As an organization, we stand against most modern secular entertainment. It is the domain of the enemy, full of darkness, discord, and division.
But we’re not here to censor it. We’re not calling for new laws, or for the shaming of those who partake in it. Instead, we’re calling for the displacement of that media with something better. We’re calling for writers and content creators who carry the light to rise up and create media that matters.
Censorship appeals to authority.
Displacement appeals to excellence.
Censorship uses guilt and punishment to correct behavior.
Displacement replaces our desire for the old and calls us into something new.
It is a very human endeavor to try to force someone else’s behavior to change, it is a very heavenly endeavor for God to transform our desires.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:8-9
Isn’t it interesting that Paul states this in the positive? He didn’t say, “Things that are ignoble, things that are impure, things that are ugly…avoid these things, banish them from your lives.” Instead, he focuses on the holiness that God is inviting us into, knowing that when we are full of the light, the darkness will fall away.
Today, can we engage with our media and follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:8? Not very well. There is so little that is noble, pure, lovely, admirable AND excellent. Even those that wish to follow these instructions may find it impossible!
Our media lacks light. The world turns and gazes upon darkness because we, as carriers of the light, have failed to put forth things that are excellent and praiseworthy. We have failed in our priestly duty to use created things for the Lord.
Even the ancient temple itself became a place of idolatry when it was not used for the purposes of God. (See the entire Old Testament narrative for evidence.)
We stand against the modern entertainment giants. But we’re not seeking censorship. We’re not seeking anyone be forcibly shut down. We’re not seeking new laws.
We’re seeking displacement. Our students are creating work of such excellence that the world’s desires will change.
What if instead of saying, “That’s just some crappy Christian movie, let’s watch something else,” the world said, “That’s just some crappy skin flick, let’s watch something real.”
We have that power. God has authorized it.
We’re not going to censor Netflix. We’re going to beat them at their own game, we’re going to leverage their own networks for the gospel. We’re reclaiming what already belongs to the Kingdom.
