This is a topic that is near to me, for several reasons, and it was brought to my attention again recently.
Is it permissible and right for Christians to read, watch, play, and generally enjoy science fiction and fantasy, (such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia), or is it a sin? Is there a command in the Bible to address this?
I, personally, believe that there is nothing wrong with reading and enjoying these things, as long as they remain stories and games. The dangerous part is when one allows the lines between fiction and reality to blur. Is good fiction realistic? Yes, but no matter how realistic, keep in mind that fiction is just that: a made up story, with little to no basis in the real world. Despite being a fundamentalist Baptist, I have no problem with these things, mostly because I separate them from the real world. I can read and enjoy Harry Potter without it nipping at my conscience because it is a made up story with made up things, just like Cinderella or Snow White. Nobody ever asks, "Is it okay for Christians to tell fairy tales?" Once again, I believe that it is okay, as long as the participant or hearer realizes that what they are engaging in is not real, and never will be. Many stories have been told of small children, pre-teens, and even teenagers and adults that have become convinced of the reality of their particular favorite story/game/movie. The most recent fandom to experience such a thing: Twilight.
Can these things be a waste of time? Yes, but so can anything else. Video games, for example, can be addictive and provoke violent thoughts, but they can also provide a great way to evangelize and build relationships. I enjoy speaking to other people in video games and building friendships with them so that I can reach out to them and share the Gospel through this avenue. Many, many people could be reached through "video game evangelism" that otherwise would not! One can say the same thing of book clubs, movie theaters, and other avenues of communication.
Is there a command to address this in the Bible? Some people need to, and should, refrain from these things for various reasons. For instance, a close friend must carefully regulate when and how much he plays video games, because if he is not careful, then he uses it as an escape from the real world, and it becomes an idol. Some people need to refrain from fantastical literature because of things mentioned therein -- the elements of Greek/Roman mythology utilized in the Chronicles of Narnia are a stumbling block to some, because it tempts them to mix Christianity with false religion. Some may need to be careful when reading or watching things that involve, say, witchcraft or supernatural creatures; these things do exist, but in a way that is much less benign than usually presented, and one must be careful to think on these things in a godly manner (i.e., "Harry Potter's witchcraft is oodles of fun, it seems. So is it wrong for me to practice real witchcraft? Yes, because God says so."). So, in a roundabout sense, there are commands in the Bible to refrain from such things, because they are stumbling blocks in our Christian lives, and may become idols. However, these commands also apply to much more mundane things. . .
And what of those who enjoy these things, but have friends who are convinced of their immorality? If you personally have not been convicted by God that these thins are bad in your life and need to be eliminated, then simply curtail the exercise of your Christian liberty. Perhaps your best friend is certain that Lord of the Rings advocates witchcraft and killing, but you are certain that it is good writing and entertainment -- simply refrain from mentioning it in their presence, so that you are not a stumbling block to them. Or maybe, you have met someone who video games are a temptation to because of things in their past. Be careful about what you do and say about these things around them, or else you may tempt them into sin again.
Perhaps this is all mindless rambling, but I find this to be a very logical, balanced, and hopefully God-honoring conclusion on this subject. I am no theologian nor do I have a doctorate, but. . .well, what do you think?
Is it permissible and right for Christians to read, watch, play, and generally enjoy science fiction and fantasy, (such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia), or is it a sin? Is there a command in the Bible to address this?
I, personally, believe that there is nothing wrong with reading and enjoying these things, as long as they remain stories and games. The dangerous part is when one allows the lines between fiction and reality to blur. Is good fiction realistic? Yes, but no matter how realistic, keep in mind that fiction is just that: a made up story, with little to no basis in the real world. Despite being a fundamentalist Baptist, I have no problem with these things, mostly because I separate them from the real world. I can read and enjoy Harry Potter without it nipping at my conscience because it is a made up story with made up things, just like Cinderella or Snow White. Nobody ever asks, "Is it okay for Christians to tell fairy tales?" Once again, I believe that it is okay, as long as the participant or hearer realizes that what they are engaging in is not real, and never will be. Many stories have been told of small children, pre-teens, and even teenagers and adults that have become convinced of the reality of their particular favorite story/game/movie. The most recent fandom to experience such a thing: Twilight.
Can these things be a waste of time? Yes, but so can anything else. Video games, for example, can be addictive and provoke violent thoughts, but they can also provide a great way to evangelize and build relationships. I enjoy speaking to other people in video games and building friendships with them so that I can reach out to them and share the Gospel through this avenue. Many, many people could be reached through "video game evangelism" that otherwise would not! One can say the same thing of book clubs, movie theaters, and other avenues of communication.
Is there a command to address this in the Bible? Some people need to, and should, refrain from these things for various reasons. For instance, a close friend must carefully regulate when and how much he plays video games, because if he is not careful, then he uses it as an escape from the real world, and it becomes an idol. Some people need to refrain from fantastical literature because of things mentioned therein -- the elements of Greek/Roman mythology utilized in the Chronicles of Narnia are a stumbling block to some, because it tempts them to mix Christianity with false religion. Some may need to be careful when reading or watching things that involve, say, witchcraft or supernatural creatures; these things do exist, but in a way that is much less benign than usually presented, and one must be careful to think on these things in a godly manner (i.e., "Harry Potter's witchcraft is oodles of fun, it seems. So is it wrong for me to practice real witchcraft? Yes, because God says so."). So, in a roundabout sense, there are commands in the Bible to refrain from such things, because they are stumbling blocks in our Christian lives, and may become idols. However, these commands also apply to much more mundane things. . .
And what of those who enjoy these things, but have friends who are convinced of their immorality? If you personally have not been convicted by God that these thins are bad in your life and need to be eliminated, then simply curtail the exercise of your Christian liberty. Perhaps your best friend is certain that Lord of the Rings advocates witchcraft and killing, but you are certain that it is good writing and entertainment -- simply refrain from mentioning it in their presence, so that you are not a stumbling block to them. Or maybe, you have met someone who video games are a temptation to because of things in their past. Be careful about what you do and say about these things around them, or else you may tempt them into sin again.
Perhaps this is all mindless rambling, but I find this to be a very logical, balanced, and hopefully God-honoring conclusion on this subject. I am no theologian nor do I have a doctorate, but. . .well, what do you think?
