came across in trying to find one to fit this article. Some of the costumes I saw were essentially lingerie, and the poses and action shots would warrant a guaranteed "R" rating by the Motion Picture Association of America.
In doing a bit of research, I have found what people of the world who would consider virtually nothing on T.V. and in the movies to be immoral are saying about Dancing With The Stars. I read a piece earlier today from the Los Angeles Times that spoke of the obvious encouragement the contestants are receiving to "bring out the sexy" in their dance routines. That's the Los Angeles Times, folks. Clearly, they do not see any harm in such an emphasis. What about God's people?
The Bible classifies "lewdness" as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). God has made this fact abundantly clear...that those who practice lewdness will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is true of those who willingly view lewd behavior as much as it is those who exhibit that sexually suggestive behavior.
If you are a viewer of Dancing With The Stars, it may be true that you watch primarily because you like to watch talented people, because you like certain "stars," or for any other number of reasons. But if you wear the name of Christ, I would challenge you to step back and make an honest assessment of this program, as well as any other. We (myself included) have become far too comfortable in letting the FCC regulate what comes into our living rooms instead of the word of God.
My friend, the FCC is not going to be there to plead your case as you stand before God in judgment. If you would be ashamed to admit you watch some T.V. show to your brothers and sisters in the church, that is all you need to know. However, even if we would unabashedly proclaim our loyal viewer status, we still need to reflect on how these shows are hindering or helping our goal of attaining a heavenly reward.
Thanks for reading this humble treatise. I hope it will be an encouragement toward faithfulness for all of us.
r2
