Entertainment

Welcome to Entertainment World where we entertain you slowly to death. Spiritual death.

Batman, Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, and Thor 2. What do all these movies have in common? The fact that Jarom has seen them in the last 2 months. 

Since moving to Russia, Jarom has had more opportunity to immerse himself in Media than ever before. It's readily available, it's something to fill the long empty hours with, and he's treated like "one of the boys" whenever he agrees to watch The Dark Knight with his buddies. 

 But Jarom's not sure he likes it. 

"It's harmless fun!" people say. One of my friends even has a phrase. "Good wholesome violence," as in "I liked World War Z because of the good wholesome violence." 

Where is Jarom going to draw his line? What's going to be his standard on media? 

The church has published a pamphlet entitled For the Strength of Youth. It's designed to protect us against losing the Spirit and making dangerous spiritual choices.

The chief measuring stick seems to be the Spirit. "Select only media that uplifts you," instructs the pamphlet, understanding that when you are uplifted, the Spirit is present. 

I've staged endless debates with myself over what some of the more specific guidelines mean, but I keep coming back to the Spirit. Moroni explains it well here: 

 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

 15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

Choose wisely. Pray for discernment. Realize that it's not fun to have fun if the Spirit leaves.