L256
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
PASADENA CALIFORNIA 91123

JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question about watching soap operas on television.

God wants us to be enlightened, balanced individuals. He wants us to grow in the understanding of the goodness of His law. The apostle John was inspired to write, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul [being, or life] prospereth" (III John 2).

Knowing this, can we really say that TV soap operas offer anything worthwhile for Christians? The obvious answer is, not in the least! Even worldly TV critics who do not claim to be Christians often write about the futility of the plots and the gross amount of time spent on morally compromising situations in the TV soaps. These include premarital sex, adultery, lying, and murder. These are all part of the "works of the flesh," which God warns us to avoid:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21). And, remember, if it is wrong to participate in a certain type of action in the body, it is also wrong to participate in it in the mind (see Matthew 5:27-28).

Many other scriptures plainly tell us to avoid all those things which are unlawful and incite wrongdoing. It behooves us, therefore, to be careful about the type of television programming we watch. By consulting a program guide, such as those sold at newsstands or found in local newspapers, one can plan ahead and know which shows to watch and which to avoid.

Even for elderly persons or shut-ins, it is much better to find something else to do. Painting, reading, knitting, sewing, writing letters, drawing, and so on, are all far more worthwhile than watching some soap opera which is filled with intrigue, jealousy, and fantasy.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT

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