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Write a Song the Whole World Will Listen To
by Sarah Aldridge
Most people wouldn't find it hard to figure out what the world thinks. Just pick up a magazine or turn on the TV or maybe even (gasp!) go back to the stone age and read a book. But that isn't the big question; the big question is how does Christian worldviews shape up with what the world thinks. Let's find out.
Every little kid remembers their parents reading to them. Okay, maybe not every little kid but this kid does. Many little kid books have a moral to the story; don't steal, eat your leafy green vegetables, don't lie. But as you start to grow older, those morals begin to disappear. If you go into the teen section, you'll find two subjects. Vampires and boys. Personally, I don't like reading about either and even most of my friends agree that they would rather go to the ages 8 – 12 section in Chapters than try to find something of worth in the teen section. It seems that the only thing they're telling teens nowadays is to have a serious relationship with a guy while you're 15, and that you're going to live forever. Hmmmm, I don't recall the Bible saying anything like that. However, I do recall that if we believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins we shall not perish but have eternal life. Unfortunately, it looks like no one in the secular book world has realized this wonderful truth. Yet.
Of all the mediums in our world, songs make me cringe the most. For me, most Christian songs don't have 
the catchy tunes that I like. But a lot of secular music does. Unfortunately, they add in a boatload of swearing, sexual content, and other such negative elements. Too bad; because if they didn't have that junk, I would be at iTunes in an instant buying all their music. But there is some hope, one of my friends does electronic magazine type thing. In it, she usually gives us two songs to listen to, some quotes, etc. One day, she suggested Fireflies by Owl City which had apparently had been on the charts. I listened to it. Not only did I like the tune but there was nothing objectionable in the lyrics. Tentatively, I 
listened to more music by Owl City, then more and then even more. I was ecstatic, not only did I love the music but it still had nothing objectionable in it! That's when I learned the truth; Owl City was single guy who was a Christian. That's why there had been nothing even remotely bad in his songs. But in every song I listened to, he never mentioned anything about his faith. It gave me hope that maybe one day, he would write a song about Jesus that maybe, just maybe, the whole world will listen to.
I absolutely love watching movies. In fact my dream job would be becoming a director/ producer. But finding good movies nowadays is like trying to find titanium in my own backyard. I myself am a sucker for action movies but apparently no one knows how to make a good action movie without constant swearing and sexual content. I will use an example. First of all, let me tell you that I've been researching the Titanic for 5 years. And of course, along my research I have watched the 1997 Titanic film. I was quite pleased with it, not only did it give an accurate depiction of the sinking, but it is basically the only Titanic movie in 
colour. I was not as pleased when we had to fast forward two scenes, mute countless swear words, and turn to another channel as an inappropriate gesture was shown. Would it have been that hard to cut out at least some of the swearing? No. But if I told them that they would probably tell me to grow up. At least some Christians have braved Hollywood and made their movies. Movies that don't have a lot of action but also don't have a lot of negative content.
I stopped watching TV years ago. No, really. The only thing I watch on TV is the news hour and Jeopardy. Oh, and the Olympics considering that they are in my own city. I don't really see any point in watching TV. While, they are few swear words; most show make up the loss in other forms of evil. But considering I don't even watch TV, I can't criticize.
So let's shake up all the elements and put them together. Am I really pleased with any form of entertainment in our world? No. But we're not here to listen to my opinion. The bible says “And now my dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8. I'm glad we have the bible; it always puts things back in perspective for me. That doesn't mean it's any easier to stay away from evil, it just means now we have a guideline. That's one of the reasons I want to become a Director in the movie making business. Sure, it's the impossible dream job but I would be able to make movies that have action without swearing and movies with values that aren't made for 5 year old's. Besides with God, anything is possible. Right?
Sarah welcomes your comments to her article. Please comment in the HCOS Discussion Forum “Whatcha Think” found in our website – Family Resources; Discussion Forums; Whatcha Think.