More and more, young adults and children are being “advised” not to play violent video games such as “Far Cry,” “Medal of Honor” and “Call of Duty” or watch movies like “The Fast and The Furious,” “The Expendables” and “Rocky.” It’s being said that these games are cause for bullying in schools as well as violent personalities in maturing children. However, has anyone ever considered that gory video games and television programs aren’t the only reason for this fast-growing trend of violence in young adults? Perhaps the problem truly starts at an even younger age: when parents begin reading the Bible to their children.
The Bible is one of the most violent and appalling books that a parent can read to their children. Even if they are reading the “sugar-coated”, child appropriate versions, the main idea still remains.
The story of Cain and Abel is a good place to start for an example. Read Genesis 4:8 and you’ll see how Cain murders his blood brother Abel. This story is not necessarily saying it’s okay to kill your brother, but it still happens and Cain gets away with it without much of any punishment from God.
To make matters even worse, God puts a mark on Cain to make sure that no one will murder him for slaying Abel. So, on top of the justification of murder with jealousy, this story is portraying favoritism. God pardons Cain’s sin and even protects him when later in Genesis, it clearly states that one who kills shall be killed themselves.
Another brutal story is the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac. As most people of the Christian and Jewish faith know, in this story Abraham is told by God to go and kill his son Isaac. Abraham doesn’t hesitate and immediately sets off on a journey with Isaac to find a proper place to end his life. Although I admit this shows courage in the face of fear and pure commitment to God, this is not something a child should be hearing about. The child hearing the story may not show fear towards the concept, but perhaps that’s even another worry to have. The child is growing used to stories of death and destruction.
The violence doesn’t stop there. There are floods, death, deceit, and so much sin. Yes, these stories are a great way to tell a growing child how NOT to behave. But, at the same time, they are still being exposed at a very early age to the evils of day to day life. Video games, movies and television do the same thing. I am all for reading Bible stories to children as a way of parenting. But, those who do so and refuse to let their kids play “Call of Duty” or watch “The Fast and the Furious” (who have reached the age restriction placed on the product of course), should seriously consider taking another look at their reasoning behind this choice.
