Why do we watch what we watch?

I believe that film is the number one platform for worldview conversation among college students. This is for good reason. Film is the most powerful platform for popular cultural and political commentary (music is second). An inconvenient truth proved it and Sicko is going to trying to and America is still not ready for Children of Men (I-Tunes profits will tell the rest of the story).

I listen in on the kinds of films being made and what the reviewed commentary are, and gain some insight into what form and what message is being preached. When I do watch a movie, it is well informed as to why and what I am engaged in. Sometimes I can fully understand a movie without ever watching it. I never watch a movie without its context.

Knocked-up is getting some incredible press. Some have labeled it a "era-defining comedy like little miss sunshine and when harry met sally." I have also gotten a good review from some well meaning Christians.

I was reading my WORLD Magazine and they reviewed the movie. Then I ran across the Rolling Stone interview of Judd Apatow. I believe that this movie could be an "era-defining comedy" and Apatow as its genius comic writer. Don't be deceived, this "mainstream form" of sophomoric and campy comedy has calloused the humor of Americans and the undiscerning christian. Knocked-up has the look of a clever comedy, but it is just a Trojan horse for the same kind of comedy found in Anchorman, Talledga Nights, and the 40 year old virgin...one of the mainstream platforms for the crass social commentary of Apatow. Movies like these give nothing to the thinking christian...they only take away.

What is funny? What is good humor? This era has not defined it well and the unwise christian is depicting it. What satisfies your appetite for laughter and humor? Why do you rent or watch the comedies that you do? What are you laughing at and why? What is funny today that was not funny 5 years ago, and in turn what is not funny today that made your side hurt last year?

Listen, I love to laugh...mostly at you. Those questions just bring warning and reflection on what the world values and what the Kingdom values and how that battles on the field of our heart. It also calls to account what dominates our worldview and why. Everything in life and art proclaim something in material what is true in the immaterial. Whether the tragedy and the shallow hopes of sin or the beauty of redemption in Christ alone.

So, know why you watch what your watch...and watch with a discerning eye and not a self-deceived heart.