In the past two weeks, the Christian community has been in an uproar with discussions about The Golden Compass movie. In contrast, the movie Bella is being touted as elevating Christian principles. Christians and non-Christians alike disagree about what is appropriate for believers in terms of movie and television viewing. Obviously, ruling out pornography etc. is there a clear standard? Does what Christians watch make a difference?
The Impact on Others
Some argue that it makes no difference, citing Romans chapter 14 in regards to liberty in Christ. It is argued that those stronger in the faith should defer to those weaker in faith when it comes to stumbling blocks. Still many others promote life-style evangelism and suggest that Christians should abstain from watching and listening to secular entertainment. This article certainly does not seek to suggest that Christians should try and convert others without directly sharing the gospel.
However, the shows and books that Christians watch can impact non-believers. Christians are supposed to be set apart from the world, to be ambassadors for Christ. And, it is important to remember that as ambassadors, we are being watched ourselves.
The t.v. shows and movies that Christians watch can discredit their own testimony or even the testimony of the church. Too often, non-believers justify their own sin by pointing to hypocrisy within the church. They see no difference between Christianity and other religions. But, there should be a visible and audible difference! Christians are called to keep their own hearts with diligence.
The Impact on the Christian
Christians themselves are impacted by what they watch in movies, on television, or even the internet. The apostle Paul exhorts believers not to give hearty approval to those who practice unrighteous things. Yet, how often do Christians give approval to inappropriate television shows, movies, and books by watching or purchasing them?
I personally have only just recently been prompted to realize that my own viewing habits were not God glorifying or healthy. One of my favorite comedy shows is hilarious, I just about roll on the floor every time I watch it. In the past, I have given hearty approval to this particular television show. I’ve downloaded episodes, I’ve encouraged my friends to watch it. It wasn’t until reading through the list of unrighteous things that I realized this seemingly harmless comedy show promotes:deceit, malice, gossip, slander, and hatred of God through many of it’s spoofs. And the list got worse the closer I looked! The hosts of this show themselves are insolent, arrogant, boastful, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful in their attitudes towards others. By watching this show, I have been guilty of developing a partnership with lawlessness and darkness. Participating, even promoting this show has unequally yolked me with the world.
My initial reaction to this was disbelief. I questioned myself, come on, it’s really harmless. Then I realized that it discredits my testimony, and moreover it hardens my heart towards un-believers because it highlights society’s flaws. It’s easier to laugh at the ways of the world, than to love the people in it and have compassion on them.
Perhaps some Christians are not affected by watching this particular show. However, Christians should consider how they might be affected by their own viewing habits. Christians are commended to think on things that are: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Christian viewing habits should reflect and help grow hearts that value the message of salvation through Christ.
Certainly we have been given liberty, but we should not use liberty for “an occasion of the flesh.” I think if you are going to watch something that’s questionable in other peoples’ minds, they shouldn’t be able to know that you watched it. Sure, it may not bother you at all. But if it causes someone else to stumble, that’s not cool. For instance, in the U.S. many “Protestant” (I don’t like that word) Christians think drinking alcohol in any quantity is a sin. Of course, that’s not true or Jesus would be a sinner. But if people are offended or are subject to the temptation to overindulge, we should take that into account and not drink - at least not in their presence.
But the danger in forbidding certain activities is rule-mongering, and that can quickly become pharaseeic. Then before you know it, you’re back under the Law and have fallen from grace. This is what the Apostles said to the newly converted Gentiles in Acts 15:
28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Notice the phrase, “no greater burden than these necessary things…” They didn’t want to be rule-mongers because that would have given them the wrong idea about the Gospel, so they kept the rules down to the most basic “necessary things”. I think we would do well to do the same. But we should judge our own behavior according to our own consciences, otherwise we will be judged. Spiritual growth is a process, and people are at different levels so it doesn’t make sense to have blanket regulations for everyone. But, of course, some things are expected of everyone.
I think if you are going to watch something that’s questionable in other peoples’ minds, they shouldn’t be able to know that you watched it.
Chris, I have been doing some serious thinking on this topic. I would have advocated this up until about three months ago, but I have since come to see it differently. Going through Galatians and also chapter 14 of Romans has made me realize that stumbling is not in reference to offending another believer but enticing them to do what they think is sin.
