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Old 08-14-2007, 02:03 PM
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The Christian And The Theater

This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at what they wrote about actors in the 1820's:




Accordingly, in all ages and countries, play-actors have been generally found triflers, buffoons, sensualists, unfit for sober employment, and loose in their morals. It is not pretended that there have been no exceptions to this character. But the exceptions have been so few, and their circumstances so extraordinary, as to confirm, rather than invalidate the general argument. And is it even true, that there ever has been a complete exception? Was there ever an actor who exhibited a life of steady, exemplary, Christian purity and piety? I never heard of such a person; and until I do, I shall venture to say there never was one. Yet this is the profession which all who frequent the theater contribute their share, to encourage and support. They give their presence, their influence, and their money—for the maintenance of a class of people whose business it is—directly or indirectly, to instill error and sin, to corrupt our children, and to counteract whatever the friends of piety and good morals are striving to accomplish for the benefit of society.
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Old 08-14-2007, 02:09 PM
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The writer would think that nothing has changed, as far as character goes, but he would be shocked that our culture as a whole CELEBRATES the very things that his day had the sense enough to hide behind closed doors.

Why do you suppose the entertainment industry is the vehicle of vice?
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Old 08-14-2007, 04:39 PM
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Recently I have been provoked greatly by some articles I read about the sinfulness of drama. Since then I, by His grace, have resisted their lure.

http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_19.html
http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_92.htm

also this.
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Old 08-14-2007, 04:43 PM
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David Murray's sermon on movies and the Christian:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...SID=8507171319
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Old 08-14-2007, 04:45 PM
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Looks good brother...will download it.

Psalm 101:3 "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."
Psalm 101:7 "He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."
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Old 08-14-2007, 04:46 PM
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Thanks for these links brethren.
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Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
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Old 08-15-2007, 04:53 AM
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Sort of in the same vein - it deals more with entertainment coming into the church. When you read it, it almost seems like a modern article, but Brown was a contemporary of Spurgeon's.

http://www.tbaptist.com/aab/devilsmissionamusement.htm
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Old 08-15-2007, 04:54 AM
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Originally Posted by JDWiseman View Post
David Murray's sermon on movies and the Christian:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...SID=8507171319
Well I listened to it last night. I would highly recommend it!
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Old 08-15-2007, 07:29 AM
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Here's another old piece, from 1812,
The Nature and Effects of the Stage, by Samuel Miller, D.D.
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Old 08-15-2007, 08:06 AM
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Here's Tertullian's The Shows, or De Spectaculis
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Old 08-15-2007, 08:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AV1611 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDWiseman View Post
David Murray's sermon on movies and the Christian:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...SID=8507171319
Well I listened to it last night. I would highly recommend it!

I listened to it as well. Very convicting.
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Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
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Old 08-15-2007, 08:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist View Post
This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at what they wrote about actors in the 1820's:




Accordingly, in all ages and countries, play-actors have been generally found triflers, buffoons, sensualists, unfit for sober employment, and loose in their morals. It is not pretended that there have been no exceptions to this character. But the exceptions have been so few, and their circumstances so extraordinary, as to confirm, rather than invalidate the general argument. And is it even true, that there ever has been a complete exception? Was there ever an actor who exhibited a life of steady, exemplary, Christian purity and piety? I never heard of such a person; and until I do, I shall venture to say there never was one. Yet this is the profession which all who frequent the theater contribute their share, to encourage and support. They give their presence, their influence, and their money—for the maintenance of a class of people whose business it is—directly or indirectly, to instill error and sin, to corrupt our children, and to counteract whatever the friends of piety and good morals are striving to accomplish for the benefit of society.
Ouch, that smarts on the conscience...
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Old 08-15-2007, 08:23 AM
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I listened to it as well. Very convicting.
If you liked it bro then read this series. This is the series of articles that pricked my conscience on the issue:

http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2671
http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2643
http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2632
http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2599
http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2586
http://www.rfpa.org/sb/PrintStandard...?article4=2503
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Old 08-15-2007, 09:45 AM
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I've read the first two so far. I greatly appreciate the link dear brother.
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Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
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Husband of Melissa and father of Ann.
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Old 08-15-2007, 10:46 AM
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Richard, the PRCA pamphlet #19 contained many items of interest but I found this one particularly revealing. It would seem that in 1966, Synod changed its mind about theatre attendance because people weren't obeying their injunctions anyway. That's quite a strategy for a biblically-directed body to employ! :shooting self in foot smilie here:

Quote:
The basic position of the committee was that the film arts were not per-se wrong and that it is permissible for the Christian to attend good movies. In fact, the committee considered it desirable to attend good movies and urged upon the Churches to busy themselves in subjecting the film arts to the dominion and rule of Jesus Christ.
Oh my. We all see how well that turned out.

