Can a Christian watch "The Walking Dead?"

[DrBubbaLove]

Amen

 

[dms1972]

I watched it but found it to be boring, owing an enormous debt to The Stand and The Night of the Living Dead. After they shoed away from the interesting SF possibilities by blowing up the fictionalized CDC it became rather too dull. Now, does anyone want to claim that I am not a Christian because I enjoyed the first few episodes of a zombie apocalypse before losing interest?

Speaking for myself I don't.

For that matter, does my enjoyment of The Matrix make me a Gnostic? Does my enthusiasm for the Iranian epic Haji Baba make me a Shiite Muslim? Would reading Virgil make me a homosexual worshipper of the Roman pantheon?

The apostle Paul says we should examine ourselves whether we be in the faith.

http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/13-5.htm

I rather hope not; this whole train of thought smacks of the delusions and hypocrisy of 17th century Puritanism. Interestingly the greater portion Puritan congregations in the vicinity of Boston degenerated into Unitarianism and then Unitarian Universalism.

What train of thought? And I hope you're not saying all Puritans where hypocrites and delusional?

You might want to ask yourself the same questions you just asked about the Matrix etc.. in regard to say someone who reads, or found Pilgrims Progress helpful - does that make them a puritan? I hope you see my point.



But to me the bigger problem is the potential be kept coming back by a TV channel (any channel) season after season...to a show that has exhausted most of any story interest half-way through the first series.

 

[dms1972]

Do people not watch shows like this because they are bored, and then does it not result in overstimulation, and more boredom?

 

[Wgw]

Speaking for myself I don't.



No.



What train of thought? And I hope you're not saying all Puritans where hypocrites and delusional?

You might want to ask yourself the same questions you just asked about the Matrix etc.. in regard to say someone who reads, or found Pilgrims Progress helpful - does that make them a puritan? I hope you see my point.



But to me the bigger problem is the potential be kept coming back by a TV channel (any channel) season after season...to a show that has exhausted most of any story interest half-way through the first series.

While all Puritans wer most certainly deluded hypocrites, worthy of contempt and pity, for their wilfull rejection of those aspects of the apostolic faith which remained in the West after the Great Schism of 1054 and the Reformation, I would be the first to note that reading The Pilgrim's Progress would not cause one to be a Puritan, although such a project would be monumentally dull and largely devoid of spiritual edification (a similiar work of much greater value is the anonymous Russian text, The Way of the Pilgrim, which is actually edifying and interesting; but I would rather read Ss. Athansius or Irenaeus any day).

Alas, reading The Way of the Pilgrim or the The Brothers Karamazov, which is highly regarded among the Orthodox, will not turn you into an Orthodox Christian.

 

[dms1972]

While all Puritans wer most certainly deluded hypocrites, worthy of contempt and pity, for their wilfull rejection of those aspects of the apostolic faith which remained in the West after the Great Schism of 1054 and the Reformation, I would be the first to note that reading The Pilgrim's Progress would not cause one to be a Puritan, although such a project would be monumentally dull and largely devoid of spiritual edification (a similiar work of much greater value is the anonymous Russian text, The Way of the Pilgrim, which is actually edifying and interesting; but I would rather read Ss. Athansius or Irenaeus any day).

Alas, reading The Way of the Pilgrim or the The Brothers Karamazov, which is highly regarded among the Orthodox, will not turn you into an Orthodox Christian.

Read whatever you find edifying. You may have a point in regard to the separatists in Massachusets Bay area (in fact I would agree with you) That said you most certainly are not expressing a balanced view of Puritans. Neither have most films depicted the movement fairly, only a extreme end of it. Even amongst the ones who gave up on reforming the C of E and went to America, there was a desire for dialogue and understanding with those outside their movement.

In spite of that I won't comment on what I haven't read. I wouldn't call something dull however if its outside my usual reading. If I can't benefit in ways others benefit - I put that down mainly to myself.

