Evil TV?

Is television evil? Apparently St. Elizabeth Seton, in the 1800's, had a repeated vision of the 20th century in which she saw a black box through which the devil entered people's homes. Does this mean that the TV itself is evil? Since St. Clare is the Catholic patron saint of television (is this official?) and we have EWTN, obviously set up under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (read Mother Angelica's biography), I do not think we can call the box itself evil. However, it has certainly been used - and is being used - by satan. Christians who work in the Media, and especially in TV have a battle on their hands and they need our prayers. The TV can be used for good, and turning off completely may not be the answer because then we simply hand the territory over to the evil one.


For some, the TV is a curse and needs to be curtailed or unplugged. I am rapidly approaching the cut-off point. When I think about it, why should I allow people to enter my house - and my mind - with sentiments and images that I should find deeply offensive and demeaning? By what right do they gain entrance? Who are these pundits who peddle a false morality and draw people into their net with so many false promises? Why should I allow a voice into my room which tells me that I need a new this or that - or that I should go here or there, or be the kind of person that the world will admire (without reference to God or Truth)?


I was brought up with the TV. My family was one of the first on the street to own one (just after the war). I was also brought up with the Cinema. TV was a constant companion - and I soon came to love it. In those days most programmes were relatively harmless. Some were excellent and some very educational. Admittedly there are still some good shows, but something else has happened. Gradually evil has taken over. Not always in an obvious way, but in insidious ways - worming its way into our conscious and, no doubt, subconscious mind, leaving images and words that haunt the imagination and can be used to frame temptations of one kind or another.


I do not think that turning off completely is the answer, but for me, in the near future, the TV will be used only for showing DVD's of good, old-fashioned films that truly entertain me without making me feel guilty or slightly unclean. I am fed up with all the rubbish - at last!