Pastors's Message Media Assault on American Values (A report from Culture & Media Institute)      Are the media influencing Americans to duck responsibility for their own decisions and behavior? Are the media leading Americans away from a mature acceptance of personal responsibility for their own lives and for their obligations to others? According to the National Cultural Values Survey, a major study of American cultural and moral values, most Americans think so. The study, commissioned by the Culture and Media Institute, finds that large majorities of every significant demographic category of American adults believe the media are harming the nation’s moral values. To see this report in its entirety, go to www.cultureandmediainstitute.org. Major Findings: 74% of Americans believe the nation’s moral values have declined over the past twenty years, and large majorities hold the media responsible for contributing to that decline. 64% of Americans agree the media are an important factor in shaping moral values in this country. 68% of Americans say the media have a negative impact on moral values in this country. The media are undermining America’s sense of personal responsibility. The more a person watches television, the less likely he will accept responsibility for his own life and for his obligations to the people around him. November—2007 Human Care 56% of heavy TV viewers (4 or more hours per day) did not volunteer time to worthy causes last year, compared to 27% of light TV viewers (1 hour or less per day). 51% of light TV viewers describe themselves as pro-life, compared to 37% of heavy TV viewers. 47% of light TV viewers attend church services at least once per week, compared to 28% of heavy TV viewers. 78% of light TV viewers believe the media are harming American moral values, but only 58% of heavy TV viewers agree.      The most telling finding is that increased exposure to television correlates with a decline in acceptance of personal responsibility. According to the survey, the more hours people spend in front of a television set, the less likely they are to accept personal responsibility for their own lives and for their obligations to the people around them. They are less likely to conduct themselves honestly, and they are more likely to hold permissive attitudes about moral issues like divorce, extramarital sex, homosexuality and abortion. They are less likely to honor Godly values and religion in public life. This survey might produce some good discussion around your table, in a church group or even at school. Let’s turn off the TV and talk it over! Glad to be in Christ’s service,    Pastor Lyle Hansen

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