Lights, Camera, the Battle for the Mind: Part 2

Now that we see the movie going and television watching public doesn’t always live in reality, the question should be asked, “How and why?” The answer to the how question is easy to come by. The simple answer is we have been conditioned to think this way and it was very easy to condition us because entertainment on the screen is made to implant images into our heads. Jesus Christ understood this concept well when He told parables in the Gospels. Parables were stories to give the listener mind pictures that would stick with the listener after being told. Someone else understands this concept very well, the devil.

The difference between reading print and watching television is that the television will feed you someone else’s contrived image which cannot be unseen, while images are the readers own design when perusing printed materials. Thus, the easiest way for the devil to feed you a bad image or condition your brain to think a certain way is through the screen. For example, what do you think of when you hear the term “Wall Street?” You probably thought of rich white men in suits who are possibly villains like Gordon Gekko. Maybe the word “greed” popped in your head. Is this reality, who knows? What I do know is that I have never been to Wall Street, yet I am already conditioned to think of rich fat cats in suits. Why do I think like this? It is because I have been conditioned from movies and television to associate those images in my head with the term “Wall Street.”

This is how the public can receive negative images about Christianity, Christ, and God Almighty. How many times have you seen the title “Christian” associated with the Westboro Baptist Church? There is nothing Christian about the organization; however, much of the public’s first thought is of those ingrates when they think of Christians. The devil has implanted this association in Americans’ heads whether they know it or not.
This leads us to the why. The devil uses the screen for two reasons: to destroy God’s image on Earth and to keep people stupid and these reasons go hand in hand. The Westboro Baptist Church example is a great example of the devil trying to destroy the Christian image. If all the information known about Christians is represented in the idiots who protests military funerals, then who would want to come to our side? This example also misinforms the public about what a relationship with the Father is really all about and causes ignorance about Christianity. The more ignorant humans become, the less they know about Who can help them through their troubles, God Almighty and His Son, Christ Jesus.

The adversary might have a mastery over the minds of men, but so does God Almighty. Much can be found in His Word about mind pictures and thinking the right things. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” That might seem like a heavy task, but remember this: Jesus Christ has been exactly where we are and has overcome His thoughts. Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

How can we think on these pure things? God has given us His Word that we may read, know, and renew our minds to His Will. Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” And how do we know His Will? We study the Word, of course! 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
You might be reading this article and thinking, “Is he advocating the ban of movies or television shows?” No, it is all up to you what you do with the information. I am a movie buff and geek and I continue to watch my movies, but I am writing this piece to warn about the warping of reality movies and television shows can cause in someone’s (especially the Christian’s) mind if one is not careful.