Should Christians Watch Television and Film?

Should Christians watch modern movies and television shows? In this video, I repeat some of Dr. John Frame's thoughts on this question.

Chapter 1: Should Christians Go to Movies?

[zxb]

I don't completely abstain from movies and television, but it has become increasingly difficult to find something to watch that is acceptable. I find that its much easier to watch older movies and old shows, but even those have some truly questionable material. The hardest part is understanding where the "line" should be drawn for some of the these things. If I have doubts I tend to take the more conservative side and not watch something as opposed to "risking it". But it truly has become VERY hard to find anything to watch that has come out in the last 3-4 years.

[shooterdownunder]

I have found that it’s become more and more difficult to watch television. Most of what has come out is either unwatchable, grieves the spirit or is just boring. I’ve been largely watching older stuff these days.

[willkillem]

Not only are many movies and tv shows terrible nowadays, they distract you from the relationship you should be having with God.

[marymack]

Good Fight Ministries has some interesting things to say about entertainment...they just released the second part of their multi-part series called Marvel & DC's War on God. When it comes to religious-themed media, particular movies/TV, depending on what it is, consider the second commandment. Ultimately, the first question to ask before doing anything is, does it honor the Lord?

[jamesmcallister]

As pastor David Wilkerson says in one of his sermons some of his congregation would come to the early service so they could spend the rest of the day watching nfl football but yet couldn't be bothered to spend one hour in the secret prayer closet with their creator, Almighty God.

[dccd]

I struggle with this. I watched a lot of movies before I became a Christian and it’s a bad habit to break. I know I need to pray about it too. I have noticed how entertainment has taken God’s name in vain like it’s nothing at all. Even our Christ’s name too. So it makes me think I shouldn’t be watching the show/movie based on that alone. Plus, most of everything that comes out is awful. Sometimes I felt like I saw a remake with added cussing and less clothes.

[Elithewalkingwardrobe]

Hello @Politeleader !
During the year of 2020 I was one of the many viewers of your channel. I commented in your Steven Furtick's video. Today I am encouraged and excited to tell you that I have finally accepted Jesus into my heart and will be taking baptism on this 26th of February. I ask you to pray for me too. God bless you abundantly!

[deniseadkins]

I have found that sometimes so-called Biblical movies can be the worst if you compare them to Scripture. They either add to or take away from Scripture. It's not good to watch those movies critically. It drives me crazy. Then I shake my head because I'm looking for something Biblical from Hollywood of all places. We can watch secular TV and movies but we should be discerning like in everything else. Moderation is the key. Thanks.

[WarriorofGodministry]

there are alot of things we as Christians should not watch or listen to, remember Jesus said the eyes are the lamp to your soul....watching something to often can corrupt the soul ..keep things to a minimum but keep God to a maximum...great vid brother God bless

[Juanagohome]

This is a timely video because I have been thinking that there is nothing safe to watch and I even have Pureflix. I was a tv addict in the worst way but when the Holy Spirit started a work in me, I found myself turned off from many of the shows I used to enjoy. I realize that even if its educational or uplifting, God centered etc, I still fall victim to TV being an idol. Its a slippery slol for me.

[lynnebvinson]

Turn my eyes away from worthless things and revive me in your ways. Psalm 119

[jch]

John 3 16 Thank you Alan.... Your voice is God bless you

[videogamenerd]

If you could get to it I would love to hear your thoughts on The Prince of Egypt. Regardless of what content you cover, I’ll be looking forward to this new series!

[matthewellis]

I’ve noticed as my sanctification progresses I feel more convicted of the material I consume. I mostly watch older films now if I get a chance to watch a movie at all. There are a number of movies I once loved that I wince at now.

[andrewlongo]

I think it depends on the content but really, anything on tv or movies, no matter how innocent it may seem, can become sin if it’s made into an idol. I struggle with that a lot of when it comes to sports.

[KevinFinkbeiner]

I feel this struggle myself. God blessed me with artistic talents and a desire to tell stories. I taught myself how to draw and how to do animation, I went to a trade school that taught me filmmaking, and I've always worked on ideas for movies, TV shows and books that I hope, Lord willing, to see produced. It's all I've ever wanted to do with my life.

At the same time, I would be remiss not to notice the sharp downturn the entertainment industry has taken in terms of morality and content quality. At the heart, I have always been a purist of the craft: it's about the process of creating, not the allure of fame and fortune that keep me going, and I have been critical of those who would dismiss the business outright because of the antics and public stances of celebrities and personalities; they are not representative of the many people whose names you won't see headlining a poster or a theater marquee, who are there because they enjoy being creative.

As a Christian who loves using the talents God blessed me with, I feel this tug-of-war more now than I did back then, when I was younger and still held a view of Hollywood like it was back in the Golden Age or so, when it was more craft-focused and the Oscars weren't a woke bully pulpit and the celebration of cinema like it was meant to be and should always be. Although I have noticed that there are multiple companies and studios popping up now outside the mainstream entertainment industry that want to service the growing need for content on streaming, the distribution still has no match for that of Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix or Amazon. It is an uphill battle, but they value free expression, for the most part, which would be more receptive to the kind of "non-woke" content I'd want to produce.

Anyways, hope my thoughts aren't too rambling.

[rodneyclements]

I will guard what my eyes see and what my ears hear. In my life before being saved I did not do this. There are things that I cannot un-see or un-hear that I wish were not there in my memory.

I do not watch/listen to secular entertainment. Even "Christian Entertainment " is not desirable for me to watch anymore knowing that many movies and series have both hidden agendas and Imagery i.e. Christ's appearance that are un-biblical to express or show. Besides, my bible has what I love to hear and see through the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I guess I just don't trust any entertainment avenues. People give me a hard time about it, but hey, we are to be set apart!! I do spend time on YouTube watching sermons and teachings from trusted Gospel minded brothers like yourself, John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, John Barnett, Ray Comfort, and other tested and true brothers in Christ. Mind you that I have a few offroad truck sites that I watch that have "family friendly" content and guidelines, but even some of those cross a line and I abandon them because "family friendly " means different things to believers and unbelievers.

So, I don't know Alan, I know we are to do things in moderation and guard ourselves. Even when we pray we ask God to lead us not into temptation (guard us, protect us) and deliver us from (the) evil (one), but we have a tendency to find temptation all on our own if we subject ourselves to things outside His Word. Imagine if Christians read their bible in place of hours of "entertainment ". They might not perish for a lack of knowledge.
Just my humble thoughts brother.

[dorriejames]

What about Philippians 4:8…and the proverb “I will set nothing worthless before my eyes”…must we fully investigate a pile of dog mess…taste smell touch…to know we should avoid it?? Being relevant and being equipped to share the gospel should not require us to ignore Scriptures that speak to that…and what about causing others to stumble? What about this…does this…fill in the blank…glorify God? To quote Rosaria Butterfield…Be wary of defending your right to sin.

[Locomedic]

The series and films by producers Burnett/Downey:
The Bible (series)
Son of God (film)
Resurrection (film).
Thanks for what you do!

[ConstantiaVerted]

Ooh interesting. I'm starting to watch Graham Greene related films so maybe you could give your opinion on some of those?