Television has invaded the American home.  In many ways it has become a god.  David Macaulay even portrays it as such in his book, "Motel of the Mysteries". 

Television programming is gripping, it draws your attention to it.  A whole industry works to compete for that attention.  If it must tell subtle lies, if it needs to paint an unrealistic picture, if it wants for your senses to be dulled to the truth, in order to gain your submission, then it will.  Sound familiar?  Satan speaking to Eve in the garden of Eden did just that. 

Is a box made of parts to blame?  No.  Does the blame then rest on the industry that vies for your faithful viewing?  No. Remember, the serpent was punished, Eve was punished and Adam was punished.  The only thing not punished was the fruit even though it was pretty and enticing. 

That said let's get on with the results of this debate.

Those for Yes, T.V. does have a place in the Christian home:

Javamama - Contends that Christians must be discerning.  It can be used for evil as well as good. 

sajolley - Argues that the T.V. is no more evil than the internet. (Which, if you are reading this post, would mean that you have internet)  She contends that we can use the T.V. to teach our children to know wrong from right in marketing, and the theories the world holds. 

Those for No, T.V. doen not have a place in the Christian home:

ronandjess - Use scripture (Matt. 6:22-23) to defend their point that what goes in must come out.  The commercials alone will cross out any good a program may have, and blot out the light in your eyes.

Smokin' Barrel - Has a question for each of us, "If Jesus came to your home, would you be able to invite Him to watch what you watch?"  (Funny, I always imagine the answer to this would depend on your view of God, so I'm not sure what would be gained if you asked this of someone who thinks Jesus would even crack open a beer with them.  JudeThree)  Scripture was also used to defend the position: 1 John 2:15-17, we are not to love the world and the things of this world. 

anonymous - Uses 1 John 2:15-17 as well.  The comparison is made that we don't use alcohol to teach our children about alcohol and its effects.  For those that don't have television in their homes, they don't feel they are missing anything. 

creativehsmom - Uses Phillipians 4:8 as a guideline for their t.v. viewing.  Contends that T.V. numbs the brain and provides no interaction. 

So, what will it be?  In light of the arguments put forth, that while the T.V. itself is harmless, it's what the television industry puts on it that goes against everything the Bible teaches us. 

No, the televison (programming) has no place in the Christian home. 

I would like to say here that I have a T.V. in my home for two reasons.  My husband wants it and we enjoy watching our home video's.  For those of us that do have a T.V. then we had better use it wisely using the above scriptures as a guide. 

My life is not better because I have a T.V.  For six lovely months I lived without one.  I did not miss it.  My children for the most part did not miss it.  (They only missed watching their favorite movies, like The Sound of Music.) 

I challenge you to live without any T.V. whatsoever in your home.  Not to make you a more righteous person, but to examine what happens without it.