I have read a good bit of On Hope by Josef Pieper which took me to make an effort with but was very rewarding and certainly something I would return to. I have on my bookshelf, other writers like:

Alexander Schmemann (For the Life of the World) - could be an interesting read in regard to this show?

and others by CS Lewis, Thomas Merton, Thomas Hopko

So I am not an avid reader of puritan works. Some were great physicians of the soul, others I suppose (not knowing them personally) could be called hypocritical. I avoid extremes as much as I can, I look theologians that are irenic, scholarly, not denounciatry. Reading someone like CS Lewis has in itself widened my awareness enormously.

 

[dms1972]

I watch Game of Thrones, which has *ahem*:
witchcraft, dragons, undead armies, a pantheon of gods, religious inquisitions, sorcery, torture, blood, death, sex, treason, war, rape, incest, child killing, and patricide.

I remember the old 1980s Robin of Sherwood series gripped me. The Sherriff of Nottingham and his lacky chewing up the scenery (the dialogue between them), was fun to watch - the plus was that there was strong acting in this, but the show began to lose something as it went into more than one season (I guess they shouldn't have killed off the main character!), but the acting talent was across the board and it still had something going for it, though the stories became a bit repetitive. The show didn't need a lot of action, a character could be both menacing in speech and a buffoon. Neither did it rely on 'beautiful people' (Judi Trott of course being the exception - wow she could talk some sense into me!)

There wasn't a lot of violence in it, an occasional brawl - well ok there were people being thrown off ramparts and that sort of thing. But it was more people running or being pursued, throwing over a table or something and then running another way, always enjoyed that sort of stuff. A few episodes were very sinister and ominous, one with an attempt by witches disguised during the day as nuns to conjure the devil (they failed) - They obviously made that for a much later time slot and the program scheduler fouled up by putting it on at early evening!!). There was a sorcerer in it who was very evil. But the series had Friar Tuck to ground it somewhat.

Game of Thrones sounds like such a wannabe of that series.

But I feel more concerned now about manipulation of thought by TV shows, and can never be sure quite what way, cause one doesn't know what is coming next. Can you always know when your conscience is being subverted? That aspect of TV shows is more disturbing to me than much of the content.

Theater by contrast differed in this way that "it presupposes an intellectual mechanism and left the spectator in some sense intact and capable of judgement" wrote Jacques Ellul. That said some theatre productions have been notorious, and there was one I read about, where a member of the audience fainted and the house doctor was sent for, but he had fainted too!

 

[Armoured]

True. But if all those Christians jumped off a bridge, would you?

 

[DrBubbaLove]

I remember the old 1980s Robin of Sherwood series gripped me. The Sherriff of Nottingham and his lacky chewing up the scenery (the dialogue between them), was fun to watch - the plus was that there was strong acting in this, but the show began to lose something as it went into more than one season (I guess they shouldn't have killed off the main character!), but the acting talent was across the board and it still had something going for it, though the stories became a bit repetitive. The show didn't need a lot of action, a character could be both menacing in speech and a buffoon. Neither did it rely on 'beautiful people' (Judi Trott of course being the exception - wow she could talk some sense into me!)

There wasn't a lot of violence in it, an occasional brawl - well ok there were people being thrown off ramparts and that sort of thing. But it was more people running or being pursued, throwing over a table or something and then running another way, always enjoyed that sort of stuff. A few episodes were very sinister and ominous, one with an attempt by witches disguised during the day as nuns to conjure the devil (they failed) - They obviously made that for a much later time slot and the program scheduler fouled up by putting it on at early evening!!). There was a sorcerer in it who was very evil. But the series had Friar Tuck to ground it somewhat.

Game of Thrones sounds like such a wannabe of that series.

But I feel more concerned now about manipulation of thought by TV shows, and can never be sure quite what way, cause one doesn't know what is coming next. Can you always know when your conscience is being subverted? That aspect of TV shows is more disturbing to me than much of the content.

Theater by contrast differed in this way that "it presupposes an intellectual mechanism and left the spectator in some sense intact and capable of judgement" wrote Jacques Ellul. That said some theatre productions have been notorious, and there was one I read about, where a member of the audience fainted and the house doctor was sent for, but he had fainted too!

