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"SOAP OPERAS"-CAN WE WATCH THEM?
We live in a sinful world. Around us we see the kinds of immorality mentioned in the question above. We read of them in the newspapers. Even billboards portray, or imply, some of these sins. We cannot escape from the reality of sin, and we cannot find refuge in this world apart from its presence. Jesus prayed for the apostles, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15). We must live in this world, and this means we must face some of these things that oppose Christ.
The fact is that "soap operas" deal with such sins as alcoholism, incest, rape, drugs, adultery, etc. The Bible also deals with these things. The difference, though is how they are portrayed. When such sins are found in the lives of the people of God's Book, the sinful acts are condemned and the guilty suffer the punishment: "...and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;" (Hebrews 2:2).
When TV programs, newspapers, movies, or any other medium portray these immoralities in a way to glorify (or justify) the sinner, they do a grave disservice. I surely will not encourage watching TV programs or movies that might incite or encourage lust, or that would try to make socially acceptable patterns of behavior that are contrary to God's will.
But even if programs do not exalt the sinful, a steady diet of such content can still do harm. We are the products of what we think: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he... " (Proverbs 23:7).
I am not in the regulatory business. I read newspapers, magazines, books, and watch TV. But I do try to be selective and avoid those things that will weaken my Christian resolve and dedication. Since I do not watch "soap operas" I really do not know their content. From what I have heard, I don't think I am missing much! I am not going to become a censor that seeks to select what programs are suitable for others to watch! I determine what I do. I would hope that, guided by the principles of God's Word, each of you would do the same for yourselves.