What's all this have to do with raising my children?

You may be wondering what all these posts about metaphors have to do with raising Godly Children.  Well, it is a key element in my theory of discernment, especially in literature.  My purpose is to try to help you shift your focus away from the cover of the book, the title, the setting, and even the fairy tale elements, which is what most people look at when standing at the library counter sifting through material.  [Attitude is another element of discernment for the school-story style of fiction, but I will save characterization for later].  Metaphors allow you to look beyond the setting or even fairy tale elements of a book and discern its value against Biblical symbols and images.  The prophet Isaiah gives us a perfect criteria for judging and I will be applying this verse in my aesthetic theory. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."  Isaiah 5:20 NIV
So you ready??... Here it goes:   Does the author or artist flip the metaphors upside down? In other words, are they using a symbol that God has designated as bad  (as in the bad guy) and instead made it to be the good (as in the good guy)?  Now, I'm not talking about the imaginative elements that are the vehicle for telling the story like magic in most fantasy fiction -- I'm talking specifics to the character or storyline.  That means you will have to read the full story to find out!  You will not know until you actually read the book.  Too many Christians allow their pastors to "pre-read" for them.  There's nothing wrong with pastors giving recommendations to you; but it's when they have a "Don't Read List" and you aren't checking for yourself that I worry!  You should never make yourself vulnerable to a pastor instead of the Holy Spirit.   As an adult, you don't appreciate having your approved list of books dictated to you, do you?  So, why then do we turn around and wonder why our children are resisting?  I'm especially talking about preteen and teen children here.  Let your child make an aesthetic judgment with you.  If a child is interested in a particular story, read it together and then use this new concept as your plumb line and discover as a family if the literary work is found wanting.   If it does not satisfy  the criteria for a good Christian Aesthetic; we will say it is a poor choice or even poor art, but maintain freedom.  This is a much better approach than censoring and tryng to keep others from NOT choosing. There are so many ways God helps us in our judgment in regards to art and beauty, that I hope you'll stay with me as we continue in our walk.  The Lord is my portion,