Television Issue!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by onefaith2

Thats fine and I agree with that stance. But for the usage of TV, one has to restrict to limited religious, educational, and family programming in order to align with the UPC articles of faith if they should sign that document. That usually dicredits cable itself because you typically couldn't get that only. Now things are changing with digital cable it seems. That may lead to the change of stance but I dunno.

Well, I didn't sign the AOF, but I live by my principles anyway.

I thought licensed ministers couldn't have TV at all, except for use as a monitor? Did I miss something in this discussion? Are you saying that the UPCI now allows a TV is if the channels are limited to religious, educational and family-friendly programming?

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by onefaith2

If the manual said what NOW is claiming yes but he fails to see that the manual leaves the door open for limited viewing.

Not of TV it doesn't. And the Articles of Faith say EXACTLY what I "claim" it says. I quoted it. You're deceptively making it sound like I'm doctoring what it says. I copied it and pasted it, Dude. You can't get out of it.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I absolutely surf channels. However, when we ordered satellite, I blocked any channels that we deemed unacceptable from the get-go, so any channels left are safe for surfing. You aren't going to accidentally come across naked people or bloody horror flicks on our TV--even at 3 a.m.

I didn't find that to be true. I had a lot of channels blocked and ratings set to nothing over PG, however, one morning I was surfing what I did have open and ran across a movie with naked people sitting in lawn chairs! Shocking! The movie was rated G! I called the company and they said they couldn't do anything about it because whatever movie is sent to them, it holds a rating that they can't change on their end.

One thing I don't like about Netflix is that you can set the ratings to block out anything PG-13 and above, including the "R" rated movies. The only problem with that is that it also blocks the "N/R" as well. That covers a lot of rated G and documentaries, so you have to leave the "R" open. Netflix told me they can't do anything about it.

I've had less trouble with my Internet than I ever have had with the television.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

That is my favorite episode! I still cannot believe how high that thing launched and straight up!

Me, too. We've watched it multiple times. Jeffrey LOVES it. Scary.

[onefaith2]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

What does "give free reign" mean? People are going to watch TV anyways if they want.

As long as I can remember, my first pastor was pretty strict, yet many members owned TVs anyways. They usually hid them in their bedrooms in case some snoop came over.

So all they ever heard was "get rid of your TVs"..nobody ever taught them how to think critically....how to be discerning about what to watch or not watch.

You can't "give" free reign. You can't give anything other than good principles to live by and tools to help everyone be responsible and discerning.

Thats exactly right

[onefaith2]

Originally Posted by notofworks

Not of TV it doesn't. And the Articles of Faith say EXACTLY what I "claim" it says. I quoted it. You're deceptively making it sound like I'm doctoring what it says. I copied it and pasted it, Dude. You can't get out of it.

I pasted it too and it says you can use video for religious viewing. You can't get away from that. The Manual refers to cable.satellite TV when it says TV. Otherwise it contradicts itself by saying in the next paragraph you can view videos. Again I'm not getting in or out of it. Are you consistently ignoring I'm not licensed?

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by notofworks

It doesn't matter how I interpret these things, it only matters what YOUR SYSTEM SAYS....and THEY call certain things worldly, then name it, and they call it out with absolute specificity. If you willingly participate in those things, you appear to be a complete hypocrite.

Originally Posted by onefaith2

Name calling? Your saying that I'm going against the manual when I'm pointing out to you its possible to have a TV for the limited viewing that they list and you fail to recognize that. Furthermore I don't sign this statement my friend so therefore you have no moral reasoning for calling me anything.

Where did I name-call? Are you THAT desperate to watch your TV that you need to misrepresent me so you can watch it?

I don't care whether you sign the oath or not. If you attend a UPC church and watch TV, you're doing something YOUR system calls "Satanic." You can't wiggle out of that.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Unless you are a licensed minister the only thing you are disobedient to is if you have a pastor that says "You better not, or else" type of preaching.

The AOF says "we disapprove of"...big deal. I acknowledge someone in the UPC disapproves of. The UPC does not, as an org, have the power to forbid anyone other than licensed minsters to do anything

That's just not true. The Articles of Faith say, "Our people." THAT'S YOU...(if you attend a UPC church). It calls TV "Satanic." That's quite a bit stronger than "disapprove."

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by onefaith2

Good argument from a non UPC stance. There are many logical arguments for not having a cable/satellite TV in my opinion. (one of them is my wallet).

On a moral issue I think the heart is in the bolded of your post. The same content is on both and while the internet has it readily accessible, you pick and choose whether you indulge in poison or flowers. The UPC is consistent in that it strongly advises filters for the internet. They are not necessarily completely hypocritical on it.

There are filters for cable too. You can lock certain channels. There is some great stuff on TV, very educational.

And, you can use your DVR and then skip the commercials when you watch it.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

BTW why can't you guys just discuss the topic without turning it into a finger pointing contest where you judge these guys. Somedays I think you liberals are worse than the UCs

Just trying to keep you honest. If you're a UPCer and you watch TV, you're being dishonest.