I agree many of us over estimate our strength of conviction and conscious. But even if we justify it for ourselves I can see no justification for allowing children (in age or faith) to be exposed to what we might allow ourselves to be exposed to (whether allowing that exposure for ourselves is actually right or not at the time). Having said that, our own strength/convictions can vary over time, so we would do well to consider monitoring and changing our level of self -protection as well.

Priests, in spite of what some here may think, are human too. So I could see their own strength/convictions varying over time. So I could also understand why not all Priests are exorcists and no exorcists is ready at all times to expose themselves to evil. Opening themselves up to that exposure without having the greatest level of strength and conviction would be inviting personal disaster/danger with even potential eternal consequence. So if whatever one does or decide to expose yourself to is leading to the risk of one's eternal fate, then obviously we should not be taking that risk. I agree knowing our limits is necessary, but suggesting everyone as the same limits or that our own limits remain static over time does not represent reality. Pray about it. I would also suggest if something bothers you to watch or participate in, then it is a good bet that you should run.

 

[dms1972]

I agree many of us over estimate our strength of conviction and conscious. But even if we justify it for ourselves I can see no justification for allowing children (in age or faith) to be exposed to what we might allow ourselves to be exposed to (whether allowing that exposure for ourselves is actually right or not at the time). Having said that, our own strength/convictions can vary over time, so we would do well to consider monitoring and changing our level of self -protection as well.

Priests, in spite of what some here may think, are human too. So I could see their own strength/convictions varying over time. So I could also understand why not all Priests are exorcists and no exorcists is ready at all times to expose themselves to evil. Opening themselves up to that exposure without having the greatest level of strength and conviction would be inviting personal disaster/danger with even potential eternal consequence. So if whatever one does or decide to expose yourself to is leading to the risk of one's eternal fate, then obviously we should not be taking that risk. I agree knowing our limits is necessary, but suggesting everyone as the same limits or that our own limits remain static over time does not represent reality. Pray about it. I would also suggest if something bothers you to watch or participate in, then it is a good bet that you should run.

Or find something better to do.

Does this show depict some humans as having no remnant of being made in the image of God left, and only canibalistic urges? - if so then the very premise is preposterous. Do yourself a favour and read a book.

Above all guard you heart for it is the wellspring of life.

http://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-23.htm

 

[DrBubbaLove]

Or find something better to do.

Does this show depict some humans as having no remnant of being made in the image of God left, and only canibalistic urges? - if so then the very premise is preposterous. Do yourself a favour and read a book.

Above all guard you heart for it is the wellspring of life.

http://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-23.htm

no, in the show everyone who dies of any cause, their corpse (not them) re-animates as a thing which craves only living flesh, any living flesh. The only way to stop the re-animated thing is to pierce or otherwise destroy the head. In basic terms the survivors are in a struggle against evil, which includes the walking corpses and also "bad" people.

 

[dms1972]

no, in the show everyone who dies of any cause, their corpse (not them) re-animates as a thing which craves only living flesh, any living flesh. The only way to stop the re-animated thing is to pierce or otherwise destroy the head. In basic terms the survivors are in a struggle against evil, which includes the walking corpses and also "bad" people.

So its completely unrealistic?...

[edit - thanks for the summary - forget the the question mark - on this its still preposterous.]

Anyone read Alexander Schemanns For the Life of the World or Philip Edgecumbe Hughes - The True Image, I've only read bits, but I find much of it very helpful.

 

[DrBubbaLove]

So its completely unrealistic? This never was what a zombie was in the old film I watched - as I said it was in many ways disturbing and lingered in ones mind a fair bit also. I don't think what happened in it could happen either.

yes

 

[dms1972]

I am not going to get unduly concerned over this. I have only seen clips. Its still not something I think I could watch cause I suffer from depression and it comes over as nihilistic. Its good the OP is giving thought to what is right for him to watch. And obviously the Grace of God in his life, has been stronger than this TV show, and God's Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness. http://biblehub.com/titus/2-12.htm

I don't underestimate the power of TV, but its more that it leaves one overstimulated and bored. That's why I don't own one currently. I still take a peak at clips of this and that. I have other temptations. And I have my difficulties on the Internet. I am trying to cut down on that too.