If I think all worship should be done on a saturday and you think any day is fine - you shouldn’t lie to me or hide from me that you worship on sunday. However, you also shouldn’t be trying to convince me that I should worship on sunday - because I consider that sin - and you would be enticing me to sin!
I think this whole idea of hiding things from other Christians that they might think is sin, is a recipe for hypocrisy. If I can handle Family Guy and my you can’t, then I shouldn’t hide it from you. But I shouldn’t do things to entice you to watch it either.
But here’s the other side of the coin: you become what you behold. That is a well established biblical fact. You wouldn’t even have to be a Christian to realize that because we all learn by example. When you were a child you beheld your parents actions and mimicked them. So, to some extent, I don’t think its possible for anyone to behold something for an extended period of time or on a regular basis without it affecting them whether negatively or positively. Consider these scriptures:
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
(John 1:14,16)
How did John say that the fullness of Christ’s grace and truth had been received? They beheld it.
Now behold (I like that word) 2 Corinthians 3:18:
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Man, that is so full of power. And here’s the last one, Philippians 4:9:
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and SEEN in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
And Chris, that’s an article right there. C’mon man. You gotta publish some of this stuff for me! It’s great!
I would definitely not support maintaining a “secret life” where you do things of which others might disapprove. There is a difference between “living secretively” and “not causing others to stumble”. If the leaders in my church disapproved of drinking alcohol, I would NEVER try to hide the fact that I occasionally drink from them. The intent would not be to avoid causing them to sin. I would NOT advertise to the high school students that I work with that I drink occasionally though, and avoid drinking around friends with addiction problems or who believe it would be wrong for them to drink. I don’t want the latter groups to decide to “just take a sip” if it would be wrong for them to do so. I fully support those who decide to never drink to avoid any possibility of causing others to stumble.
On the other hand, I do not think it is wrong to discuss with you WHY you believe in worshiping only on Sunday. It is wrong of me to try to entice you to sin, but Paul’s example in stating clearly that eating the meat was NOT bad demonstrates that we CAN address invalid personal principles. Until you fully believe in your heart though that moving to a Sunday worship service is legitimate though, I should make no effort to change your behavior (only your mind).
Watching “bad” television is not the kind of behavior unbelievers generally try to excuse. That said, we need to be very clear in our own minds and in our representation to others WHY we are watching what we are watching. I firmly believe that there is value in most forms of entertainment. The value may be in the cinematography, or accuracy/depth of character portrayal, or in the technical skills used to present a view. The fact that the worldview or behavior depicted in a work is not accurate does not mean that is it not worthwhile to me familiar with that mentality. The problem is that we need to be careful not to internally begin to “support” incorrect behavior. We should not root for the extra-marital affair. Sin SHOULD disgust us. We should not approve the bending of Biblical morals (or the characters morals) for the sake of the moment. One thing I try to do at the end of romance movies is to determine the health of the relationship and its likely lifespan. I also consider what kind of advice I’d give the couple if I knew them socially. Watching a work in this mindset HONES our ability to detect the differences between worldly values and Christian ones; it doesn’t dull it.
I firmly believe we can be exposed to things without “approving” them. By buying “The DaVinci Code” book, I am not “approving” that wordview, but rather learning more about how others think and view Christianity. That said, it is vital not to use this as an excuse to watch/do things that are having a negative impact on us. My best examples are relating to male lust. There have been times in my life when I could not watch television, on the chance of a bad commercial sending my mind places it shouldn’t be. Normally, I am well able to filter these things, but there have been times I couldn’t. If you are NOT able to control your mind to focus on the right things or are NOT able to keep in mind that the things you are watching are not proper behavior to be emulated, you shouldn’t be watching it.
Good article, Sadie.
When it comes to movies, I (more or less) put them into three categories:
1. movies that glorify evil of some kind or other. The evil can be overt or subtle, but it does include things that most unbelievers consider harmless (eg. foul language, mouthy children). Most movies and tv shows fall into this category.
2. movies that are positive toward Christian principles, show good qualities in people. It sounds like the Bella movie would fall into this category.
3. movies that have an overt Christian message. Eg. Passion of the Christ, End of the Spear.
