Horror Movies

Alison Peebles · May 24, 2018

Is it a sin to watch Horror movies? I admit that I tend to watch them sometimes and actually enjoy watching some of them, of course for entertainment purposes only but lately, I guess you could say that since I decided to recommit my life to Christ, I have been unsure about whether I should keep watching them or not. As much as I enjoy watching some Horror movies, apart of me feels that it's not something that our Lord would approve of and that it would displease God. Are my instincts about Horror movies right or am I just overthinking it?

“Paisios” · May 24, 2018

I don’t know of definitive church teaching on it, but...

I certainly have enjoyed horror movies before I was a Christian, enjoy them since becoming a Christian, and see no inherent fault in them more than other secular entertainment. I find there is often a good vs. evil struggle in them, that moral themes are often raised (maybe not accurate, but no less so than most movies of any genre), and that there is often less sex, cursing and violence than is in many action movies or even romances.

(But what do I know?)

Radagast · May 24, 2018

Radagast · May 24, 2018

There are three questions here:

Are these movies actively sinful or Satanic?
Even if they are not, do they draw you away from God?
Even if they don't, are there better things to do with your time, or better movies to watch?

So The Lord of the Rings would be an example of a good movie, with Christian themes. Some horror movies I've seen, not.

On the other hand, some horror movies I would recommend, like Signs (lead: Mel Gibson, director: M. Night Shyamalan, 2002), so it becomes a case-by-case thing.

What that means is that first, you should ask mature Christians about specific movies; second, you should watch them with more mature Christians (and discuss the movie with them afterwards); and third, you should develop your own sense of what is good and bad.

I would encourage you to keep a movie diary, recording good features of the movie (if any), bad features (if any), how the movie made you feel, any reflections after the movie, and relevant Scripture passages. That's a great way of developing your own sense of what's good.

Zackuth · May 24, 2018

I am a Christian and a pastor who enjoys horror movies. Jesus told us that it is not what goes into us that defiles us but what comes out of us that defiles us. The question is do you watch horror movies? Is it just because for whatever reason you enjoy them or is it that you somehow want to rub your viewing in someone’s face? As long as it is simple viewing pleasure there should be no issue. It’s only when this or anything becomes more important or makes you adversarial against God.

dqhall · May 24, 2018

There is too much violence and murder in horror movies. It is not a nurturing thing. I watched a murder mystery occasionally, but not often. People who did wrong got caught; detectives solved mysteries. When I was lost, I liked to watch war movies. I rarely watch them anymore. People recommended Hacksaw Ridge, so I made an exception and watched it on cable. It is not your typical war movie. A medic was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in battle without firing a shot.

Danielwright2311 · May 24, 2018

If you are felling guilt for watching them this is the holy spirit telling you to stop.

I would listen to the holy spirit to be honest.

Plus there are so many other things we can watch that is fine to take its place so your not missing anything.

Trust me when I say.

I also had to same problem and have stopped myself, Now I just watch kid friendly stuff.

SkyWriting · May 24, 2018

Scripture says to "pray without ceasing" which I'd say most of us ignore the request.
Still, if you can imagine yourself able to pray to God while engaged in your choice of
activity, then that would be an alternate to praying without ceasing and an acceptable activity.

Handmaid for Jesus · May 24, 2018

Our Father gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. He is living inside your body. If He is leading you away from horror movies then follow His lead. He is that part of you that tells you that you should stop watching them. You are not overthinking it.

Southernscotty · May 24, 2018

Think to yourself, If Jesus was sitting here with me, would I watch this?

1stcenturylady · May 24, 2018

A sin? No. 1 Cor. 6:12 "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

So, how do they affect you? Do you have nightmares? It really depends on how much of it you fill your mind with, and how mature you are in your walk with God. That takes first priority, especially if you are a baby Christian.

Paul said, Philippians 4:
8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Swords&Sunflowers · May 24, 2018

it varies from person to person, but don't hesitate to ask God. For me, I like watching horror movies, but recently I started getting nightmares for some reason, so I've since then stopped. Satan usually takes every opportunity to attack during weakest moments, for me it's during my sleep. Now I arm myself with God's Word and read things that have less "evil" themes in it. But yeah, I think it's what the Holy Spirit convicts you with. Word wise, in Matthew 6:22, says eyes is the lamp of the body, and if it is whole it gives light to the body. A thought came to my mind just now, "If what you watch in a violent movie was happening right in front of you in real life will your reaction still be the same?" But again, it's really up to the person and relationship with God, some are okay with watching it and don't have any problems. There is no specific verse that says, "Don't watch horror movies". Although, there are many guidelines about keeping the spirit man pure, e.g. keeping right thoughts, staying away from any appearance of evil, etc... When in doubt, don't proceed.

Randy777 · May 24, 2018

Jesus knows your motive be at peace:"entertainment purposes" And if there is some spirit accusing you its not from above.

4x4toy · May 24, 2018

Hi Peebs, I'll go out on a limb here and say maybe some are OK but probably many are not .. I like to watch the old ''Nightstalker'' TV series sometimes .. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is one of my all time favorites ....

☦Marius☦ · May 24, 2018

I would say it depends on the type. Most horror is inherantly violent or gory, and we are supposed to fill our minds with that which is good.

I used to watch horribly gory films to desensitize myself to anything spiritual.

It worked and I've spent years regretting in recovery.

☦Marius☦ · May 24, 2018

Anything not bringing you closer to Christ is moving you further from him and a waste of time. Christians are supposed to live outside of the world in order to become like Christ, and therefore restore the fallen image of God within yourself.

redleghunter · May 24, 2018

I personally avoid them. Most horror movies are deep into the occult and just expose us to things which we should not willing expose ourselves to.

Phil 1:21 · May 24, 2018

Ask yourself this question: Do you think God approves of making entertainment out of the worst depths of human depravity?

Bobber · May 24, 2018

I think it wise that you really be convinced in your own heart by praying and getting the feel from the Lord what's exactly appropriate and what's not. On this issue you can get people putting their own convictions on you claiming that it's gospel. You do know there's general principals of what's wise to meditate on as in Philippians 4:8. I will say this about horror movies or things scary....it's not maybe just you you have to think about....but other innocents like kids which will view things with their parents. Personally I really find it quite atrocious parents watching things like the "Walking Dead" and small children getting such horrific imagery into their minds.

I know some kids who were raised constantly feeding upon such entertainment and as for me I don't believe it was beneficial for them, BUT again that might be my own personal conviction. I think another good rule of thumb is the per centage rule. How much time do we give secular entertainment to our lives? Is it 80% TV time and 20% feeding our spirits with God's word or good Christian teaching? How about switching it around and say 80% God things and 20% TV things. Jesus in telling us of how to walk in victory many times implied it's not so much what I do but what you do. He went on to say,

"Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use it will be measured to you and even more will be added to you. For whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.' Mark 4: 24

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Prov 4:23

SkyWriting · May 25, 2018

I prefer Zombie or plague movies. The boy-scout in me says to be prepared...which is a rare treat in zombie movies.
Zombieland is hilarious.
Containment..the latest.

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