Any good books about not having TV?

[Dan Daly]

I'm not looking to be convinced of the problems with television, I already am. I'm just looking for any good books which address the topic that I might be able to suggest to others who are considering getting rid of the television. Something from a Catholic perspective would be great, but it wouldn't be a requirement. Thanks.

Pax Christi

[MarkThompson]

No, but I could definitely recommend some TV shows about people who don't read any books.

[edwest2]

Noise by Teresa Tomeo.

http://www.amazon.com/Noise-Media-sa.../dp/1932927948





Peace,
Ed

[Dan Daly]

Thanks for the tip, I'd found a few things on Amazon, but hadn't come across that one- it's always good to find Catholic sources.

Pax Christi.

[Ahimsa]

Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, by Jerry Mander.

[thistle]

Originally Posted by Dan Daly

I'm not looking to be convinced of the problems with television, I already am. I'm just looking for any good books which address the topic that I might be able to suggest to others who are considering getting rid of the television. Something from a Catholic perspective would be great, but it wouldn't be a requirement. Thanks.

Pax Christi

There are no problems with tv. Switch off or switch channels if you don't like particular programs. Its frankly ridiculous people advocating getting rid of tv!!

[Shin]

I haven't read enough of these works to say how good or not the content is, however you might want to look into Fr. Frank Poncelet's books, of the Apostolate of Our Lady of No-TV, as well as hmm, Isabelle Dore's.

Then of course there's always this talk given by the Dominican Teaching Sisters, which touches a number of fundamental problems with watching it at all.

These works all touch upon the problem of the medium itself, not only the content. The medium determines both the kind of content, and the manner it is given, and so the way the user receives it.

And there are grave problems with all of the above that are simply ignored and glossed over. It is generally a case of people being so immersed in something they cannot see it for what it is, and what it does.

So one can only advise -- give it up, give it up, and then you will be able to see and discern the ill effects.

[Shin]

This is one of those sad cases where not enough is being written or done, or done properly and modestly, about the matter I fear.

I fear the language of some of the writings against TV itself is likely lacking what it should be quite in its exposes.

It is after all basic and fundamental, to see and know the problems regarding it, and the lack of it being seen that way, shows the apostasy we are in the midst of.

Grace teaches no TV.

[Dan Daly]

Originally Posted by Shin

I haven't read enough of these works to say how good or not the content is, however you might want to look into Fr. Frank Poncelet's books, of the Apostolate of Our Lady of No-TV, as well as hmm, Isabelle Dore's.

Then of course there's always this talk given by the Dominican Teaching Sisters, which touches a number of fundamental problems with watching it at all.

These works all touch upon the problem of the medium itself, not only the content. The medium determines both the kind of content, and the manner it is given, and so the way the user receives it.

And there are grave problems with all of the above that are simply ignored and glossed over. It is generally a case of people being so immersed in something they cannot see it for what it is, and what it does.

So one can only advise -- give it up, give it up, and then you will be able to see and discern the ill effects.

Thank you. God bless.

[manualman]

Originally Posted by thistle

There are no problems with tv. Switch off or switch channels if you don't like particular programs. Its frankly ridiculous people advocating getting rid of tv!!

This is a sadly narrow view of the issue.

First, "no problems?" Seriously??

Secondly, you yourself may or may not have problems with TV (though perceiving that there are "no problems" suggests perhaps you do). But this doesn't mean an awful lot of other people don't have an addictive problem. For many, I believe the best approach IS to simply chuck the stupid thing. Others may have the willpower to turn it on only for an hour here or there as a diversion, then turn it off again. But if you aren't aware of the millions of people who come home, turn on the tube and stay glued to it until bedtime night, after night, after night, you're living in a very different culture than I am.

In short, it's like saying "There are no problems with alcohol. Just quit drinking it before you get to the point of drunkenness." Might be true for you, but very bad advice to an alcoholic.

[Shin]

I would urge tossing the TV in the trash and replacing the empty spot it held with a large crucifix.

Thank you. God bless.

You're welcome, thanks be to Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

[Joseph Kemp]

Although television can be a bit nasty at times, it is not a sin to watch it. It may be a bit painful, but not a sin. You are most certainly not going to Hell for watching television in general. (Pornography channels are very different. There are some very specific channels that show that kind of garbage.) One must make up one’s own mind about what “crosses the line,” and what does not, in standard television fare. One person’s judgment can easily be different from someone else’s.

No Catholic should torture her/himself for watching shows with some offensive material in them. Catholic film critic Steven Greydanus says, in response to a question whether watching certain films with graphic violence or nudity in them is “sinful”:

“In the wise words of a priest of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, “The Catholic Church teaches authoritatively, has always taught authoritatively, and will always teach authoritatively, that the visual arts … are a grey area.”” (No absolute judgment is possible in this area, unless it is very obvious, like outright pornography.)

(continued) “Catholic moral theology does not support the conclusion that all nudity (or profanity or violence) in art, including cinema, must always be considered morally wrong, or that Catholics must always avoid all art that includes such nudity (or profanity), even if that nudity is at times morally problematic.”

