I don't usually post anything too "in your face" on this blog. However, something has really dug itself under my skin, and it has been on my mind all week.
When did it become socially acceptable to be openly irreverent and blasphemous?
Glee. I have tried and
tried to get into this show, because we have heard so many funny things are on it. I like observational humor, and apparently this has LOADS of it. Each episode I find mildly amusing, but never openly hilarious. Last week was neither. Last week- I'm sure many of you know the episode I'm talking about- openly made fun of the one person that made it possible to be here. I could NOT believe the blatant lack of respect for Christianity, the disrespect for our Redeemer, and the casual mention of God being like a genie (granting wishes) when one prays to Him. I watched part of the show at home and turned it off. The next day my wonderful friend had us all over to watch it on her PVR. Of course I went, because I thought 'Friends! Socialization! The show won't be that bad, I was probably over-reacting last night. It will be fun.'
Fun it was because of the sweet girls that were there and the conversation, and delicious treats. At the same point on the recorded version, I left the room again because I felt sick. I'm so grateful for a beautiful friend, and her inclusion of everyone. I'm in no way saying that I think anything less of her. I just felt really awful when I left because I had done something I knew was wrong- again. The point is, why would I have told myself I was over-reacting, and then believed it? I'm not perfect, that's for sure. Beyond that, though, I think it has become commonplace to poke fun at deity and those of us that believe it.
I read something in the Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister that summed up what I have been thinking:
"Satan has been successful in diverting much of the... world's attention from the one doctrine that can save us, the Atonement of jesus Christ...Like a skilled magician, Satan's every move is to divert our attention and dilute our focus from the primary object at hand, namely Christ's atoning sacrifice...His diversionary tactics have been, and will be, of such global proportions that John tragically exclaimed, 'Satan...deceiveth the whole world'. (Revelation 1:29)"
Certain television shows may be critically acclaimed, but by whose standards? Has Satan set the bar at a level of television that is good, for all of us? For me, I will stick to watching what I think is good, by the standards my Savior has exemplified.
I believe in a kind and loving God. I believe in the atonement as the central act of humanity. I believe in the power of prayer as an action of faith.
*POST EDIT- I would like to point out that for those of you who are self proclaimed "Gleeks", or those who casually watch and enjoy this show: I didn't mean to pick on your favorite show, I used it only as an example of what I have experienced lately. Please don't take this to mean anything more than my own feelings of awe and wonderment.
