Trying to create a policy that would enable us to capture and retain the lessons learned from last summer’s TV and electronic entertainment fast was a challenge. We wanted to continue to reap the benefits of having more time for personal development and relationship building, an atmosphere in our midst that spoke of spirituality and peace, and freedom from the tyranny of passive and superficial entertainment.
We didn’t want, however, to corporately over-regulate our personal discipleship. This can become a slippery slope and subjective nightmare. The areas we would need to regulate with a policy could easily expand endlessly. And often the standard by which regulations are created can be highly influenced by cultural preferences and outlooks. There’s just too much gray. Additionally, while we recognize the benefit of establishing group standards that reinforce personal growth, we realize these can never be a substitute for individually developing discipline and self-control.
Weighing these pros and cons led us to come up with a policy that we’re finding is quite effective. To help us regularly awaken to the negative impact electronic entrainment may be having on us, we’ve agreed to have an annual fast during the Eastertide season. Eastertide is the seven weeks between Easter and Pentecost. This year we started a tradition of celebrating the seven days of creation (and looking toward the New Creation) for each week during the season with special meals and events. We thought it appropriate to sharpen our focus during that time by also fasting from the Tube.
We also agreed to not watch any TV or play video games during the day time. This keeps the incessant noise down and cultivates a healthy atmosphere of work, study, and prayer. Really, there isn’t much time available anyways during the day, but this eliminates the before breakfast, at lunch, and after school possibilities. After dinner we do allow the Tube to be enjoyed. But again, with homework, meetings, and other events the time is limited, yet the opportunity is there.
Also, we’ve decided to declare Saturday evening to Sunday evening our “sabbath” time, so no electronic indulgence during that period. We want to set aside this time to renew ourselves in God and our relationships. Saturday night we usually have small groups and Sunday morning is our main service. Keeping that time clear of distracting electronic noise sharpens our senses for the spiritual.
So, that basically leaves us time in the evenings, except Saturday, for electronic entertainment. This makes it more of a special, planned event, as it probably should be. A couple exceptions: the last Saturday of each month is unscheduled. There are no community planned activities or responsibilities. This is a nice day for fun and renewal for our families. We decided to allow the Tube on that day. The same goes for holidays and vacation.
Well, that’s it. We can always change it, but for now it seems to be working for us. Community is a wonderful place where we can, together, figure out how to live out the gospel in practical ways.