Here are links to Steven Greydanus’ official film review homepage. Read it thoroughly. Greydanus knows his theology, and has written for Catholic Answers in their Magazine, “This Rock.” His reasoning is well-balanced and non-threatening. It should answer all your questions.

http://www.decentfilms.com/mail/mailbag-14/132
http://www.decentfilms.com/mail/mailbag-19/199
http://www.decentfilms.com/articles/criticism.html
http://www.decentfilms.com/articles/decentfilms.html
http://www.decentfilms.com/mail/mailbag-9/4

And remember, even if this all seems a bit overwhelming, the visual arts are, no matter what, “a grey area.” God is not going to condemn you for watching, owning, or even selling films with problematic content in them. As long as they are not outright pornography or erotica, you have nothing to worry about.

Some Catholic ratings providers, like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will issue certain ratings on films. Some films classified as “O” are regarded as “morally offensive.” Some people take this to mean that Catholics are forbidden to watch these films. This is absolutely wrong. Steven Greydanus weighs in here too, saying:

“The USCCB ratings are advisory, not authoritative. An O rating is certainly a good reason to be cautious about watching a given film. At the same time, it’s a factor informing your decision, not a dictate you are expected to follow. The USCCB review database is a useful resource with an enormous library of reviews — far more than I will ever cover — and it’s both appropriate and prudent that Catholics should make use of it, particularly regarding older films. But it’s a resource to be used, *not a law to be followed*.”

You can read his full explanation here: http://www.decentfilms.com/mail/mailbag-18/190

Greydanus elaborates further in his essay “No Movies, Please, We’re Catholic:”

“ (Like movies and television),…a lot of things (are grey areas) in this world. Not everything—pornography, for instance, or the Bible. But after a short list of black and whites, there are an awful lot of greys out there.”

(continued) “Some people are suspicious of all “grey areas,” but that’s a mistake. “Grey areas” range from Shakespeare to Dan Brown, Thomas Aquinas to Hans Küng, Benedict XVI to Christopher Hitchens—not to mention this website and every article in it, including this one.”

(continued) “Grey area” doesn’t mean that everything is equally worthy of suspicion, or that it makes no difference what we embrace or reject. It does mean that there’s no getting around the need to exercise prudential judgment, and that embracing or rejecting anything should be a qualified and critical act.”

(continued) “We speak of the “canon of Western literature,” but unlike the biblical canon, even classics of Western literature, from Aquinas to Shakespeare, aren’t above criticism. (That’s not to say that all criticisms are equally valid!) Conversely, even Küng or Hitchens may have a valid point now and then. (I don’t know if Dan Brown has ever had a valid point, but I wouldn’t dogmatically write off the possibility that he might.)”

(continued) “No critic can offer a one-size-fits-all approach for all committed Christians. I can’t, and have never tried to, tell anyone what to think or watch, or make definitive pronouncements about good or bad movies (or television). I’m not the Pope; I’m not even the pope of movies. There is no pope of movies. Even the Pope isn’t the pope of movies.”

- You can read the full essay at: http://www.decentfilms.com/blog/no-movies-please

Being afraid of going to Hell for watching films or television with sexual or violent content is utterly ridiculous. Greydanus makes the point that our understanding of what makes “good programming” may change over time, or be completely different than other people’s understandings. This is nothing to worry about. Put it out of your mind. Fear in this area is totally baseless, and a complete waste of time.

[Dan Daly]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although television can be a bit nasty at times, it is not a sin to watch it. It may be a bit painful, but not a sin. You are most certainly not going to Hell for watching television in general. (Pornography channels are very different. There are some very specific channels that show that kind of garbage.) One must make up one’s own mind about what “crosses the line,” and what does not, in standard television fare. One person’s judgment can easily be different from someone else’s.

Thank you for the reply. I think "at times" is putting it mildly. In my estimation, most television today comes pretty close to pornographic, in either the programing, the commercials or both. In addition to impurity, there is also the question of consumerism and materialism. Watching TV DOES feed the urge to get more stuff. When I was a child, I had a list a mile long I could rattle off with what I wanted for Christmas- all the latest and greatest toys. My son does not watch TV. When someone asks what he wants for Christmas he replies "a present".

I will agree that the simple act of watching TV would not constitute a sin in and of itself in most cases. However, I would argue that in at least nearly all cases, it presents a near occassion to mortal sin, remembering that all sins agains purity are of grave matter.

I do think there are issues with the medium of television itself though, even if you had "good" programing and no commercials. TV is a very passive media for the viewer. You sit. You watch. Not much thinking required. It is a very different experience than reading a book or having a conversation. Even the interenet is far more interactive, although it does present dangers of its own.

The question of film is an interesting one, and one I have not arrived at a clear position on. I find most modern films highly objectionable even "family" ones. However, does a classic like "A Man for all Seasons" have a place in a Catholic home? My inclination is yes, but I'm working on hashing out my position more firmly.

I ordered a used copy of Fr. Poncelet's first book. I'll post my thoughts here, after it arrives and I get a chance to read it.

Pax Christi

[Southy82]

We haven't taken our TV's out, but we don't have cable. We just use DVD's and streaming Netflix. This works great for us b/c the kids watch a show, and when it's over - it's over. The TV itself is set to shut off 15 minutes after no activity.

[Shin]

I heartily recommend listening to the sermon on 'Movies' here too.

Too many people have lost sight of the basic principles involved.