Christians, Television and Sordid Bible Stories

I received the following question after my post about the new TV show Kings which is based on the life of King David:

QUESTION: Hi Josh, I was just wondering whether you could comment on the values you expect of TV? I ask because you 'hope the programme handles the sordid aspects of David's life tastefully?' How should TV handle sordid without being, well, sordid? Have we made the Bible tasteful? Downplaying what was meant to be shocking, have we made it 'safe for children' so to speak? I'm not sure what the answer is, but can we be accused of double standards if we applaud, say Mel Gibsons Passion with all its distasteful blood and violence, yet require David's failings to be handled tastefully? Any help, much appreciated - Phil

ANSWER: Thanks for the question, Phil. I don't have all the answers, but I'll share a few thoughts. First, I don't think I expect much from TV these days. So I don't have much hope that this show, even though it's based on a biblical story, will be worth watching. I hope it is, and I love any chance to applaud good storytelling and acting that doesn't insert gratuitous sex and violence to grab attention.

I'm not sure what you mean by the question, "Have we made the Bible tasteful?" I don't think we should overlook the hard realities of what it teaches or downplay the stories it tells about human sin and failing out of some prudish instinct. But neither do we need to go beyond what it describes and be distasteful as if that's somehow more authentic or true to the text. But that leads to your next question...

How do you tell a sordid story without being sordid? I think the Bible itself is the perfect example of this. It doesn't shy away from telling us that David committed adultery, but it doesn't go into graphic detail in describing his tryst with Bathsheba. And even more importantly, scripture always shows us the reality of the consequences of sin. That's something that most television skips. Usually it shows us the fleeting pleasure of sin in flashing lights and then glosses over the pain and anguish that sin produces later. (Ever notice how few STDs are contracted on sitcoms?)

I think many classic films, many of them older, do this kind of thing well. They tell good stories, even those that involve sin, but rely on good scripts and good acting and good cinematography, not just special effects, explosions or the willingness of the actors to take off all their clothes.

I do think Christians could give more thought to the issue of violence in entertainment and how it effects our souls. I think there are ways that violence can be portrayed that should be grieving to believers. At the same time I think violence and sex are different categories. There are occasions in which violence in the cause of righteousness can be legitimate--and thus I think legitimate to view. But I don't think that's the case with watching other people have sex in a movie. There are clear biblical commands against sexual immorality and impurity (Colossians 3:5).

Thanks for the interesting question. I'd like to hear your thoughts. And I hope you'll all join me in praying that many young Christian men and women will step up in the coming years to create, not necessarily "Christian", but great films and television shows whose excellence, artistry and content will glorify our God, the master storyteller.