With several of the major Christian denominations holding their denominational conferences this past week, there has been a lot of controversy in the Christian world. One that is drawing particular attention is the decision of the SBA to restrict their pastors from the partaking of any alchoholic beverages. In light of this descision, I have decided to draft my own psuedo-bi-law for a fictional denomination. That bi-law follows:




First, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read and fully understand our position on this matter. While some in the world may think our position trivial and possibly even legalistic we will show that it is not trivial and will only deepen our commitment to the faith. In the most recent update of our bi-laws, we added the resolution that prohibits all licensed pastors of our denomination from attending or viewing movies or films with a rating over the MPAA rating of G. We have had a fair amount of feedback both positive and negative on the matter. Some have praised the decision as a “substantial gain,” while others have called it “pharisaical” and have asked us to present our rational for the decision; that rationale follows.

The Motion Picture Association of America is the group responsible for determining the ratings of motion pictures here in America. The criteria for a “G” taken from the MPAA’s website are: “This is a film which contains nothing in theme, language, nudity and sex, violence, etc. that would, in the view of the Rating Board, be offensive to parents whose younger children view the film. The G rating is not a certificate of approval nor does it signify a children’s film. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated films. The violence is at a minimum. Nudity and sex scenes are not present, nor is there any drug use content.” While we still feel that adults should exercise caution in what G-rated movies they choose to see (because of the potential violence and sexual undertones) we do believe that a vast majority of these films, while not edifying, are at least clean.

A look at the PG guidelines forces a different take: “This is a film which clearly needs to be examined by parents before they let their children attend. The label PG plainly states parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, but leaves the parent to make the decision. Parents are warned against sending their children, unseen and without inquiry, to PG-rated movies. The theme of a PG-rated film may itself call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity in these films. There may be some violence or brief nudity. However, these elements are not considered so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated film. The PG rating, suggesting parental guidance, is thus an alert for examination of a film by parents before deciding on its viewing by their children. Obviously such a line is difficult to draw. In our pluralistic society it is not easy to make judgments without incurring some disagreement. As long as parents know they must exercise parental responsibility, the rating serves as a meaningful guide and as a warning.” Most adults would be able to discern what is viewable and what is not, but because of the temptations offered by “brief nudity,” “violence,” and “profanity” to some people, we feel that it is safer to prohibit our pastors and leaders from attending or viewing these films. While most would be able to handle the situation, the chance that a weaker brother may be put into a position in which they may stumble is not worth the liberty. We hope that this adequately explains our position and that you will prayerfully adhere to this new guideline.