Four Post-Movie Questions to Help Kids Develop Biblical Discernment

In today's culture, I think one of the greatest skills I can help the boys develop is how to filter the massive amount of media they'll encounter. When you watch a tv show, movie, video game, etc - no matter how good the content is - our brain activity switches from the left side, which is responsible for our discernment and critical analysis, to the right side of the brain, which begins to releases pleasure inducing endorphins. So when we're watching television our logical reasoning side of the brain tends to shut down, thus opening our minds to more readily absorb the value system of Hollywood. Our ability to think independently is weakened. 

I've become aware of the stats and data from trusted doctors and psychologists such as John Rosemond, Meg Meeker, and James Dobson revealing how television can effect the brain, behavior, and value system. Thankfully the Lord has helped us be intentional with our television boundaries, not out of fear which lends to anxiety but conviction which lends toward peace and freedom. 

While consumption of media requires great thoughtfulness, films have the potential to open the door for meaningful dialogue on important and relevant topics, especially when we bring in God's perspective. I don't want to simply be a censor nazi but prayerfully find the balance between guarding my little guys' minds and cultivating their discernment as they grow. I've found four questions to be helpful in this season of parenting with our kids ages 7, 5, and 4 as we endeavor to develop a discipline of continuing to "think" when the big screen comes on!

• What foolish choices did you see? Were there consequences? (Often movies will allow for foolish choices with no consequence. Sin always leads toward death.)
• What wise choices did you see? What was the result? (Could there be long term results that are not seen in the film?)
• What does God's word say about the choices you saw? (Reinforcing God's word as the standard for wisdom)
• Where did you see a need for Jesus? (tie it all back to the gospel - just like each of us, no character is exempt)

In case you're wondering, I don't do this with every tv show the kids watch and am most definitely guilty of using designated screen time to my advantage. But I do regularly try to watch and process films with the kids so that I can help them practice thinking critically through the grid of a biblical worldview. Before I know it, the time will come when we will need to trust them with more freedoms and choices. I hope the way we spend these early years discussing and processing together will prepare them to make wise media decisions in the midst of peer pressure, and even when they don't, I pray the Holy Spirit will still bring these questions to the forefronts of their minds!

Also related: Bible Movies and Helping Kids Discern Artistic Interpretation