DO YOU BELIEVE HORROR MOVIES ARE OK TO WATCH?

[Lizquests]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks about watching horror movies. I don't mean sci-fi, but movies like Hell Raiser, The Craft, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. Is it ok as Christians to watch movies like this?

I was told that it isn't ok to watch things like this. It brings satan closer to you and farther away from God. I used to think that wathcing these kinds of movies were just for pure entertainment value, but now I am starting to wonder.

:help:

[drdeancrosby]

Liz if I really went into detail on this subject,you would find it hard to understand or believe.But here is the overview:there is a great deal of spiritual warfare going on in the world.What that translates into is that Satan is trying to win converts.He has his own angels that we call demons looking for people who are interested in his religion.They look for places to recruit new followers.They have the same powers that God's angels do so they are capable of finding people who are watching satanic movies.(questions are not being accepted because I don't understand how they do their work but I have seen the results of it)So when you watch a film or even a television program with satanic content,there is a real possibility that you can become demon possesed or have your mind taken over by a demon.I'll tell you sort of an amusing story to explain how demons work.Several years ago I was in my bathroom,getting ready for bed.I was listening to a talk radio show.They were interviewing an expert on ghosts which are demons.All of a sudden,a bottle on a shelf stated moving.I watched as it came to the edge and then fell into the toilet.Several minutes later the ghost expert started talkiing about objects in haunted houses that keep moving on their own.So the bottom line is,stay away from any occult source,especially fortune tellers and tarot card readers,because you can become demon possesed by contact with them.

[tulc]

Ok that's one view. On the other hand there are many Christians who watch horror movies and don't have demons (me for instance). To answer the question you have to try and know yourself, do those movies freak you out? Some of them are pretty graphic sexually, does that stumble you? As in all things moderation is the key! (IMHO) Sometimes you just need a good horror movie to shake off all that Christmas cheer around you!! ;)
tulc(who loves horror movies!)

[doulos]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks about watching horror movies. I don't mean sci-fi, but movies like Hell Raiser, The Craft, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. Is it ok as Christians to watch movies like this?

I was told that it isn't ok to watch things like this. It brings satan closer to you and farther away from God. I used to think that wathcing these kinds of movies were just for pure entertainment value, but now I am starting to wonder.

:help:
Hi, Liz,

This is a matter of feeding the mind; what are you going to take? We can take wholesome food (God's word, Christian subjects and poetry), junk (many of the world´s amusements, which divert us away from the Lord), and positive poison (many others of the world's amusements which land us right on the devil's ground). We cannot think that these things are harmless. They affect us. Horror movies and horror talks and stories are poisonous, and by filling ourselves with this things we can give ground to the Devil in our lives. We must remember that as redeemed we don't belong to ourselves, and that the Lord wants our fellowship.

Best regards,

doulos

[secretdawn]

One question...Most horror films and thrillers are about good triumphing over evil...isn't this a good thing?

[doulos]

Well, what type of "good" are we talking about? The Sermon of the Mount, the Kingdom of God, the example of the Lord Jesus --or human imagination? I am afraid that sometimes we Christians become very gullible with the world's values. And the Lord said that what men have as sublime is abomination before God. So we have to tread very carefully here, because there are many things that appeal the flesh but that are not really "good" in a godly way.

doulos

[secretdawn]

Well, what type of "good" are we talking about? The Sermon of the Mount, the Kingdom of God, the example of the Lord Jesus --or human imagination? I am afraid that sometimes we Christians become very gullible with the world's values. And the Lord said that what men have as sublime is abomination before God. So we have to tread very carefully here, because there are many things that appeal the flesh but that are not really "good" in a godly way.

doulos
Here is an example: I read vampire books about a Christian woman who slays vampires...so i know vampires aren't real, but in the book they sort of embody evil, and this girl, she doesn't really embody Christ, but throughout it she is challanged with temptations as she fights, and she tries to...she is human and does her best, and grows stronger throughout the series.

[doulos]

Here is an example: I read vampire books about a Christian woman who slays vampires...so i know vampires aren't real, but in the book they sort of embody evil, and this girl, she doesn't really embody Christ, but throughout it she is challanged with temptations as she fights, and she tries to...she is human and does her best, and grows stronger throughout the series.Well, my point is, is this edifying? We live in a real world with a real fight between good and evil. There are so many good things to read and so many things to do, why waste time with imaginary things that are at best useless and at worst defiling?

