Unholy ‘Wholesomeness’
From a fascinating discussion Feb. 6 on Plugged In‘s Facebook page:
[Commentator]: Sin is sin no matter what the age! If something is not wholesome enough for children then it is not wholesome enough for anyone.
How would you respond? (Highlight below to see my response.)
[Commentator]: “Sin is sin no matter what the age!”
True. But …
[Commentator]: “If something is not wholesome enough for children then it is not wholesome enough for anyone.”
Oh no, no. Untrue. I hear this sentiment a lot, but it is woefully incorrect.
Biblical proof: Some of Scripture itself shouldn’t be read to children, yet clearly God meant for adults to understand and enjoy it. The Song of Solomon is just one example. So is Judges 19 and Ezekiel 23, for other reasons. Adults must confront the reality of sin in ways that children should not yet confront. God Himself, the ultimate Author of Scripture, endorsed this view.
Logical proof: You’re taking part in this discussion, yet surely you wouldn’t expose children to it.
The commentator gives a fine example of black and white thinking, which does not allow him/her to understand the mind of a child and how it differs from an adult’s mind. It would take adult-level engagement with a nuanced world in order to make that distinction.
By that logic, marriage shouldn’t be allowed either, because it isn’t appropriate for children.