Is it wrong for christians to go to the movies?

[Tsukiaru]

I am a pentecostal christian, and in the two churches I've congregated myself in (one of which I am still residing in, and hope to continue to stay for a long, long time) going to the movies has been prohibited. Even so, members always seem to go regardless! I dont want to defy my pastor, but the Bible does not prohibit it, and I dont agree with not being able to go.

So, should christians be able to go to the movies? Why, or why not? What biblical or christian reasoning do you have? What should I do?

 

[fm107]

The quetion you should ask yourself is this:

Does it have any value?

...............................................................................................

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Philippians 4:8
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.

Are movies in line with the above scriptures?

It is people who are oppose God who make these movies. They live in darkness and therefore the movies they make will reflect that. Think about it...killing, rape, adultery etc etc all of these take place in movies. Our minds shouln't be concentrating on these things.

I do watch movies etc from time to time, however your question has opened my eyes. I too did not see any harm in watching movies until you made me ask myself the question. Thank you.

 

[Tsukiaru]

Thank you, fm107 for your answers to both my forum topics (The hair cut one, and this one) I really appreciate how you use biblical sitations to explain what your saying. I really find reason behind what you said. Not to take anything away from what you said, however, I wanted to ask if its wrong to go see children's movies, like Disney movies like Up and so on, with my younger brothers and my parents- would that be an unwise thing to do, as well?

 

[Chris_G]

Thank you, fm107 for your answers to both my forum topics (The hair cut one, and this one) I really appreciate how you use biblical sitations to explain what your saying. I really find reason behind what you said. Not to take anything away from what you said, however, I wanted to ask if its wrong to go see children's movies, like Disney movies like Up and so on, with my younger brothers and my parents- would that be an unwise thing to do, as well?

No, if they are kids movies, I don't see anything wrong with it. It really is up to you. Some people are so strong in their faith they can watch any movie and not affect them, others are weak or just beginning and should avoid movies with continueous violence, immoral sexuality, drug abuse, cursing, etc. My wife and I have agreed to skip R-rated movies for this reason. We recently saw "The Time Traveler's Wife." Very good movie, nice love story and really, nothing offensive. PG-13 is where we draw the line. I recommend you go to a website that has movie reviews for Christians, and then making a decision based on that.

Unfortunately, all Hollywood cares about is making money, and money is the root of all evil. As Halloween approaches, you're going to see more violence and horror movies being released. Definately avoid those.

 

[inquiringmindwantstoknow]

I agree with fm107. There was this young woman in my bible study group who spoke of walking out of the theatre because the movie did not fit with her values and she did not want to subject herself to such content or support distasteful movies (I believe theatres will provide a refund). I haven't watched movies the same since then. God gave us free will and we will be accountable for our decisions.

I personally have had better experience with foreign films. There is too much sex, drug, violence in Hollywood films. If you would like to continue supporting the arts, there are many other options which can be found in community newspapers and library websites (theatre, live music, etc). Although you may run into similar concerns with theatre.

Just out of curiosity, are there expectations in your church about TV programs? I find the same issue with TV (i.e. Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, etc).

 

[fm107]

Thank you, fm107 for your answers to both my forum topics (The hair cut one, and this one) I really appreciate how you use biblical sitations to explain what your saying. I really find reason behind what you said. Not to take anything away from what you said, however, I wanted to ask if its wrong to go see children's movies, like Disney movies like Up and so on, with my younger brothers and my parents- would that be an unwise thing to do, as well?

That's very kind of you to say that but it is the Holy Spirit that tells me what to say (or so I hope and pray is the case).

I see no harm done in watching certain movies, as I said, I watch movies too from time to time. I need to be careful that I am not being a hypocrite here either.

I'd like to use this scripture:

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

To some of us certain activities are a sin, to others the exact same activities are not sinful. Each of us is different. Some Christians have no conscious when it comes to watching movies therefore they are not sinning by watching movies others however do. It is for you to decide how it makes you feel, if you have no conscious about watching movies then you are not committing a sin.

Hope this helps.

 

[donb1959]

Glad I'm under Grace and not the law

 

[capnator]

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Would we call darkness entertainment? Because most movies these days are full of it! Sure maybe there are the few rare exceptions.

2 cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

 

[emperormar]

To some of us certain activities are a sin, to others the exact same activities are not sinful. Each of us is different. Some Christians have no conscious when it comes to watching movies therefore they are not sinning by watching movies others however do. It is for you to decide how it makes you feel, if you have no conscious about watching movies then you are not committing a sin.

Even so viewing sin is mentally and spiritually damaging. The more someone watches things that they feel are ok the more likely they will go into more sinful things rather than less sinful things.

I do agree that with some activities and entertainment it is personal but other things whether they are a personal sin or not are still sinful and wicked and are best not to be done or observed. Be warned that trying to remove sin without the Holy Spirit's conviction of that sin will result in you doing things in your own strength and perhaps not paying attention to what God really wants to remove from you.

Ultimately scripture is our only source to judge the sinfulness of something. Here are some I've collected relating to this.


I will set no wicked thing before my eyes – [Psalm 101:3]

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. [James 4:4]

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. [Psalm 1:1]

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. [Romans 12:2]

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! [Matthew 6:22-23]

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
[1 John 2:15-16]

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

 

[Tsukiaru]

Just out of curiosity, are there expectations in your church about TV programs? I find the same issue with TV (i.e. Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, etc).

Well, I dont know if this question was directed to me, or someone else, but I do agree that the issue we're discussing here applies to TV. Not to say that we cant watch television, but I think as followers of Christ we need to be careful what we watch. It's tough sometimes, but it's necessary, I believe, because what we watch influences us- both personally and spiritually.

 

[emperormar]

Well, I dont know if this question was directed to me, or someone else, but I do agree that the issue we're discussing here applies to TV. Not to say that we cant watch television, but I think as followers of Christ we need to be careful what we watch. It's tough sometimes, but it's necessary, I believe, because what we watch influences us- both personally and spiritually.

Very true, we become. what we behold.

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! [Matthew 6:22-23]



Bonus!
It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools. Ecc 7:5

 

[Dixiecup]

I am a pentecostal christian, and in the two churches I've congregated myself in (one of which I am still residing in, and hope to continue to stay for a long, long time) going to the movies has been prohibited. Even so, members always seem to go regardless! I dont want to defy my pastor, but the Bible does not prohibit it, and I dont agree with not being able to go.

So, should christians be able to go to the movies? Why, or why not? What biblical or christian reasoning do you have? What should I do?

It is not a sin to go to the movies, unless you are going to a dirty movie. Many religions try and control people. Control will cause joy in the Lord to be lost.

Find freedom in Jesus, and oppression in religion.

 

[emperormar]

It is not a sin to go to the movies

True

unless you are going to a dirty movie.

Scripture is the only concrete basis for morality. It determines what is "dirty"

"Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:1-2

Tsukiaru we are free from sin in Christ and should not think of freedom in Christ to be free to sin. Be controlled by God out of love for Him.

 

[Sketcher]

It's not a sin to go to a movie. It is a sin to watch a movie or a TV show that would corrupt you.