Still working on the rest of it. Though quite voluminous, I am looking forward to it. Cheers.
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Old 08-15-2007, 10:50 AM
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I read all six brother Richard. I really aprreciated them. Much conviction was wrought by thier reading.
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Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
James Farley, Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly.
Husband of Melissa and father of Ann.
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Old 08-15-2007, 07:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AV1611 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDWiseman View Post
David Murray's sermon on movies and the Christian:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...SID=8507171319
Well I listened to it last night. I would highly recommend it!

I also recommend it. Just listened to it and it's really good. He answers all of the objections that come up. I especially liked that he quotes the WLC on sins forbidden in the 7th commandment. Not one pays attention to these anymore:

The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, adultery, fornication, rape, incest, sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; wanton looks, impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel; prohibiting of lawful, and dispensing with unlawful marriages; allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; entangling vows of single life, undue delay of marriage; having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; unjust divorce, or desertion; idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, unchaste company; lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.
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Old 08-15-2007, 08:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist View Post
This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at what they wrote about actors in the 1820's:




Accordingly, in all ages and countries, musicians and dancers and artists have been generally found triflers, buffoons, sensualists, unfit for sober employment, and loose in their morals. It is not pretended that there have been no exceptions to this character. But the exceptions have been so few, and their circumstances so extraordinary, as to confirm, rather than invalidate the general argument. And is it even true, that there ever has been a complete exception? Was there ever musician, dancer or artists who exhibited a life of steady, exemplary, Christian purity and piety? I never heard of such a person; and until I do, I shall venture to say there never was one. Yet this is the profession which all who frequent the stage or the gallery contribute their share, to encourage and support. They give their presence, their influence, and their money—for the maintenance of a class of people whose business it is—directly or indirectly, to instill error and sin, to corrupt our children, and to counteract whatever the friends of piety and good morals are striving to accomplish for the benefit of society.
Wouldn't the same be just as true with the changes in bold? Are we to hide in fear from all of the arts?

Just so you know, my entire family is auditioning tonight for a community theater production of "Oliver!" Your prayers would be appreciated. My 12 year old would like to play the part of 'the Artful Dodger.' I don't know what they will do with me seeing that there are not many adult roles. There are two other families from my church that are auditioning as well.
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Old 08-16-2007, 02:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist View Post
This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at what they wrote about actors in the 1820's:




Accordingly, in all ages and countries, musicians and dancers and artists have been generally found triflers, buffoons, sensualists, unfit for sober employment, and loose in their morals. It is not pretended that there have been no exceptions to this character. But the exceptions have been so few, and their circumstances so extraordinary, as to confirm, rather than invalidate the general argument. And is it even true, that there ever has been a complete exception? Was there ever musician, dancer or artists who exhibited a life of steady, exemplary, Christian purity and piety? I never heard of such a person; and until I do, I shall venture to say there never was one. Yet this is the profession which all who frequent the stage or the gallery contribute their share, to encourage and support. They give their presence, their influence, and their money—for the maintenance of a class of people whose business it is—directly or indirectly, to instill error and sin, to corrupt our children, and to counteract whatever the friends of piety and good morals are striving to accomplish for the benefit of society.
Wouldn't the same be just as true with the changes in bold? Are we to hide in fear from all of the arts?

I trust that these will answer your question:

http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_19.html
http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_92.htm
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Old 08-16-2007, 02:28 PM
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist View Post
This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at what they wrote about actors in the 1820's:




Accordingly, in all ages and countries, musicians and dancers and artists have been generally found triflers, buffoons, sensualists, unfit for sober employment, and loose in their morals. It is not pretended that there have been no exceptions to this character. But the exceptions have been so few, and their circumstances so extraordinary, as to confirm, rather than invalidate the general argument. And is it even true, that there ever has been a complete exception? Was there ever musician, dancer or artists who exhibited a life of steady, exemplary, Christian purity and piety? I never heard of such a person; and until I do, I shall venture to say there never was one. Yet this is the profession which all who frequent the stage or the gallery contribute their share, to encourage and support. They give their presence, their influence, and their money—for the maintenance of a class of people whose business it is—directly or indirectly, to instill error and sin, to corrupt our children, and to counteract whatever the friends of piety and good morals are striving to accomplish for the benefit of society.
Wouldn't the same be just as true with the changes in bold? Are we to hide in fear from all of the arts?

Just so you know, my entire family is auditioning tonight for a community theater production of "Oliver!" Your prayers would be appreciated. My 12 year old would like to play the part of 'the Artful Dodger.' I don't know what they will do with me seeing that there are not many adult roles. There are two other families from my church that are auditioning as well.


Oh no dear brother. I just posted it because I have a great concern about the influence that TV and movies have had on the church and family. I never intended it to be legalistic or to make blanket judgements. However, this entire study has brought about great conviction on me to be more wary about what goes in my eyes and ears in the future.
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Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
James Farley, Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly.
Husband of Melissa and father of Ann.
www.wildernessroadbaptist.org
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Old 08-16-2007, 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist View Post
This was written in the 1820's. I wonder what they would think of the stuff we watch on T.V. today and rent on DVD. Wow!

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER

Look at w