Media Alert!
June 2023
BLOG #44
Sue Summers
MediaSavvyKids.org
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12: 2 (The Message)
“It’s Supernatural!”
People throughout time have been interested in the supernatural. The question of life beyond and outside our realm of existence is woven into all cultures, in some fashion, and expressed in literature and art throughout history.
Shakespeare, in many of his plays, such as “Macbeth”, “Hamlet”, “Julius Caesar”, and “Richard III”, included ghosts and spirits as important figures to warn the characters and fascinate the audiences.
Tarot cards, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tea leaves, and seances have been the fodder of fortune tellers, psychics, witches, and sorcerers over the years. And, more innocently perhaps, ghost stories have been the source of entertainment at sleepovers and campouts for many of us.
Consider the popularity of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, with visits to Scrooge from Jacob Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This classic story has been told and retold in many versions, including book, comic book, movie, and animation formats.
Popular TV programs and movies from recent days include “Ghostbusters”, “Bewitched”, “The Haunting of Hill House”, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “Poltergeist”, and “The Shining”. And let’s not forget all the Harry Potter books and movies! A more lighthearted TV series, called “Ghosts”, has currently captured the attention of many viewers. And on the Discovery Channel, there is a series called “Ghost Adventures”.
It may all seem like harmless imaginings, but God’s Word is very adamant about supernatural events that are authored by disturbing spiritual forces, in other words – the occult. Leviticus 19:31 states: “Don’t dabble in the occult or traffic with mediums; you’ll pollute your souls. I am God, your God.” (The Message)
Because of this, Saul, the first king God provided for his people – Israel – lost both his kingship and his life. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 states: “Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn’t obey God’s words. Instead of praying, he went to a witch to seek guidance. Because he didn’t go to God for help, God took his life and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” (The Message)
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
Everyone is naturally curious about what’s “out there”, including “the hereafter”, ghosts, haunted houses, connecting with the dead, and other spiritual concepts. It’s important to have conversations with teens about these topics and determine what God’s Word has to say.
• Discuss what they know about supernatural beings or events. Ask, “Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a supernatural event? If so, did it happen accidentally or was someone looking to have that experience?”
• Ask, “Think about the cartoon, ‘Casper, the Friendly Ghost’, the book, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’, or the movie, ‘Ghostbusters’. What do you think you know about the supernatural from these and similar seemingly light-hearted descriptions of ghosts?”
• Ask teens to share about specific TV programs, books, or movies they have seen or read that contain supernatural phenomena.
• Ask, “Have you ever been on a camping trip or a sleepover where someone told ghost stories? Why is this type of story shared in these settings?”
• Share, “Some people like to watch horror, ghost, paranormal, and supernatural movies, even though they are frightening. Why do you think some people seek that experience?”
• Share: “What doesn’t come from the Kingdom of Light comes from darkness. It’s crucial to obey God’s Word and not participate in Tarot cards, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tea leaves, and seances or with fortune tellers, psychics, witches, or sorcerers.”
• Share, “God and His Kingdom, the angels, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all operate in the ‘supernatural’. ‘The Lord is terrifying to His enemies but slow to anger and filled with compassion for those in His Kingdom.’ (Psalm 86:15) What are your thoughts about supernatural powers now?”
• Share Philippians 4:8 (NIV):
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Ask, “What do you think this verse means?”
Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
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Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
#MediaSavvyKids, #ChristianParenting, #ChurchAndCulture, #YouthPastors, #YouthGroupCurriculum, #HelpForChristianParents, #TeensAndCulture, #AChangingCulture, #CriticalThinkingAndTeens, #IAmNotDefinedByTheCulture, #WhatShouldWeThinkAboutTheSupernatural, #ItsSupernatural, #TalkWithTeensAboutSpiritsAndGhosts
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© Sue Summers 2023
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