The Culture-Wise Family: Upholding Christian Values in a Mass-Media World

Before taking in new entertainment, and to reflect on past experiences, this golden resource imparts wisdom regarding the messages media might send. The world-wide statistics and data present thought-provoking insights for discernment to avoid being dumbed down by messages in mass media. Careful guidance prompts meaningful conversations with family members of all ages and friends regarding the values presented through the media. The compilation of articles provides a necessary and powerful means to influence the entertainment industry by making wise choices that impact what will be produced in the future through sales.

The Culture-Wise Family: Upholding Christian Values in a Mass Media World, by Ted Baehr and Pat Boone. (The following was originally published in The New American magazine.) If there ever was any doubt that Western culture had reached a crisis, Jacques Barzun, one of the modern era's greatest scholars, put an end to it in 2000 with the release of his densely packed and immensely erudite book, From Dawn to Decadence. The title gives away the theme of the book -Western culture has been on the downward slope for some time and with the end of the Millennium, according to Barzun, "in the West the culture of the last 500 years is ending." The death throes of the West, he says, are all around: "Dozens of cults have latterly arisen in the Christian West: Buddhism, Islam, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, Dr. Moon's Unification Church, and a large collection of others, some dedicated to group suicide." Meanwhile, he argues, "to secular minds, the old ideals look outworn or hopeless and practical aims are made into creeds sustained by violent acts." A pessimistic outlook to be sure, but even if it is not quite as bad as Barzun implies, veterans of the culture wars have to admit he was on to something. Despite the swirling maelstrom of decay that everywhere seems to threaten the fabric of society, hope remains. Families yet endure,doing their best to raise their children in loving and caring homes despite the challenges presented by the world at large. It can be a solitary - at times - and often difficult challenge. What is needed is a cultural user guide that not only teaches how to survive the present maelstrom, but also provides a plan for eventually stopping and even reversing our cultural decline. In The Culture-Wise Family, Christian film critic Ted Baehr and recording artist and music legend Pat Boone have penned a book that aims to serve as this guide to surviving and saving the culture. Shocking Statistics Like it or not - and many on the political left (and even some purportedly on the right) do not like it at all - Western Culture is predominantly Judeo-Christian at its roots. While Christendom may no longer exist as a semi-unified theological-political synthesis in the West, what is recognized as Western Culture still survives because its Christian roots, despite suffering various ravages over time, have not yet been destroyed. But take them away, and the entire edifice of Western civilization will collapse. Proof of this can be found in the experience of the movie industry, as Baehr and Boone observe. As they point out, from 1933 to 1966 - a period of 33 years - every Hollywood script was read and reviewed by representatives from the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Church, and the Protestant Film Office. "The job of these individuals was to evaluate a movie in terms of the Motion Picture code," the authors write. "If the film passed the Code, it received the Motion Picture Code Seal and was distributed. If it did not pass, theater

As one who is concerned about the family, I couldn't help but embrace this book. Dr. Baehr convincingly articulates the words I've tried to say for years: We can change the direction of the family by changing the direction of the culture--whether for good or for evil. With detailed research and documented statistics, the author reveals the influence the media and the culture have, not only on the young minds of children, but on our minds as well. A must-read for every Christian who wants to make a difference at home, and in the world.

Do you wonder what effect the media has on your children? This book gives an overview of the media's influence on our society as well as a guide to upholding Christian values in today's world. If you're looking for a straight-forward look at America and the media, look no further.

The task of raising a Christian family in today's culture is daunting, especially considering the impact of the mass media. Movie industry expert Ted Baehr has teamed up with entertainer Pat Boone in this much-needed guide that offers practical tools to protect families and children from toxic cultural messages. The authors examine the ongoing threats to family values by those in the media who promote a humanistic worldview. Yet the book's positive tone encourages parents to find hope through making wise choices that reflect a biblical worldview. Because of the media's powerful influence, every home and church library should have a copy of this inspiring book. For ongoing help, Ted Baeher's Movieguide organization is a "ministry dedicated to redeeming the values of the mass media according to biblical principles, by influencing entertainment industry executives and helping families make wise media choices." --Reviewed for Christian Women Online Book Buzz