“Opie’s Newspaper”
Opie’s friend, Howie, has received a small printing press as a gift and the boys decide to publish their own newspaper. Their first edition of The Mayberry Sun covers scores and other events from the fifth-grade class, but the initial sales are slow. Barney and Andy encourage Opie to stick with it and widen the scope of the paper to attract more readers. In their effort to widen their scope, Opie and Howie look to the big Mayberry paper for ideas After passing on paper selections as ‘Washington Roundup’ and ‘Social Security in Action,’ the boys decide to emulate the most popular news section, the gossip column called, ‘Mayberry After Midnight.’
Gossip
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)
“Lord, who may dwell I your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and ha no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman…” (Psalm 15:1-3)
Setting an Example
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. (Titus 2:8)
Talk Show Society
We Choose Our Focus
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
1) In the beginning of this episode, Barney denies that he has any interest in the gossip going around at the barbershop, but a little prompting from Andy proves otherwise. How easy is it to turn a deaf ear when we find ourselves in the middle of a gossip session. How can we avoid getting caught up in such activities?
2) Do you believe our media practices “yellow journalism” and that it is acceptable now? How much of an impact does it have on our daily lives?
3) It is often very difficult to discuss politics with someone who is on the opposing party, especially with such strong statements made in the media. What are some specific things we can do to have the attitude of Christ when dealing with our fellow man, even when they don’t see things the way we do?
4) OPTIONAL (if you are too young to participate in the election or discuss politics, you may discuss this question): From magazines, television, radio, and movies, do you think that society provides you with a good or bad example of how we should treat each other? What are some specific things we can do to have the attitude of Christ when dealing with our peers?