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The unprecedented impact the media (principally television and
movies) are having on Christian and human values within our
society becomes more apparent each day. We express disdain at
current media preoccupation with dehumanizing portrayals,
sensationalized through mass media "entertainment" and
"news." These practices degrade humankind and violate
the teachings of Christ and the Bible.
United Methodists, along with those of other faith groups, must
be made aware that the mass media often undermine the truths of
Christianity by promoting permissive lifestyles and detailing
acts of graphic violence. Instead of encouraging, motivating, and
inspiring its audiences to adopt lifestyles based on the sanctity
of life, the entertainment industry often advocates the opposite,
painting a cynical picture of violence, abuse, greed, profanity,
and a constant denigration of the family. The media must be held
accountable for the part they play in the decline of values we
observe in society today. Many in the media remain aloof to the
issue, claiming to reflect rather than to influence society. For
the sake of our human family, Christians must work together to
halt this erosion of moral and ethical values in the world
community.
The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church (Para. 66P)
From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church--1996. Copyright ©1996 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.
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