“Too many Christians, just like their unsaved counterparts, are impressed by appearances rather than structure; are seeking thrills and excitement rather than substance; are more apt to respond to emotional manipulation than to rational discourse.” (ch. 2)
History of Entertainment
In this chapter, Dr. Gary Gilley tackles the subject of entertainment. However, he doesn’t start off by banning entertainment, but by getting us to understand where the entertainment mindset came from. It is surprising how very recent it is. He goes back into world history and society in this study of entertainment. One interesting fact to me was how he pointed out that “one researcher discovered the word ‘fun’ was of ‘recent origin and that no other language had an exact equivalent to the english meaning’ (ch. 2).”
Dr. Gilley briefly addresses what the Bible has to say about fun and sums it up with this sentence:
“The Bible, then, would not appear to condemn fun, laughter or entertainment, but would point us in the direction of examining both the focus and the motive behind such endeavours.” (ch. 2)
He goes on to chronicle the church’s reaction to the entertainment industry, beginning with plain-style worship services in the 1700s and the changes that came to those services with the Second Great Awakening in 1801. Solid, thinking doctrine was replaced by stories, minister performance and emotional music. Sound familiar?
“And so, when the amusement fad began to flourish in society, the church had little that it could say. Its biggest complaint would have to be that they were now in competition with secular forms of entertainment.” (ch. 2)
Dumbed Down
With the age of entertainment came a very surprising and saddening consequence. It has dumbed us down. We used to be a people who read. Our ancestors considered it a high honor and privilege to be able to read!
“In the 1700s and 1800s . . . America was dominated by the printed word and an oratory based on the printed word as any society we know of. The outcome of such a state was a nation of people who could think, analyze, debate, formulate an argument, and understand and discuss issues, including theology.” (ch. 2)
All that has changed with the entertainment industry into our society. Image has become everything, even in the church. Now we are a people who respond to the clever manipulation of our emotions and moods – not factual evidence and sound doctrine.
“{Neil} Postman, who does not pretend to be a Christian, nevertheless recognizes, ‘Christianity is a demanding and serious religion. When it is delivered as easy and amusing, it is another kind of religion altogether . . . There is no doubt, in other words, that religion can be made entertaining. The question is, by doing so, do we destroy it.” (ch. 2)
That is a serious question indeed.
Have we destroyed Christianity by making it
more palatable to the masses?
My Favorite Part
Dr. Gilley ends on a note that spoke to me. Yes, it looks depressing, sad and heartbreaking to see how the entertainment industry has changed the Bride of Christ. But there is hope.
And it lies in the area of personal discernment. Personal meaning “each person must be discerning and not rely on what the mainstream church feeds us.” Hebrews 5:14 says “But strong meat belongeth to them that are full of age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
“There was no shortcut then, as there is none now,
to maturity and discernment –
solid food, in the form of in-depth study
and application of the Word of God, is needed.”
~ Dr. Gary Gilley
If you are just beginning this book study of “This Little Church Went To Market” with us, you are welcome to begin the series here. To purchase your copy, you can buy one on Amazon (paperback and kindle – affiliate link) or on Dr. Gilley’s website here.
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Marcus Miller says
This book sounds like an interesting one. Where can I get one?
Kendra says
I put a couple links at the bottom of the post – you can purchase it on Amazon or on Dr. Gilley’s website! Let me know if you can’t find it.
Melissa M. says
Thank you! I am enjoying your posts on this book.
Kendra says
Oh good! I’m glad to hear it. 🙂
Regina S says
I read this book and it was very good. What happened to reverence when in church? When did it all change to let’s entertain the congregation? That’s why I love visiting the conervative Mennonite congregations. There is no guitar playing a few bars of some worldly song to introduce the next song. You dont hear loud drums, a worship band singing over the congergation, etc.
Just beautiful singing to the Lord.
Kendra says
So true!