Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Pornography: It Does Affect a Community The first amendment to America’s Constitution insures the people the right to freedom of expression. Great battles were waged in the twentieth century on the question of what is and what is not covered by that document. Few restrictions resulted from those battles, and much more “freedom” is now permitted. To this day we do not know, legally, what is obscene and what is not. Words used by the courts have been so vague that enforcement has been almost non-existent. A glance at the local theatre’s movie offerings shows that to be true. Civil libertarians have sought “no limit” verdicts and have been quite successful. Their arguments— based on the premise that media do not provide a negative influence on a community—are accepted as virtual fact. This would suggest that, regardless of the content of verbal or visual images, they can have no negative effects on anyone who might view, read or hear it. Taking this one step further, the charge of “censorship” is laid at the feet of those who would limit a person’s “free expression.” It is standard fare for “libertarians” to assert the hackneyed, “You can’t legislate morality,” or “Just turn off the TV set if you don’t like it.” The following comments are intended as rebuttal to those views. To state that a person can never be harmed or corrupted by a book, a play or a movie is also to suggest that one can never be benefited or improved by them. Literary and artistic representatives would promptly deny the latter, but this is indeed a two-edged sword. If any artistic endeavor is capable of helping, it must be agreed that such a medium is also capable of harm. Most of us see the danger in complete political or artistic limitation. However, to apply “censorship” to this issue is merely a smokescreen. To restrict or limit one person’s right to libel or slander another’s name or reputation is one way in which the overall rights of a constituency can be protected. Freedom without any limits results in a “might makes right” mentality. But my “right” to swing my arm ends where the other person’s nose begins. If such reasoning is not appropriate to this issue, then I must ask, “Why not?” The “You can’t legislate morality” quibble is sheer nonsense. We may not be able to insure “morality” but we have legislated against rape, murder, bribery and theft for ages. Oh consistency, thou art a jewel! To suggest that each household or person be his or her own censor sounds as though it just might work. “If the language, violence or sexual innuendo on TV offends you, just turn it off.” That’s the solution of civil libertarians. Yes, that may keep me and my family from being offended, but that is like suggesting that the solution to a neighborhood’s drug problem is for me to just refuse to buy illegal drugs. That will not stop someone in my neighborhood from breaking into my house, robbing us—or worse—to pay for their illicit drugs. Authorities now know that pornography is highly addictive, more so than gambling and tobacco. Mark it well, drugs and pornography produce a damaging impact on local and national communities. Observe: A Boy Scout leader pleaded guilty to raping members of his troop. He was sentenced to a thirty-year prison sentence. A search of his house produced hundreds of lewd pictures of children—cause and effect! A “priest,” convicted of molesting over 100 young boys in a major American city, admitted using pornographic movies to break down the children’s resistance to his acts. A Wisconsin man, convicted of molesting fifteen boys and girls, admitted that the ideas for his acts came from pornography. If it is true that verbal and visual images have no impact on people, why were millions of dollars spent on Super Bowl commercials? Why are we overwhelmed daily with political advertising, all of them expecting to influence our vote in November. Our local newspapers exist mainly on advertising used cars, groceries, furniture, the latest diet and today’s “unmentionables.” Obviously, verbal and visual images, good or evil, really can influence us, both collectively and individually. Yes, Christians will need to turn off the TV occasionally, probably often, and provide leadership for children and others on this subject. But that won’t solve a nation’s moral problems. We will need to write some letters, confront some local storeowners, and refuse to patronize some establishments. Such action may be unpleasant but necessary before some are convinced we really do mean what we are saying. There are many in every community who will applaud our efforts, and join in the fight against this evil. But we must do what we can, even if we must do it alone. Perhaps the world will some day admit Jesus was right when He said, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” Matthew 7:16, 20. America needs to heed 2 Chronicles 7:14. Carl B. Garner

A Successful Gospel Meeting What can you and I do to make our Gospel Meeting with brother Vestal a success? Note carefully and prayerfully the following: It depends on our attitude. Are we looking forward to it? Do we realize its potential for good? It depends upon our attendance. Some meetings fail because fifty percent of the members do not attend any service except Sunday and Wednesday. Are YOU planning to clear your schedule so you can be present for all the assemblies? It depends upon our invitations. Regardless of all the advertising that will be done through printed announcements, visitors will usually attend only if personally invited by a friend. It depends on our friendliness. Do your friends feel welcome and wanted in our services? How many of us make a special effort to greet our visitors? It depends on our participation. Nothing "kills" a gospel meeting so effectively as a combination of back seat sitting, inattention during the lesson, and halfhearted singing. It depends on our prayers. Are we praying for brother Kee, those who will lead the singing, the lost, those who are delinquent, the spiritual growth of all who attend? It depends on our encouragement. A word of love and encouragement to one who needs to respond to heaven's invitation means so much. A successful Gospel Meeting depends upon each of us. Let us do our part! Tom Moore