I purposely support movies in category 3, and I just hope they don’t turn out too cheesy. Movies in category 1 I think pretty hard about before, during, and after attending, if I watch at all.
Movies in category 2 have an interesting twist in that it is easy for a nice unbeliever to add watching that kind of fare to his list of good works and thou-shalt-nots which he thinks is going to earn him a spot in heaven. A movie in category 2 is not going to offend me, and if it is well made, will let me leave the viewing with a feel-good attitude. But it may do exactly the same thing for an unbeliever, and just make them think something like, “Wow, all the Christians think this is a great movie. That must mean that if I’m a good guy like is shown in the movie, that is all I need to do.”
I’m not sure if I’m explaining it well, but what I mean is if Christians en mass support a movie, it could give the idea to nonbelievers that the message of Christ is there, when really all it shows is a message of “being nice.”
As for watching movies in category 1, I think you hit the nail on the head when you speak of “keeping the heart with diligence.” Sure, we know the difference between good and evil, and of course, we’re not going to act like that. Or, will we? Movies/tv are VERY powerful because both eyes and ears are fully engaged. Many times I don’t think we realize how subtle yet pervasive the temptation is to talk, act, and especially think like the people we see on the screen. And somehow to admit that we are affected is more than we’re willing to do–after all, we like to view ourselves as smart, saavy, strong, well-grounded Christians, above being brought down by something so silly as a moving image.
“I would definitely not support maintaining a “secret life” where you do things of which others might disapprove. There is a difference between “living secretively” and “not causing others to stumble”. If the leaders in my church disapproved of drinking alcohol, I would NEVER try to hide the fact that I occasionally drink from them.”
Yeah, I hear you. But I’m not talking about hiding things from people to deceive, but rather keeping things private. There is a difference between privacy and secrecy. Secrecy can imply deception. For instance, I know a pastor who told me he drinks wine about once per year. He told me that in confidence. But its not like some deep dark secret. But others may not understand, so he isn’t going to tell his whole congregation. He may not even tell his other minister friends. Now if someone were to ask him point blank about whether he drinks, he would probably tell them. But even if he didn’t I doubt he would lie to them and deny it. Some things are just not everyone else’s business; they’re private in other words. If someone asks you how often you have sex with your spouse, you’re free to tell them, “That’s none of your business!” But I guess the fact that I said no one should be able to find out about what you do sounds like secrecy. In the case of what you watch, the only way they would find out is if you watched it publicly or at least in the presence of others.
But you guys have given me a lot to think about. So I’ll need a while to think about it. Colin, I’m going to reread those scriptures you referenced. I’ll try to read them as objectively as possible and without prejudice so I can see if I agree with what you’re saying.
“Chris, I have been doing some serious thinking on this topic. I would have advocated this up until about three months ago, but I have since come to see it differently. Going through Galatians and also chapter 14 of Romans has made me realize that stumbling is not in reference to offending another believer but enticing them to do what they think is sin.”
Okay, well I just read Romans 14. A couple of things stand out. First, I don’t think what you have said is wrong, just incomplete. Yes, the idea about enticing someone to sin is there but there are a couple of other things worth mentioning. Here is a pertinent excerpt:
13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil (NIV).
I think its reasonable to say that a brother being “distressed” over what you eat is almost synonymous with saying he is offended; I think its interesting to note also that Paul first of all brings up the issue of not being judgmental towards others, and then tempers that with the idea that we should not allow our own convictions to be “evil spoken of.” In other words, do not give someone an opportunity to judge you unnecessarily. And he admonishes people to keep their convictions private when he says:
22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.
But I think this is perhaps the most important lesson here:
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
There’s a lot here, and Paul sort of tackles the subject from every possible angle. I’m sure I haven’t fully grasped this yet.
And we have another article - this one by Atanamis!
I actually wasn’t quite ready to publish this article yet, but that’s alright–glad it has provoked some great discussion. The intention behind this article definitely was not to impose rules upon anyone, but rather to suggest that Christians should monitor their viewing habits with more diligence. I definitely think that voting with your dollar and purchasing movies, books, etc that may be questionable is approving of them, especially when you could just as easily rent or loan the book/movie from someone else. By doing this you are not sending the message to Hollywood that says “yes, please make more of such and such.” Also, I think when the majority of Christians heartedly agree and watch shows such as CSI which glorify murder, rape, etc. that points to a need for Christians to reconsider if that will affect their own testimony and/or the testimony of the church.
