Do you remember that
centuries ago there was an index of forbidden books?
Maggie Ross does not want to embrace an
index of forbidden books again, but she sees a legitimate intention behind such
a list. “For all of us there are books we wish we hadn’t read, movies we wish
we hadn’t seen, activities we no longer care to engage in – all of which can
leave residual images in the mind that take time and effort to dissolve.”
I find
what Ross is suggesting helpful. Which movies, TV programs, books, periodicals,
columns, events, websites, and activities not only upset you, but which ones
have been a big “That was a waste of time!” Based then upon these distasteful
experiences, ask ourselves if a repeat is not worth avoiding.
About
any encounter, Ross would have us ponder these questions: “Will this text,
experience, or person create an interior storm of pleasurable excitement, or
anguish and distress, clouding the mind with noisy distraction? What is the
quality of silence in this text, experience, or person?”
Paul
says, “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is
any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things.” Philippians 4:8. I.e., there is a whole lot of entertainment and
opinion out there not worthy of our time. -DJ
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