We must choose wisely which stories we allow to enchant us. Stories are powerful; they can transport us to other worlds and take us into other minds. Like the wardrobe to Narnia or Doctor Who’s police box time machine, a story is “bigger on the inside.” Time passes differently in stories, and we return to our present reality having perhaps experienced years or lifetimes. A well-made film or television show can touch a heart, change a mind, or redirect a life.
This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with Journal author Caleb Woodbridge about his article “Choose Your Own Enchantment: Freedom and Conscience in What We Watch” He answers questions about freedom and conscience when consuming TV shows and films. Issues discussed include: What are some of the pitfalls that Christians fall into when deciding what to watch? What are the foundations for making wise choices? Did you grow up in a Christian family? What approach did your parents take to media consumption? Have there been stories you have enjoyed that other Christians have had a problem with? How do you recommend things that have questionable content? Do you offer a disclaimer or heads up? Or do you just let the work speak for itself? What stories have you stopped watching or reading because of conscience? How can engaging with stories help us connect with others?
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Other articles and Postmodern Realities podcasts related to this topic:
Television as the New Literature: Understanding and Evaluating the Medium
The Artistic Pro-Life Theme in Netflix’s I Am Mother
Postmodern Realities Episode 132: The Artistic Pro-Life Theme in Netflix’s I Am Mother
“HBO’s Westworld and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.”
Breaking Bad’s Addicting Defense of Moral Realism
Episode 039: The Gospel According to Marvel
The Gospel According to Marvel
Episode 024: Dr. Strange (film review with spoilers)
Fighting Scientism with the Occult in Doctor Strange
Episode 017: Suicide Squad, Deadpool, and the Rise of the Comic Book Antihero
Suicide Squad, Deadpool, and the Rise of the Comic Book Antihero
Episode 139 Clear Skies, Hurt Hearts, Can’t Lose: Why Spielberg’s Aliens Help Make us More Human
Clear Skies, Hurt Hearts, Can’t Lose: Why Spielberg’s Aliens Help Make us More Human
Episode 123 Tolkien’s First Fellowship
Tolkien’s First Fellowship A film review of Tolkien
Episode 100: A. Hitchcock Films
“Caught Looking: Hitchcock’s Films in the Age of Instagram.”
Episode 001: The Films of Quentin Tarantino
Episode 067: Spielberg’s Nostalgia for Reality in Ready Player One
Spielberg’s Nostalgia for Reality in Ready Player One.”
Episode 054: The Last Jedi: A Star Wars Movie for the Era of “the Nones”
The Last Jedi: A Star Wars Movie for the Era of “the Nones”
Episode 027: “Evaluating the Star Wars Worldview”
May the Force Bewitch You: Evaluating the Star Wars Worldview
Episode 075: Film Nostalgia & Heaven
Looking for Heaven at the Movies: What our Fondness for Nostalgic Films Says about Us.”
Episode 041: The Gracious Heroism of Wonder Woman
The Gracious Heroism of Wonder Woman
Jesus Films: Who Does Hollywood Say That I Am?
Episode 079: Theology of Morgan Freeman
“The Story of Morgan Freeman (Not God).”
The Matrix: Unloaded Revelations
A Wrinkle in Time: Drawing Apologetic Value from a De-Christianized Film