I enjoy, besides Scripture, reading good comentaries and biographies. Good well documented biographies and journals of Christians that lived in critical times. History, the Reformation, John Wesley, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, J. N. Darby, or real missionary stories, like Peace Child, and poetry, from the Wesleys, Toplady, William Cowper, Frances Havergal. You have so much of good and real, ... it's better to know about those that fought the good fight of faith and imitate their faith, considering the end of their conduct.

Best regards,

doulos

P.S. By the way, Secretdawn, why is your current mood set on crying? ...

[secretdawn]

Well, my point is, is this edifying? We live in a real world with a real fight between good and evil. There are so many good things to read and so many things to do, why waste time with imaginary things that are at best useless and at worst defiling?

I enjoy, besides Scripture, reading good comentaries and biographies. Good well documented biographies and journals of Christians that lived in critical times. History, the Reformation, John Wesley, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, J. N. Darby, or real missionary stories, like Peace Child, and poetry, from the Wesleys, Toplady, William Cowper, Frances Havergal. You have so much of good and real, ... it's better to know about those that fought the good fight of faith and imitate their faith, considering the end of their conduct.

Best regards,

doulos

P.S. By the way, Secretdawn, why is your current mood set on crying? ...
Fiction novels are a form of art though and art, if the meaning is right, is a good thing isn't it. By using your imagination it is a way of enjoying yourself and being entertained, so as long as it's main focus, or character are positive influences, what is the harm?
And it is on crying because that is how i have felt for a very long time, and how I most likely will always feel...

[doulos]

Fiction novels are a form of art though and art, if the meaning is right, is a good thing isn't it. By using your imagination it is a way of enjoying yourself and being entertained, so as long as it's main focus, or character are positive influences, what is the harm?
And it is on crying because that is how i have felt for a very long time, and how I most likely will always feel...
Well, novels can be good if done with a formative purpose. For young people I like Patricia St. John's novels, which depict real life situation in different aspects of Christian work or in different historical situations. But art as such can be a dangerous thing, if done in the power of fallen imagination.

The question is whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit and whether we do things for the glory of God and in fellowship with Him. I hardly think that watching gory fiction in horror movies can be done in fellowship with the Lord. Is He there sitting with us enjoying what we are enjoying????

You told me that crying is your current mood. Well, I don't know the cause, nor have you to tell it. But the Lord knows and cares. "...in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). Try to look away from all black things and unto Him. Give Him time and attention, and He will fill you with His water of life. He is your Saviour, He wants to shepherd you into green pastures and comfort your soul. It may not be sudden nor fast, but as you keep feeding on Him you will see the mists dispelling and His light caress you ... Occupy yourself with Him, what He is, what He has done, what He has promised He will do, for you, for eternity ... The best is yet to come for those that love Him, that are called according to His purpose.

In Him,

doulos

[Lizquests]

I am finding out more everyday that horor movies aren't a good influence on me. I still do enjoy some of them tho. I find for the most part tho that I start to feel weird and anxious.

I grew up basically loving to read horror books and horror movie's. I have always had an interest (meaning just to find out if spirits, ghosts, the devil were real. I don't mean becoming satanic at all either.) in finding out more about it. I called it a curiousity.

Boy was I ever wrong. I could tell some stories that that would knock your socks off.

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Steer clear of spiritual paranoia. When you start fearing that you will inadvertantly get demonised from contact with this, that or the other, you become a slave to fear. I class innate suspicion of art under the same heading - God meant us to be creative - didn't the Creator create us in His own image?

I enjoy a lot of horror movies. Some are good, some are dire. Same with virtually anything. It's not that these things have a particular "purpose" as such - but why be so utilitarian? What's the purpose of a beautiful sunset? What "good" does Bach's Orgelbuchlein do? And yet we know that somehow these things enrich us. Utilitarianism can never be life in all its fulness.

Art also helps to identify our uniqueness, vested in our unique set of tastes and likings. Screwtape has a nice section on this - a person who honestly and simply likes a certain thing - be it stamp collecting, county cricket or Harry Potter - for itself, without giving a monkeys what anyone else thinks about it, is thereby protected against some of the devil's most subtle attacks.

[doulos]

As to creativity and art, it is not a matter of utilitarianism, but on whether God meant for us to be autonomous or dependent on Him. Are we enjoying His fellowship in those things we enjoy, in those things we do? Can we think we are constructively creative independently from Him? Of course art does not have to be "utilitarian". But do we get our enjoyments in fellowship with Him or not?

Talking about fear, if I love somebody, I would not like to offend that person. And if that Person is God, to Whom I owe all allegiance, I should fear to offend Him. And as we are in a spiritual war, I would fear giving ground to the Enemy in my soul, in my tastes, in my affections. We are either for the Lord or against Him. If we are His we will not get demonized. He will take care of us. But we can loose our enjoyment of Him and loose fruitfulness in those things He wants us to be fruitful for Him. And, separated from Him we can do nothing.

In the last analysis, if we are His, we don't belong to ourselves. We have and should have no tastes but those that are in harmony with Him. We should fear to be fruitless to Someone who loved us and gave Himself at such a price, and should endeavour to bring fruit to Him. He is our Lord. Our salvation is secure in Him if we have believed in Him. But our walk can bring a lot of infelicity if it is not according to Him.

What do we feed our minds with? We have been called to holiness, away from our vain imaginations and from a world-system and from fleshly desires that that war against the soul.

We have been called to freedom. But certainly not to self-determination: we should be guided by the Holy Spirit in accordance to the Word, and following the footsteps of Him that did not please Himself but that in everything sought and did de Father's will. Are we doing things to His glory, or to please the inclinations that come from self? That is the question. And that not merely on horror movies, but in every aspect of our lives.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1, 2.)

Best regards,

doulos

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

You're missing my point if you think I'm talking about self-determination.

Fundamentally, it depends whether the Christian life is primarily This Life + God, or This Life - x, y and z. I belong firmly in the former camp. What I sometimes see is a model of Christian living that seems to start by removing all the things of this life and then adding them in only when one is convinced that they are directly spiritually beneficial. I don't see a warrant for that in Scripture; Jesus was notoriously criticised by the Pharisees for enjoying purely neutral elements of this life - partying, eating and drinking. He is our model, surely?

Interestingly, I seldom see this negative view of life when aspects such as sport are concerned - it seems to be art that has this particular suspicion associated with it. Can we be creative independently of God? It seems we can - many great artists were not Christians. The Christian artist or appreciator of art of course works or enjoys to the glory of God.

[secretdawn]

Well, novels can be good if done with a formative purpose. For young people I like Patricia St. John's novels, which depict real life situation in different aspects of Christian work or in different historical situations. But art as such can be a dangerous thing, if done in the power of fallen imagination.

The question is whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit and whether we do things for the glory of God and in fellowship with Him. I hardly think that watching gory fiction in horror movies can be done in fellowship with the Lord. Is He there sitting with us enjoying what we are enjoying????

You told me that crying is your current mood. Well, I don't know the cause, nor have you to tell it. But the Lord knows and cares. "...in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). Try to look away from all black things and unto Him. Give Him time and attention, and He will fill you with His water of life. He is your Saviour, He wants to shepherd you into green pastures and comfort your soul. It may not be sudden nor fast, but as you keep feeding on Him you will see the mists dispelling and His light caress you ... Occupy yourself with Him, what He is, what He has done, what He has promised He will do, for you, for eternity ... The best is yet to come for those that love Him, that are called according to His purpose.

In Him,

doulos
Ok, so we should probably stick to authors who are Christians...what about the Christian Thrillers, Murder Mysteries etc...usually they teach a lesson of some sort to the main character we could apply to our own real life if need be...but at times they, though not as gory, can be somewhat discriptive in order to visualize the scene in the book...

I'm just a crier that is all...usually I cry for others anyway not me...I turned into a baby after I was saved.

[tulc]

To quote Steve Taylor "...and I only drink milk from Christian cows!" which is not a put down but a tounge in cheek way of saying "there are things that though not Christian aren't necessarily evil" we must try if we are really going to be a witness to people to get out of our Christian ghettos and into where people are.
tulc(to quote George Romero "If you have too explain what's funny about zombies eating people you aren't going to get it.")

[Kellentia]

How about fantasy books? Are they okay to read??

[KGirl]

"The Craft" is clearly not of God. When I would watch that I'd get an attitude and want to dress gothic. And, well, it's just obvious!

[Sean524]

Kellentia - surely a lot of them are OK, what fantasy books are you talking about?


I like the posts on this thread . . . really insightful tulc, doulos, and karl

[BlackPanther]

One question...Most horror films and thrillers are about good triumphing over evil
they are?

[secretdawn]

they are?
well, most of them end with our hero defeating (at least this time) the evil, most of the characters in horror movies are the clear embodiment of evil...jason, freddie, michael meyers...and those freaky people in wrong turn, and though nowadays they can be humanized, they are still usually made out to be evil...so basically good triumphs over evil in most horror films...not to say there aren't those who don't fit the pattern...

[BlackPanther]

but think of puppet master. and as you say, even jason, freddie, mikey myers, etc.... they keep coming back in later movies. but i see what you are saying. my opinion is that its ok to watch these movies if they don't affect you. everything has some psychological effect. even colors can affect your mood. but if the movie changes you as a person, then it might not be such a good idea.

[SpiritPsalmist]

*Mod Hat On*

Remember folks. . . this is not a debate forum.

*Mod Hat Off*

I was just wondering what everyone thinks about watching horror movies. I don't mean sci-fi, but movies like Hell Raiser, The Craft, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. Is it ok as Christians to watch movies like this?

I was told that it isn't ok to watch things like this. It brings satan closer to you and farther away from God. I used to think that wathcing these kinds of movies were just for pure entertainment value, but now I am starting to wonder.

:help:

Scripture says: "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 praisworthy- -meditate on these things. (Phil 4:8)

Do you feel peace and comfort when you're watching them? Do you feel unrest and fear? Scripture also says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear". By this scripture we see that fear is a spirit. . .and it is not from God. Do we want to feed spirits that are not from God? If we are feeding them should we wonder why we are struggling in our walk with God and keep falling?

[seangoh]

i'm actually with the majority of the views stated here that we should hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil (1 Thess 5:21:22)

"Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken." Amos 5:14

Well, some may say that it's entertainment and it sure is, it entertains our baser passions and it's not what a christian needs to grow in his/her spiritual life. The reason why we are so inclined to such entertainment is because it is in line with our fallen nature. We are attuned to such lusts of the flesh and so we think of reasons to support our longing and justify our actions. So far i haven't seen any text in the Bible about giving such entertainment heed. The main line of thought would be to affix your eyes on what is good. As it is natural for the flesh to desire what is not good, we must slowly train ourselves to feed on the Word and spiritual things. In time, we will start to enjoy what we do and that will be our entertainment.

[Brooke]

I don't know about other people, but horror movies feel horribly filthy to me and don't leave me feeling as close to the Lord afterwards. The content in these movies are filled with the essence of what's satanic in this world. I can't explain it. But I can't stand to watch them.

[tulc]

I don't know about other people, but horror movies feel horribly filthy to me and don't leave me feeling as close to the Lord afterwards. The content in these movies are filled with the essence of what's satanic in this world. I can't explain it. But I can't stand to watch them.
then you shouldn't watch them. See how easy that was? Don't like it? Don't watch. Not bothered? Watch. Easy as falling off a log!
tulc(enjoys horror movies)

[Radagast]

You're asking the wrong question, IMHO.

Two good questions are:

1. Do I feel OK thanking God for this movie?

2. Is there something better I could be doing with my time?

Now, some movies are OK by those standards, others not.

-- Radagast

[tulc]

2. Is there something better I could be doing with my time? This right here is why I have never, ever watched professional sports. I like my violence fake, strictly special effects!
tulc

[Brooke]

Now, suspense movies are nice sometimes... Like "The Others"? That one was pretty interesting.

[JctchicK]

*screams in confussion* lol Jk I didnt scream. Ok, well here's my take on this whole issue, but this is only *my* point of view. I love watching horror movies, mostly because I like to be scared. tee hee. Many of you disagree with horror movies, as I have seen in your comments, but by some of the things you are saying you could apply it to almost all shows on television! So are you telling us that you don't watch TV? lol Most TV programs have some form of what you all call *evil* I don't sit down and watch movies about witches doing spells or anything like that (Charmed for example) because I think that might tempt you to WANT to learn to do spells, or perhaps get more interested in the works of magic and how all that stuff works. I think if you are being tempted what so ever by watching a movie then you shouldnt watch it, otherwise I find it to be completly harmless.

