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‘We’re not that strong and we can be deceived’: a Christian commentator cautions you to be careful what you allow your kids to watch
By 
Kate Orson2023-04-12T09:00:00
The theme of good fighting against evil runs through many a children’s TV programme, book and film. From old classics like Lord of The Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia, to modern day favourites like Harry Potter or superhero films, there’s something that draws children and adults alike, to stories of darkness being defeated.
While we might want to stay away from too much non-Christian worldly influence, can popular culture be a way to share with children about the spiritual war we are in?
As Christian parents we might want to avoid the violence, or the glorification of witchcraft in books and films like Harry Potter. Many of us may be grappling with walking the line between being too permissive, and too restrictive. While permissiveness could potentially lure children into the temptations of the world, being overly restrictive could cause rebellion. Jesus never said it would be easy.
One way around this could be to read, and watch together, using the culture as teachable moments to share the Christian perspective, and how there are forces of good and evil in this world. Just as Paul quoted Pagan poets, and had a knowledge and understanding of the culture, can we explore the culture with our children, teaching them and guiding them back to the Gospel?
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