Worldview Conflicts in Education: Morality in Media?
By Robert Acuff|Published Date: July 19, 2010
“The world chooses its own methods and draws up its own plan of action in order to solve its problems; and people often think that, if Christians are to help preserve the world, they ought to join in these movements.” – Jacques Ellul, in The Presence of the Kingdom
The use of media in all its technological forms is becoming ever popular with today’s youth. Studies from the Pew Foundation and others have demonstrated a substantial increase in the use of social media, on-line computer time, and phone texting, watching TV and film in the past 5 years. Kids 2-18 years of age spend more time watching TV in America than any other activity with the exception of sleeping. What can we make of the impact of technology on the next generation? How will the increasing use of media by the current generation affect learning those that will become leaders in all walks of life, citizens to preserve the republic, and take responsibility in society? Focus on the Family, Christianity Today, Parents Television Council and other faith based organizations have for years, critiqued individual films, television and the industry that produces all kinds of media for its content and impact on children, the family and behaviors. The quote from Ellul above, suggests that Christians join in the culture to preserve the world for the Kingdom, but how far are we willing to go to accomplish reclaiming media for the Kingdom?
As we continue discussing worldview conflicts in education, our focus for the upcoming broadcast will be to learn how universities are using media with specific emphasis on film to educate as well as entertain students. In one arena of media, film making is used to produce ideas and shape worldview. Some universities have permitted students screen X-rated films as part of the “educational experience”. This has occurred at the University of California at Los Angeles, Northwestern University and Carnegie Mellon University. Are today’s university students struggling with what they see in film? What can we declare about the current state of media use by the American university? Is it used with education in mind or does it merely entertain? How will the increase of media in general, impact creative writing, critical thinking and other necessary skills to lead? How does a Christian university like The King’s College in New York City utilize media to educate students and meet their Christian Worldview mission?
The Forum welcomes Alissa Wilkinson to the broadcast. Alissa teaches writing at The King's College in New York City and is the founding editor of The Curator and associate editor of Comment, and until recently was on staff at International Arts Movement. Her articles and film criticism have appeared in a variety of publications, including Paste, Christianity Today, WORLD, Relevant, Comment, and the Center for Public Justice's Capitol Commentary. Over subsequent weeks, we will be learning from members of The King College’s Faculty, their observation of conflicts in worldviews in specific disciplines. Join the discussion on Monday, July 19, at 8 pm EDT at the Colson Center.
