Introductions

Meet Daniel Lewis and Eve Franklin and learn a little about them and their reasons for this new podcast.

We open with a discussion about why Christians should “think” when they watch movies. We discuss a clip from some Star Trek DVD bonus content where an actor comments regarding slipping social commentary past censors by disguising it as science fiction.

Are we against movies? No, we believe that this is a personal conviction between each believer and God.

What is critical thinking?

Judging all parts of life based on what we know of God and the Bible.  Don’t turn off Christianity when approaching things of the world.  Let one inform the other

Are Christians guilty of not thinking–as we are often accused of by our worldly fellows? The Bible says that Christians need to think and search the Scriptures. “Search Scriptures daily to see if these things be so”

Christians are sometimes unwilling to be confronted with ideas that make them uncomfortable. Yet the Bible says we must be ready to give a defense.  1 Peter 3:15

We need to be in the Scriptures and think critically about everything. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Thinking critically while watching movies is a good practice ground for personal confrontations.

Discerning counterfeits by intimately knowing the feel of the real thing.

Practical ways to think critically:

• Know Scripture and compare everything to what it says.
• Ask questions.  Look for possible agendas.  Look for worldviews.
• Get to the core. What are the intentions of the creator of the stories? What is the theme?
• Discern truth.  How do you know that is true?  Is it a belief or a fact?
• Question the assumptions.
• Does everyone agree? Does agreement make truth?
• Follow the logic.

Scripture is very clear that we should be thinking biblically and critically. We shared these scriptures in the episode:

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

1 Peter 3:15

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

James 1:22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Jude 3

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

Psalm 119:9, 11

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.

Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Colossians 4:5-6

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Titus 1:9

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

1 Corinthians 1:19-27; 3:18-20

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.”

Coming up next

Our next episode will begin the critical thinking with the recent blockbuster The Dark Knight.

Are You Just Watching?™ is produced and sponsored by D.Joseph Design. The opening vocal talent is thanks to Mariah. Our theme song is used courtesy of Answers in Genesis, from their exciting vacation Bible school curriculum, Operation Space.