GUEST COLUMN | UPDATED SEPTEMBER 13

Scroll File Photo

Chad Bennet, a BYU-Idaho alumni, tries to use strategy against Trish Avery, a sophomore from Idaho Falls, Idaho, as they duel it out in “Magic the Gathering,” a card game that has become more and more popular over the last few years.

Do not stand in front of the game cabinet

Dr. Brian Lemon LEMONB@BYUI.EDU Guest writer, Chemisry faculty

I was intrigued by Peter Nguyen’s article that appeared in the Sept. 6 edition of Scroll, where he expressed his thoughts and feelings about watching television.

There can be found on television wholesome, uplifting programs that can edify and instruct. However, I find much of television programming to be disruptive to a well-balanced life and dangerously desensitizing.

My animosity toward television has been reinforced by recent teachings of living prophets. In recent conference addresses, President Gordon B. Hinckley and Elder Dallin H. Oaks have warned that pornography that “is sweeping over our society like an avalanche of evil.”

President Hinckley has also warned us of the evils of gambling. Exposure to these pernicious practices, however innocent or unintentional, is often the result of aimlessly seeking some form of entertainment. Too frequent exposure can lead to addiction.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

I was introduced to a hobby that has captivated my interest and significantly decreased the amount of time I spend watching television or movies with family and friends.

There is another significant issue here in addition to avoiding spiritually desensitizing entertainment. Peter concludes his article, “What’s my problem? I guess I’m really just upset that more people don’t invite me out … I watch television because I don’t get invited.”

How often do we look to make friends by engaging in activities that are not necessarily conducive to developing friendships?

Recent experiences have convinced me that there is a wholesome, fun way to minimize exposure to spiritually desensitizing media and widen circles of friendship to inclusive dimensions.

Last winter, my neighbor mentioned that he and his cousin enjoy playing games and that a game night was held twice a month where friends gather to play games commonly labeled German-style games, or strategy games like Settlers of Catan, Puerto Rico or Ticket to Ride. I was surprised at how amusing playing these unique games can be.

In this hobby, my family has found a way to get to know others and have a tremendous amount of fun without resorting to food, movies or television.

So I must take exception with Peter’s generalized characterization of what those who shun television are doing in their spare time; we are having a great time playing incredibly entertaining games with friends and neighbors. I invite you to do the same.