"Pro-Wrestling" with the Enemy...

"The WWF claims to have toned down its raunch in the past few months. Nonetheless, the fact remains that its highest-profile programs, "Smackdown!" and cable's "Raw Is War," which late in September moved from the USA Network to TNN, are utterly, toxically filthy."

L Brent Bozell, October 17, 2000

EDITORIAL

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

We acknowledge the dangers of pornography on the Internet, we take steps to guard our children against it at all costs. But did you ever think of violence being a form of pornography? According to the Webster's Dictionary, it is. Depictions of violence permeate our children's lives in comic books, video games and television shows like Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, Power Rangers, Digimon, Pokémon, and Pro-Wrestling.

“pornographic: 3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction <the pornography of violence>"  - Webster’s Dictionary

So-called "Pro-Wresting" is a form of violent pornography fully marketed to children. I speak specifically about the WWF, but honestly other programs build around violence, and trash-talk are not much better. "Pro-Wrestling" is known for its brutal depictions of violence and acid-like verbal assaults. These things cannot be part of the life of someone that claims to be a follower of Christ, and we must protect our children from its influence.

Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Matthew 5:38-39 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 

Romans 12:17-21 Recompense to no man evil for evil... If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Violence is only half the problem, however. "Pro-Wrestling" has digressed even further in recent years and now has become a soap-opera filled with sexual themes and images, characters reeking of death, demonic images, cheating partners, and physical and verbal assaults on women. God highly admonishes us in Scripture to guard our eyes from such "entertainment".

``For me, it has no relation to what I did for 23 years. People are now trying to hurt you for real. The level of violence and sex ... it's no longer for kids.''  
BRET ``THE HITMAN'' HART discussing professional wrestling in the New York Post.

1 Thes. 5:21-22 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Don't just believe IN God... BELIEVE God.  The Bible tells us that we should examine "ALL THINGS" and abstain from even the "APPEARANCE of evil". Don't try to justify something that is wrong. Everything "Pro-Wrestling" represents is contrary to God's Word and the Abundant Life He offers. Don't rob yourself of joy and peace that comes from obedience to Christ.

I do not believe that it is healthy, wise or Christ-honoring for adults to watch these programs, let alone children. And make no mistake; children ARE the primary target audience. In specifically discussing the WWF, L. Brent Bozell III, in his column dated October 17, 2000 states:

The WWF claims to have toned down its raunch in the past few months. Nonetheless, the fact remains that its highest-profile programs, "Smackdown!" and cable's "Raw Is War," which late in September moved from the USA Network to TNN, are utterly, toxically filthy.

The latest disgusting stunt was the promotion, extending over four weeks of both "Smackdown!" and "Raw," of a Playboy pictorial…[edited for undesirable content]

That's not even the worst of it. This is: Children, a whole lot of them, are being poisoned by this pornography propaganda. The numbers tell the sickening story: Nielsen figures indicate that more than 1.5 million youngsters aged 12-17, and an additional 1.3 million children aged 2-11, watched the October 5 "Smackdown!"

According to a story on CNSNews.com, federal commissions have "found that minors comprise the largest category of consumers of pornography in America and that even 'soft' porn could well have a serious, harmful and lasting effect on the mind of a child."

It's fair to assume that of the millions of children who experienced this Playboy hype, more than a few checked out the magazine…[edited for undesirable content]. Was it wrong for the WWF to influence impressionable youngsters in this way? Well, in Vince McMahon's world, that's just not important. What matters is their "right" to watch his sleaze and his "right" to market it, no matter how damaging or degrading it may be.

Parents, kids… if you want to live more like Christ, be sure and guard what goes into your heart by way of your eyes and ears. If you don't want to give Satan a foot-hold in destroying your relationship with God or with others, PLEASE don't feed on the violence and destructive relationships shown on television - even if it is just "make-believe".

Philip. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Other sources: