I recently saw a movie that I wanted to like but I just couldn’t. The main character goes through a divorce and his response is to sleep with nine women. Nine women that he didn’t know, didn’t love, and didn’t call back. Now it wasn’t just him in the movie. Everyone had a view that was very different then mine. I wanted to love the movie but I left feeling sad. I was sad for the casual way that people treated sex and relationships. I talked to a lot of other Christ Followers and they loved the movie. The things that bothered me didn’t phase them.
Last week on Facebook a friend of mine posted that she was sad to see so many young Christians posting how excited they were about the season premiere of The Jersey Shore. We had people over to the house to watch the season premiere. Eight people who are all Christ Followers watched Jersey Shore and felt very entertained by it.
I talked to someone at church was adamant about not letting her kids watch Harry Potter. Her faith convicts her about watching wizards and witches. Most my friends love those books and movies. Most of my friends are Christians and don’t think twice about loving Harry Potter.
I love action movies. I could watch Die Hard every day and not get bored with it. I know Christ Followers who fee like violent movies aren’t representing Christ and they feel that we should avoid them.
My question is that if we have the same Jesus living in us then how can so many people feel differently about so many things? Is one right and the other wrong?
I think its only natural for everyone to have different convictions. Romans 14:22 talks about us having our own convictions and keeping it between us and God. The problem is we all cast judgement and we don’t know when to keep something between us and God. Also, I think this verse doesn’t just mean anything goes whenever.
Agreed. You bring up some great points! Thanks for sharing! I’ve enjoyed your comments on the blog. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m curious now what the first movie is? 🙂
Rob, it was Crazy, Stupid, Love.
I always believe a movie title that says ‘stupid’ in it
Rob, this is a great question. I believe that there are some actions or thoughts that are “universal” sins. Pretty much no matter who, no matter what, no matter where, they are sins. This is black and white and very straightforward. However, that are some actions or thoughts that are not necessarily sins for all. It is between you and God. If you feel that this action is sinful and you feel convicted about it after prayer and thought, then for you it is something to stay away from. For others, they can be just fine with it and keep it in proper control or subjugation or perspective in their lives. Perhaps some things are just a trigger to something else darker just beyond. Better not to stray too near that trigger.
I agree. The only thing that does puzzle me is that sometimes there are things that Christ Followers should feel shame over and they don’t.
I think that there are christian principles that we would be wise to follow. Breaching those principles may not be a sin by definition, but why would you knowingly go against biblical wisdom? And don’t forget about godly authority in your life that God will use to keep you safe.
Probably a lot of reasons for that, my initial thought is level of maturity of that particular believer, perhaps they are “baby” Christians and haven’t received much guidance or teaching and don’t know any better. Or perhaps they do know better and just ignore their conscience.
Good words Daniel, I think what you say is true.
I felt like I was the only one that saw this. So many people who say “I am a Christian” celebrate adultry, divorce, sex, binge drinking, etc. I am by no means perfect, but I want my life to reflect what I believe and be authentic. I strive to live out Romans 12:2 through the power of Christ. I personally feel sold out, authentic Christians are the new sexy. People want an authentic friend or person, not a fake facade. Great post Rob!
Colin,thanks for your comment. I too am not perfect but I’m trying to be authentic. For me that means asking questions that I wrestle with. This is one of them. On the one hand I don’t get how people don’t feel the same as me, but on the othe I see things that I do that convict others.
The early church argued a similar principle: whether to eat meat that had been offered to idols (I Cor 8). People come from different backgrounds, cultures, and values when they accept Christ. I conclude with Daniel that some things are universally wrong–we can’t compromise. Other things, allow room to disagree and still be a devout Christ follower. Favorite quote: “In essentials, let there be unity; in non essentials, let there be liberty; in all things, let there be love.” A huge issue today is to be in the world but not become a part of it, to guard ourselves against becoming de-sensitized to things that are so essentially wrong–just because everyone seems to be doing something, doesn’t make it right.
Mim, love that quote.
I have had problems in relationships with other Christians when something caused them concern, but didn’t cause me concern. I like to joke, but people get their feelings hurt and I will keep on joking. Growing up people always joked on me and it made me stronger, a better husband and father. Some people will not agree, but it has. I think we live in a culture of entertainment. We live leisurely lives watching movies and eating lots of food and look to the majority for proper discretion on how we should live. I like this question and it makes me think how Christians from other cultures and time periods would judge my lifestyle. On a personal level I need God’s grace and mercy for a lot more than just what I watch.
Agreed! I need it for what I say, think, and do. Thanks for the comment!
It’s so sad that people can condemn movies like Harry Potter or Walking Dead (one of my favorites) and yet love movies like The hangover, and other movies that have open sex scenes, nudity and promiscuous relationships. My point is, if you have a specific conviction about certain movies or shows and you bring it up, you better have a darn good biblical explanation or I will tear your sorry conviction to pieces. People like this, do more harm than good.
I love Walking Dead! My wife gave that to me for Fathers Day. We watched together and both loved it!
Pretty intense there, Moe. The problem I have with HP is on a parental level. I CAN (one day) tell my kids that there is no such place as Middle Earth and Elves, etc and that Lord of the Rings is just a great story. I CANNOT tell my children that there are no such things as witches and wizards (in London, even). From that schism alone we have decided to not have HP in our house. I can’t give you chapter verse of how that is derived from scripture, but my spirit convicts me on this point.
I hear you, but if we look at scripture on the disciplines we are to take for ourselves, we see more about greed, pride, lust, etc… and very little about “magic” or so. Not that I think it isn’t important to educate our children of the truths in this world. I think we should teach our children on these truths.
With that said, the scriptures do compare rebellion as witchcraft and stubbornness as idolatry.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” – 1 Samuel 15:23
I don’t have a problem with people having their own convictions about certain things and I will never tell someone not to do something they feel guilty of. I will however tell people not to enforce their convictions on others. To me it’s that kind of “all things are good for me, but not all beneficial” approach.
While I agree with Daniel, I also think we’re superb rationalizers of what we want to do. If you pour more and more of the world into yourself, then you’re shocked less and less by what’s in the world…because it’s in you, too.
Touche’. That’s one of the things that caused me to wrestle with this.
Yes!
Hey Rob! i am sort of late to this party but hope that I can say something “momentus.” Ha, that isn’t even a word my correction thing tells me so reckon that leave that out! 🙂 You really raise a good question, one that has been asked since I Cor. 8. Should I leave meat off a sandwich if I am going to offend my brothers? So many gray areas that the Bible says nothing about: social drinking, cussing (although I think it may say more than we think), watching movies, etc. I like action movies. I love Back to the Future but the language is horrible. I have not seen Harry Potter, not because I am against them but they just don’t turn my crank. I like Gladiator and Braveheart but have you seen the blood and gore in them? I am wondering if this is one of the individual conscience decisions that each one must make. (Although the seeming insensitivity of many of today’s Christ followers does bother me).
No worries Bill. Just glad you joined it!
I think this is the best approach. If someone is weak and stumbles in their faith because of a movie or something else, we are called to be mature and not do those things in front of others. They are not bad in themselves, but for the sake of others we should not do them in their presence.
Great thoughts Bill!
Rob, good question. I’m sure this post is going to spark some good conversation.
For me, I know my personal buttons. Violence/action things like that don’t bother me. It’s not a conviction. But, movies with nude scenes and a lot of sexual content… that’s another story. I can’t/shouldn’t watch that stuff because I know how it affects my mind.
I’m with you and the nudity. I don’t know a guy who can resist it. I hear the guys in my student group talk about the movies they see and they have so much nudity in them. Input output what goes in is what comes out – a song my kids choir used to sing. It’s a good rule to live by. You know it affects you by what comes out of your mouth and what dominates your thoughts.
I’m not a huge violence movie lover – however my husband loves movies if they have adventure – me I love a good story – romantic comedy or historical type movie. I’m offended by the “F” and “S” word – that’s just me – and I think sexuality needs to be private -and almost every movie today is filled with those things – just ruins it for me. However I love movies – so I’m pretty choosey and watch most things at home where I can set my DVR and watch just what I want – or something I’ve seen before that has a good story and great acting. I’m partial to period pieces like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice – but also love war movies if done right. I try not to judge another person’s conscience and don’t believe they should judge mine – everyone has their own things to work out for themselves. I try to find a moral in each movie I watch and glean something new and fresh each time.
I’m with you on trying to find a moral in each movie. We do a series each summer at my church called At The Movies. This year I taught two of the weeks and found spiritual truth in two of this summers biggest blockbusters. Thanks for the comment.
My husband and I recently had this same conversation…as Christ followers should we be excited about True Blood’s new season? Should we be excited to get home and watch our recordings of Oz and even The Office? And I’ll be honest we didn’t come up with a good answer. I agree with the person who said we rationalize what we want..we can come up with lots of good reasons why it’s ok for us to watch or do or say the things we want but deep in our hearts if we were standing in front of Him asking those same questions, I wonder if our answers would be the same. I’m not perfect, I struggle all the time with what is right and what I want. I can only pray that God knows my heart and that I don’t let the things in my life lead me away from him.
Kelly, great thoughts. If it is a gray area then I try to ask is it wise. For me I know if it affects my thoughts then it’s not wise. My wife could watch True Blood and not be affected. I know there is nudity in that show so I avoid it like the plague. Out of respect for me Monica doesn’t watch that show. I think a big part of this discussion is learning to be, as Paul says, all things to all people. If someone struggles with something then you should respect their struggle.
Rob,
I’ve struggled with this question so much in the past year. Specifically when it comes to roommates. I was put in several situations where i was asked to share a house with both males and females, or i’ve had female friends ask to move into my house. While I know I would not have been affected by it, I had to decline because i know what the world thinks when they see a guy living with a girl. Likewise, I feel like as a christian I may not feel guilty about certain things, but the world may still view me doing them and scoff at Christ.
As the wise man Lecrae once said:
“If U didn’t know Christ would ya life look the same
Can they tell you value Jesus by the way you rep his name?
man what’s the point of living if I’m living for myself”
by which i mean…if i can everything a nonchristian can do…whats the difference between me and them? Shouldnt Christ affect in my life be greater than that? If the only difference after Christ is that I get a nice shiny label that says “Christian”…that would make my religion…rather my relationship with God in vain.
How I would answer this questions would be…well, no. As a Christ follower it shouldn’t be about me enjoying God- then segregating Him from other things that I enjoy. Especially when the scriptures describe God as one who wants to be involved in all faucets of my life.
I also believe God is not shocked (as much as some perceive Him to be) with what we like, or find humor in. But more importantly, is more concerned with how it affects our hearts and minds. (Proverbs 4:23)
Not having any filter at all would be a dangerous road to walk in my opinion. I think the closer you are with God, the clearer idea you have as to what that filter looks like…If that makes sense.
I recently got into an overly long conversation about this topic on Facebook… which is typically a mistake to begin with. Regardless, I couldn’t believe some of the stuff fellow “Christians” were saying. I had a girl tell me that Harry Potter is pure evil, and that “May the force be with you” in Star Wars actually means “May Satan be with you”….. do I need to elaborate? I’m tired of butting heads with crazies that are mixed in with fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. They are often the more outspoken ones that make the rest of us look hateful / judgemental / insane. That’s a trend that needs to change.
You’ve also probably heard the people who say that rock and roll (even Christian) is an evil thing. These people are on the outer fringe and they always make the majority look bad. Every group has their crazies; PETA makes the liberals look bad, street preachers make Christians look bad, the Yankees make baseball look bad (j/k, Dodger fan here).
I think the test of what movies you should watch is as follows:
You can watch/listen to/touch/eat/ride/play with ANYTHING that is: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Sound familiar? Philippians 4:9 then goes on to say….
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” (Look out Rob, you’re on the hook and under the microscope)
Hey, hey, hey!!! I”m a Yankee fan… 🙂
Many good posts already on the ideas of freedom and that some things can be right for one but wrong for another.
I think perhaps Christ and God are perceived (even by Christians) as rule makers and boundary setters, which means we think following God is a life full of rules and boundaries. A different way to look at Christ is that he came so that we might have life and have it to the full, meaning God set boundaries not to restrict but to offer freedom.
Telling your kids don’t eat poison isn’t restricting freedom, but giving them freedom to live a full life instead of being trapped in a hospital bed because they ate the poison. Same with God, he’s telling us stay away from the poison so we aren’t spiritually/emotionally/relationally damaged and end up imprisoned by junk in our lives.
I find our lack of consistency aggravating at times. As for me–it has been a loooooonnnngggggg time since I have watched an R rated movie that has not been edited for TV. Of course, lately it seems the PG-13 movies aren’t much better.
I really liked what your mom, Daniel, and Sean Coleman had to say on this one. I believe most importantly you have to follow your own convictions without casting judgement upon those who do not share your convictions.
When Jesus walked this earth he often did things that were and would today be shocking to most Christians. He cared very little for the established convictions of the religious establishment and instead set out on a path to show unconditional love and acceptance to those most marginalized by the religious establishment.
Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine at a party… he regularly hung out with people that we would say were of corrupting character. It’s easy to want to see the world in black and white terms, but if you’ve ever watched black and white television you’ll notice it’s more like a million shades of grey.
It doesn’t directly translate to modern media, but the idea to me is that if you find yourself able to withstand corruption in an area and it allows you to interact with those who do not know God, partake. I prefer grace and love to judgement and think it’s the way Jesus would want me to live.
This topic is common amongst the Christian bloggers and I think it should be this way:
Each of our journeys in Christ is different. What may be right for me, may be wrong for you…. or vice versus. We need to overlook some of these minor differences once and a while and get to the heart of a person instead of the things they do and don’t do.
In other words, I like Die Hard. 🙂