Introduction:

A.        Every culture is reflected by its artists. (Marilyn Manson)

B.        We Americans (especially kids) love our media.  Take it away & see what happens.

C.         The rapid rise in new communication & media techonology is changing the face of adolescence & childhood in ways yet understood.

D.        Any serious attempt to understand teens requires an ongoing effort to comprehend media & the role it plays in their life.

I.  The Media Maps Out life & reality for kids.

A.        Pro. 4:23

1.          Teens are adults waiting to happen.

B.        Adolescents desperately want & need understanding & direction.

C.         Power of media to define reality is far greater than 40 years ago.

1.          The media is raising kids.

D.        The entertainment industry has developed a masterful ability to provide teens with maps of reality that guide them through adolescence.

E.         It shapes adolescent worldviews.

1.          Big picture that directs our daily decisions & actions.

2.         A lens, model, picture, framework of fundamental beliefs thought which we view the world.

F.         We are in the midst of a war on our values – must protect our heart.

1.          Pro. 22:5; 23:19; 28:26

II.     The media shapes kids behaviors.

A.        Been said that art imitates life…but there is a very real sense in which life imitates art.

B.        Media presents a false view of reality. Reality TV is NOT reality.

1.          Media says you must be beautiful to be worthwhile. God says: Pro. 31:30; Mt. 6:28-30

2.         Avoid pain and pursue pleasure at all costs. God says: James 1:2-4; Gal. 5:22-23

3.          Sex is a recreational pursuit, there are no consequences, everyone does it. God says, Heb. 13:4

4.         In the real world, it is OK to use anyone for any purpose. God says: Mt. 22:36-40; Phil. 2:3-4 – treat others with dignity & love.

5.          Violence is an acceptable way to deal with problems. God says Mt. 5:44-48

6.         Money brings you happiness & you should grab and hold onto all the stuff you can. God says Mt. 6:33

C.         Media  presents “heroes” and “role models” who aren’t worth emulating.

D.        Media creates unrealistic body-image standards.

E.         Media nurtures the boring life syndrome.

F.         Media shapes their sexual understanding & behaviors.

G.        Media shapes their attitudes and behaviors about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

H.        Media often defines and shapes kid’s idea of family.

I.            Media teaches that meaning is found in Materialism.

J.           Media can foster a sense of rebellion.

K.        Media can shape teen’s spirituality & beliefs.

L.         Media reaches teens with political commentary & messages about social issues.

Conclusion:

A.        Next Week…talk about some practical suggestions on how to teach our kids about media discernment.