bob, you rock. We have been lured to get into it, and while the whole premise does sound pretty good, we are forgoing it for the same reason. not being preachy at all at the people who watch it (however, people who watch desperate housewives need to stop), but just good to hear that other people think like me.

yeah I hope I dont sound "holier than thou" b/c it really is Jesus doing the work in my heart and not me. and yeah, even those "desparate" commercials are too much for me.

I've been thinking about pulling the plug entirely before Caleb gets old enough to wander into the trap of the tube. of course I'm *really* scared for him about all the junk online. good thing God is in control and is faithful to His promises, or I'd be freaking out even more about this kinda stuff for my kid(s).

How about turning away when those scenes are on? Lynn tells me when they are over. I agree it is a sticky area, but communication betweeen husband and wife will for the most part dictate what levels of flesh can be tolerated. Of course, gratuitous flesh scenes and such are ruled out on biblical principles. The male brain is such a sponge for images.

Stick with your convictions. I wouldn't be surprised if a few others around you think about how they may be indescriminately watching TV. Right now we are sticking with the show "Lost", which has a surprisingly amount of spiritual content to discuss, but unfortunately still has its 'flesh' moments.. The TV is off the rest of the time. Anyways, I can't wait for my Lost and FOund HYMNSCD!

I think you do well to step back from the culture's obsession with sex, but I would add that we should not avoid it as a topic for artistic treatment or criticism. Sexuality is part of our humanity; and also part of being made in God's image. Still, as Christians we do affirm that sex is designed for married men and women and not as it is often seen on TV.

I am watching both aforementioned shows with a critical posture. Yes there are isolated elements of immorality that dot the screen, but what is the overall perspective given on these issues? When you connect the dots what meanings, values and perspectives does it bring to its depiction of sex acts? In context what does the show say about our struggle with sin and the harsh realities of life?

Too often I think we as Christians are more concerned about not seeing "the act" than we are at really evaluating what we're watching. There are ideas in music and film that are far more dangerous than portrayals or suggestions of sex. It's funny how no one I talk to condemns Alias because of its depiction of violence, or Desperate Housewives because of its treatment of gender roles and materialism.

Even as we are bombarded with media and entertainment that contains (and in some cases celebrates) evil, I think we need to resist the temptation to gloss over it in favor of sanitized art that bears little resemblance to reality. Shows like DH may be ultimiately missing the mark, but are actually hitting it a lot closer than you think. What is needed is a Christian portrayal that explores life's dilemmas in a manner that points to Christ.

I certainly sympathize, Bob. I enjoy the show a lot too and hate that those scenes are there. I know I don't need those images in my head either, and like Andy, I've resorted to turning away until it's over. But I think you should do whatever feels right in your heart. Hope you find peace in your decision.

thanks to all for your comments. the whole "turning away until it's over" is not a bad idea, but I think if I took that route I'd be back where I started in no time.

for some reason violence doesnt bother me much. not sure why. and the whole premise of DH pisses me off. I've never seen it though, so I cant comment much beyond that.

I'm having a hard time seeing alias as art. it has little to teach me of life and how to live it. entertainment, sure, but art? it may be cynical of me, but I think having syd run around in her outfits is aimed directly at the 13-year-old boy market (which is often found in the hearts 28-year-old boys)

Bob, got lots of respect. Stephen and I have both been disappointed with the downward spiral Alias took post-SuperBowl episode of season 2 (the red lingerie episode, I assume you remember) regarding the blatant use of sexuality to lure viewers. Scott, while I totally agree with you on your first point, I think what Bob is getting at here is different than what you are criticizing. I agree that not watching a show on the moral premise of too much sex but not holding other moral breeches to the same standard is hypocritical. . .inconsistent at the least, and that there is always a need to weigh the good against the bad. Don't throw out great literature because it contains a curse word, e.g. But I think what Bob is getting at is less philosophical in nature, basically not feeding a temptation. The point being that if I were struggling with the temptation to grab an AK-47 and go take out half a dozen people, I would need to avoid Alias' violence. Not a temptation, so I can watch it in critical posture. For me, Alias doesn't pose a lust issue, cause, well, they just don't get Vaughn naked very often. :) However, one of the reasons I quit watching DH was that they manage to get Mike shirtless and wet in every ep, in addition to the fact that I didn't feel like the good outweighed the bad.

thanks willa. well put. and I certainly admire your dedication with the hair dye and all.

Willa said:" I agree that not watching a show on the moral premise of too much sex but not holding other moral breeches to the same standard is hypocritical. . .inconsistent at the least, and that there is always a need to weigh the good against the bad. Don't throw out great literature because it contains a curse word, e.g"

In light of this comment, I found this entry Censoring Strong images for Girls from an Atlanta lesbian on atlblogs (the fact that she is a lesbian bears some significance, I think). She posts about 5 times a day, and every once in a while she makes some great comments on sexuality and politics.

I applaud your honesty, Bob. "Fleeing" from temptation is never a bad thing! But I don't know if it'd be all that helpful to completely rid your household of television in order to keep Caleb from the same temptations. TV is just a tool... and like you said, the internet seems to be far more dangerous in regards to images of an explicit sexual nature.

yeah I dont know if we'll get rid of the TV or not, and I'm sure we'll do videos for the kid(s). and you're right, the TV is a tool, but an unfortunately inherently dangerous tool.

anyway, happy ending with the whole alias group. the 2 or 3 in the group that are really into the show watch in on wed anyway. and the others are more into getting together than watching the show, so it looks like we'll be just hanging out on sundays. yay! anyone is welcome to come by if you'd like.