Shall I Pray or Watch TV?

By: Vic Zarley

Narrated by: Russell Newton

Should a Christian watch TV? There are many reasons why we should have not allowed TV into our homes. Shall I Pray or Watch TV? examines, from the Christian perspective, the history of television and how it has inhibited our creativity (especially when it comes to finding time or the initiative to pray).

This short book is filled with humor as well as with many convicting Bible verses.

©2010 Vic Zarley (P)2018 Vic Zarley

A Must Read for all! Great stuff :)

I actually recall literally asking myself this as a child - it's probably cute and funny when an adorable little kid does it, but it's a very serious and intriguing question. A good part of my childhood was spent in front of the TV, and now that I'm 50 (ugh how the hell did that happen lol) and now I sure wish I had spent my time praying and serving God rather than being a couch potato. A lot of kids today are being, basically, raised with electronics. I was born in '68 so I missed a lot of that, electronics didn't even become a THING until I was 11 or 12, and then it was very basic stuff.

At the very least, I wish more of TV was concentrated on GOD, rather than Godless. We as Christians today need to be even more vigilant about teaching our kids about the true meaning of life, and love, and God. TV is taking us further and further away from that. I am inspired by this book to do better and show by example how to be a better person and a better Christian. BRAVO to the author :) Excellent job!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Hits the Nail on the Head

This hits the issue with today's society and television and it's influence right on the head. I encourage everyone to read/listen to this book. After reading this book I do see the truth in television and have a bad taste and see the similarities in most of these Godless shows. The thirst for these shows and movies will never be quenched but if you seek Jesus you will never thirst again.

Eye Opening Message

This is an important message for the Church. Would our world be in the shape it is in if Christians were praying instead of watching television? I think not. I wish every Christian would listen to or read this book and act upon the wisdom here. I must confess that I am partial to the author of this book. I am married to him. I think what he says here is valuable and has the power to transform the Church into the mighty force of good she was meant to be.

Inspiring!

I've come to realize that TV outweighs my time with God. I need to set new goals for a God that loves me.

Russell Newton did a great job narrating.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobookboom com.

What should we do with our time?

From one perspective, this is a straightforward challenge to followers of Christ to use their precious time more wisely and pray instead of watch tv from a fellow Christian who speaks biblical truth in Christian love. From another perspective, this is an important and thought-provoking contribution to the current discussion of how our various entertainment "screens" have spiritually changed not just Christians but all humans. Would be a good Bible study for Christians, parents, families, small groups, etc. Also, would be good for a book club discussion and/or anyone else interested in a unique view on the impact of technology on human productivity, creativity and spirituality. Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while listening to this book. Shawn Loy, Austin, IN

How Do You Spend Your Time?

Being Catholic, I found the author’s use of platitudes that are used by many Evalengetical Christians today, to be rather simplistic, and at times, tiresome. That having been said, I did appreciate two concepts covered in this audiobook.

The first concept concerns how we spend our time. Because our time is finite, the activities upon which we “spend” that time-whether watching TV, helping others, reading a book, praying, etc- reveal our priorities. The author argues that watching TV is simply NOT a good use of our time (it’s hard to argue otherwise).

The second concept is communicated more subtly than the first, but I believe it’s just as powerful: that what appears on TV-including the news- is a reflection of the priorities and choices of the people who run the TV networks. Therefore, everything on TV is BIASED to some degree. Obviously, if the TV execs do not believe in God or are hostile to Christian values, this will be reflected in their TV programming.

The narrator did a good job reading the material in a pleasant manner.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review