It is gratifying to read that the violence and immorality portrayed on television is being recognised as having a detrimental effect on our nation. Several MPs have spoken on the subject and Winston Churchill, MP, has a Bill before Parliament called the Obscene Publications (Protection of Children, etc) Amendment Bill which seeks to bring television and radio within the 1959 Obscene Publications Act. Another MP has drawn attention to the obscene “page 3” feature of some national newspapers. She hopes that these can be banned, under similar legislation by which obscenity is banned from public hoardings.
The Synod has repeatedly drawn attention to the dangers of novels and the mass media upon individual and national morality. In almost all the Synod discussions and statements on this subject since 1960, the television has featured prominently, the radio, newspapers and novels less so.
We would remind our people of the Synod statements on television, etc.
1965 Synod Proceedings p29
“The Synod of the Free Presbyterian met at Inverness on Thursday, 20th May, 1965, would like to draw the attention of its people to the grave danger to the life and morals of the nation which is constituted by the present character of many television programmes particularly owing to the fact that television exerts a much more powerful influence upon the viewer than any other entertainment medium; and that this power is especially dangerous when television is used in the home because it is extremely difficult to control its use completely. The Synod accordingly strongly urges its people to take notice of this serious risk and to do their utmost not to expose themselves nor their children to this evil influence.”
1967 Synod Proceedings p26 (& reaffirmed 1977 Synod Proceedings p9)
“The Synod renews its warning against the danger of television and reminds the people of the Church that looking at many of the programmes on television is equivalent to going to the theatre, a concert hall or a cinema, and that such conduct, in addition to the demoralising effect it has on the viewer, exposes the person guilty of it to the righteous displeasure of God, as well as to the censures of the Church.”
We would also advise our people against patronising, by the regular purchase of, newspapers which portray naked or semi-naked people as a regular feature.
“Turn thou away my sight and eyes from viewing vanity;
And in thy good and holy way be pleas’d to quicken me.”
Ps119:37
(Rev) D. Boyd, Clerk,
Religion and Morals Committee