The Barna Research Group is a company that does research on spiritual issues. On their web site (http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow Preview&BarnaUpdateID284) we find that they have done a recent study on media purchasing habits of parents who profess to be Christians. This particular study focused on the purchase of media (DVDs, music CDs, video games, computer software, etc.) for their children. This study found "even though most Christian parents are not always comfortable with the content of the media-related products, they purchase some of those items as presents for their children. The born again Christian population of the U.S. is likely to spend more than $1 billion on media products such as CDs, DVDs, video games, and magazines for children under the age of 18 despite parental misgivings about the moral content or developmental effects of those resources."

The following percentages show the products purchased and the percentage of parents who were concerned about the content of the products that they purchased for their children:

DVDs 26% of parents concerned.

Music CDs 33% of parents concerned.

Video games 46% of parents concerned.

Magazines 31% of parents concerned.

Computer software 24% of parents concerned.

The parents least likely to purchase these materials were fathers. "On the other hand, among the Christian parents most comfortable with the media products purchased were single parents, mothers and those who were least active in practicing their faith." The researcher concluded, "Many Christian parents are striving to serve two conflicting masters: society and God. They refuse to believe that they cannot satisfy both. Sadly, this Christmas season will produce enormous stress for numerous Christian parents who don't want to disappoint either God or their children, but whose ultimate choices will disappoint both God and themselves, while providing gifts that are not in the best interests of their children."

It is obvious that we need more parents like Joshua who said, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). We need parents like Abraham of whom God said, "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." (Genesis 18:19).

What kind of parent are you? -2004 Little Stream Run, Owensboro, KY 42303-1891. Ron.Milliner@owensboro.kyschools.us

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