But I can't say to others its wrong to enjoy a bit of TV now and again. However read up a bit on its technique to be equipped against manipulation, it will probably motivate one to watch a bit less.

I thought the film Book of Eli which I only have seen clips of however looks a lot more interesting, because it seemed to be about how this book would if found be used, and why people wanted it - there is disorder and turmoil and so the main character seems to be out to keep the book from falling into the wrong hands or something from what I could tell. Anyway I'll maybe get the DVD sometime.

 

[sahjimira]

Is it spiritually uplifting? When I first got saved I wanted to know if I
could still watch scary movies. I really liked them. I realized soon however they dealt with ungodly things and lost my appetite for them. As a matter of fact I can't stand them now. All I see is a demonic tone in them. Quite a change for me. See for yourself. Watch if u want. They may not hold the interest for u they once did.

 

[dms1972]

Is it spiritually uplifting?

The Book of Eli? In the film it portrayed as such.

I have only seen a few clips of TWD, and Book of ELi. Both are bleak and have violent scenes (Book of Eli seems to owe a bit to Mad Max). But I'd say that Book of Eli has the virtue of being plausible while TWD sounds preposterous.

People may be dead in trespassess and sins before hearing the Gospel, and being made alive unto God in Christ , but they are not in a zombielike state. So I can't even see how it could be meaningful on that level.

There is a music video on Youtube called Rescue the Prisoner, made with clips from Book of Eli.

 

[Develop Your Spirit]

P

Hey, I gave my life to Jesus about a month ago and made many changes to my life as a result. As a non-believer I watched The Walking Dead without a thought that it was poisoness. Now that Im conscious about avoiding sin, Im concerned about this show. The thing is I really like this show and I will be disappointed if I have to give it up. It is full of violence, death, and gore. But does watching this stuff cause me to sin? I would greatly appreciate some opinions. Thanks.

Pray on it. Take it to Yahweh in prayer. But if you have convictions already, if it is wrestling with your spirit to the point you have to ask this question to this forum, I think you may already have your answer.

 

[dms1972]

.

 

[Yeshuas_My_Freedom]

Hey, I gave my life to Jesus about a month ago and made many changes to my life as a result. As a non-believer I watched The Walking Dead without a thought that it was poisoness. Now that Im conscious about avoiding sin, Im concerned about this show. The thing is I really like this show and I will be disappointed if I have to give it up. It is full of violence, death, and gore. But does watching this stuff cause me to sin? I would greatly appreciate some opinions. Thanks.

I saw an advertisement for this show once. No interest whatsoever. Gross evil isn't entertaining in my opinion. What's the point? Besides apparently many different networks seeing there is one for all the new occult shows that are appearing to air now. And what in comparison to wholesome entertainment is there? Far less it seems.
If you watch such gross evil other networks and producers get the idea that gross evil sells. And they create more shows that feature that same type theme.
Like the old saying goes, garbage in garbage out.
Does something like the walking dead nourish your spirit as a Christian? Does it glorify your living within and for Christ?

 

[Yeshuas_My_Freedom]

Dexter was a depraved murderer just as were those he targeted.
Thou shalt not murder.
Why would we be "fans" of such a man as that?

Or walking dead people for that matter?

Truly. Dexter was a depraved serial killer who was glorified because he murdered murders and that made him a good guy.

And I love your signature picture. Lovely! And the scriptures too.

 

[Ken Reetz]

Read in 2 Corinthians 5:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

God went to extremes to deliver us from the penalty of our rebellion against him, once that sinks in you will hate all evil as he does. Pray for that to happen to you also. It's so amazing that God can have such a great love for us, even though he hates sin. We can never become the child of God while a slave to sin, but thanks to God that we can be set free.

Romans 6:
16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

I'll pray for you now my friend.