Sadie, your article made me do something impulsive! I’m not a very spontaneous person, but this afternoon I went to the matinée ($4) and watched Bella. This is what happens when my husband goes on a business trip to NYC and leaves me home alone!
No spoiler–but it doesn’t end like I thought it would!
LOL! Bella did look like an interesting movie. I’m hoping it will come to a theater near us so that I can watch it too. If not, I’ll have to wait until it goes to netflix. Glad to hear that you liked it, I think your comment earlier was right on!
“Then I realized that it discredits my testimony, and moreover it hardens my heart towards un-believers because it highlights society’s flaws.”
One thing I often think about before watching a movie/show is if I would want my mentors, parents, children, etc. knowing that I watched it or watching it themselves.
I also avoid watching things that I know will affect me negatively. I always walked away from watching things like Law & order or CSI, that have such a negative focus, with a very sensitive, negative attitude. So I’ve quit watching them.
At the same time, I just recently learned that one of my closest spiritual mentors loves to watch 24 & I was so surprised - because it made her, someone who lives the most godly life I have ever seen, just as human as the rest of us.
Everyone should watch The Office and House. Those are my two cents.
Beyond that, every other show is relative junk, debauchery, soap opera, or all of the above.
Well, I find it somewhat cowardly to avoid discussions that challenge my faith.
Indeed, I think its absolutely necessary for growth as a Christian. So I hope “The Golden Compass” is as anti-God as possible.
Luce (not short for Lucifer, I hope :)), so that would make a pornographic film okay by your standards? After all, that is very anti-God/Christian.
Just wondering…
OK, I was hoping somebody else would respond, but I guess it’s up to me.
Pornography is completely different from a movie with an anti-God theme. Pornography is at best a celebration of sex and at worst a glorification of sin and human degradation. In neither case does pornography speak to the question of God’s existence or God’s nature. The problem with pornography is that it induces the watcher to lust, so that the actual act of watching is sinful.
That’s completely different from watching a movie with an atheistic anti-God message. Watching an anti-God movie doesn’t cause the watcher to sin. At worst, it causes him to question his faith, but it isn’t a sin to have doubts.
Good point Jew.
I am still uncomfortable in Luce’s desire to relish in anti-God material. I don’t see that supported anywhere in the Bible. “Always have an answer” while thinking about “whatever is pure, holy,” etc.
“Put no evil thing before your eyes.” What is the controversy? Those who have the Holy Spirit and listen to His voice know what evil is, so that’s His code or standard. The question really is are we willing to lay down our own (fleshly) will and desires for His?
“The problem with pornography is that it induces the watcher to lust, so that the actual act of watching is sinful.”
When I first read that I thought I agreed entirely. And I do, but I think you could substitute the words “The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” for “pornography” and “covetousness” for “lust” and you end up with the same idea–a different sin, but still a sin caused by watching.
Watching something that is anti-God could, I suppose, be the millstone hung around the neck of some. Doubts we have are not necessarily sin, but they could be the first steps that lead to rejecting God altogether.
Good Blog! Very well written. It simply reminds us that, no matter what we do, and no matter what we say, it is extremely important that we Christians guard ourselves at all times. However, I still believe that we all have the right to decide for ourselves what’s appropriate viewing/listening and what’s not. No one can make that decision for us. I like to listen to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac music, which is by far probably the cleanest secular music out there, and I’ve attended two Stevie Nicks concerts as well. But just like walking into a church doesn’t make you a Christian, listening to Stevie Nicks and attending her concerts doesn’t make you a witch (if you want to believe she’s a witch), and her music doesn’t make me want to be like her, either. I don’t worship her when I wear her concert t-shirts, either. To me, it’s just music and/or a t-shirt, just like when I watch TV. It’s just TV or a movie, and I can watch it knowing that I’m not always going to agree with everything that is being said or done. In other words, if you don’t like what I’m doing, then you don’t have to stick around. I’m an adult. I can take care of myself.