Problems with Lying in Literature

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  • September 8, 2010 at 4:38 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    We are on chapter 12 of Dr. Dolittle by Lofting and I am concerned by the amount of lying that is in this book. The bird (Polynesia) has lied at least twice to try and save Dr. Dolittle from the “evil king”.

    Am I overreacting? If we continue reading it will something change or some morals be introduced at some point? I am not sure if I should finish this read aloud or not.

    I have had concern before with the Magic Tree House books for the same reason. The children lie a lot in those books. I have also noticed it in modern televison for children too. Lying is looked at as funny or okay if you have a good reason to lie. I disagree. A lie is a lie no matter what the circumstance.

    Anyway, I just wanted some opinions on this subject.

    Thanks

    September 8, 2010 at 5:21 pm
    quietwatersmommy
    Member

    I agree with you totally. When we’ve done books like that (where I didn’t know lying, cheating, etc will come up), the first time something comes up, I will mention it that it is wrong to lie or whatever it is. If it continues in the story, I will tell them that we will not be finishing the book because we need to be filling our minds with good things that help us grow closer to the Lord. And give them some scriptures to back up what I say.

    Now, years later, if something comes up in a book my children are reading on their own, they will point it out to me and choose to stop reading.

    So you can use it as a teaching opportunity.

    September 9, 2010 at 1:25 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    I quoted you yesterday at the library when my son picked up a book that was not something I wanted him to read. He asked why he could not get it, and I said that we should not be filling our minds with that kind of stuff. I told him that God wants us to think about and learn about good things and the book he had was not going to accomplish that. He did not ask any more questions. He just turned around and put it back. 🙂

    Thanks for the advice.

    September 9, 2010 at 1:41 pm
    quietwatersmommy
    Member

    That is wonderful that he obeyed you like that! That means you are doing a superb job.

    This was an area that in my own life the Lord really did a work on. I was always an avid reader and would read anything and everything. My grandmother used to give me Harlequin romances to read! I used to read those horrible VC Andrews books, and also lots of classics.

    I did not grow up in a Christian family and did not have any guidance at all in this area. But I have shared with my older daughters (15 and 13) about my struggles and how the Lord taught me to be discerning in this area. And how many times, even as a grown-up, I’ve had to stop reading a book when I realized that it contained questionable material in it. I think it’s helpful to share that this applies to grown-ups as well as children.

    I am so happy to hear this good report. How much better off our children will be because we teach them discernment at a young age! This is something that is so much harder to learn when we are older.

    Another thing you may want to share with your son is that when you make those good choices like he did, the Lord always rewards that kind of obedience and He will put something even better in His path to read. I’ve seen it happen time and again for us.

    Blessings,

    Nanci

    September 9, 2010 at 2:34 pm
    Esby
    Member

    My daughter and I read a book recently where a character is deceitful and the deceit was never addressed when the story was resolved. While the book was good, the deceitfulness bothered me and I talked about it with my daughter. She hadn’t picked up on the fact the deceit was unaddressed, and once we started talking about it, it bothered her too. We had a great discussion about writing, editing, lying for a “greater good,” accepting punishment and responsibility, unintended effects of deceit, character traits in general, going along with the crowd, protecting your intrigity, etc.

    There are so many wonderful books that might not be 100% perfect, but are still worth reading. I don’t suggest we accept twaddle or trash or anything that undermines your values, but perhaps we can accept imperfections in otherwise worthwhile books.

    September 9, 2010 at 3:33 pm
    quietwatersmommy
    Member

    Good point, Esby.

    If the lying, etc is resolved in the end and repentance is made, that is a whole different story (no pun intended!) Cool

    Some of the excellent Lamplighter books that we have read start with a character who lacking in some area of character, but it is always resolved in good and godly way. Then that is a wonderful lesson.

     

    Nanci

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