[Sunbeam]

Horror movies shock you emotionally, and this opens up to satanic things in your dreams which will most definitely bother you. You'll think is satan around me or have a foothold? Is something bad going to happen? And the movies themselves stir up anxiety in the real world and suspicion and paranoid. Have fun trying to get your mail when its dark out or go to the store or put the trash out. Aren't our minds supposed to be on good things for the bible? They do affect me and so I do not think they are christian. The last time I saw a horror movie, I had a dream where the bed was shaking when I was sleeping and I couldn't wake myself up. I tried several times to wake up and I started dreaming of being awake with my eyes closed walking around in my house and when I finally did wake I had a pain in my upper back that was really bad and didn't go away for several days after alot of exercise. Then I started dreaming about huge red metal doors that were 50 feet tall and really wide that was sucking me in to an unknown place. Talk about horrifying. None of these things were in the movie so when I would go to sleep at night I'd be thinking I'm scared I have no idea what kind of dream I could have tonight if its scary. It is definitely not something that God wants you to do. I know I am not alone in nightmares and it bothers you all day. And when you are in a place where there could be a mistake or danger where there really isn't any, you could have anxiety come up of bad things happening to you which plays with your mind. See, in the horror movies if you think about it, when things happen to the people in them, the people didn't do anything wrong it shows. It just happens. There is no reason to these things. So you accept this, that these people are seemingly normal and good and bad things happen, so later after the movie you can be thinking of things happening to you for no reason. So when you tell yourself that you have no reason to fear, it doesn't work and anxiety starts and you are still thinking terrible thoughts because for 2 hours you watched a movie where you were programmed to repeatedly tell yourself that "these people are good and these things happen anyway". Yes, you do tell yourself that at a subconscious level. So when you tell yourself later that you have no reason to fear, it doesn't work because in the movie the people were alright it seemed and they didn't do anything wrong and yet bad happened anyway. See, its programming you to lose your values and your reason in a subtle way. When your Spirit tells you that you are alright with God, the anxiety should stop or you should do something. And then you root for the people that are trying to escape the evil of which they have no idea why it really happened or there isn't a christian reason for it or a christian answer.

Why would your spirit want to be interested in what is evil? This isn't of the Spirit of God. But don't think you are strange, people have a common fascination of these movies. I never liked them in general but occasionally I have seen one, and I won't see any anymore. No way. Once I figured it was programming me to not have a cause and effect relationship that is logical and so in turn was stirring up anxiety and messing with my values and drowning out God's voice and reason.

[12volt_man]

I love a good horror movie and I love a bad horror movie even more. As long as it doesn't cause you to do anything that would violate your conscience, I don't see anything wrong with it.

There's no Biblical command against it, at least anymore than any other kind of movie.

Unfortunately, they don't really make good horror movies anymore. Nowadays, it's all about teen slasher flicks.

[HolySpiritWarrior]

I agree with drdeancrosby wholeheartedly. Demons are just waiting to get a chance to get a hold of children of God. Don't give them the oppurtunity!!!
Leavin You With God's Love,
Erica

[12volt_man]

I agree with drdeancrosby wholeheartedly. Demons are just waiting to get a chance to get a hold of children of God. Don't give them the oppurtunity!!!
Leavin You With God's Love,
Erica

But don't you find it just a little bit interesting that dean didn't offer one verse of scripture to support the idea that people can become demon possessed by watching a movie?

[SpiritPsalmist]

*MOD HAT ON*

REMEMBER. . .THIS IS NOT A DEBATE FORUM

[Smolderingink]

This is a very interesting discussion.

In the end, I think it's all about 1 Corinthians 6:12. Horror movies are cannon fodder. Strictly entertainment. However, what is OK for me may not be OK for you and vise-versa. Whatever takes our eyes off the Lord is a bad thing; whether it be a job, an acquaintance, a video game, or a movie. For some, scary movies are deeply effective. To those people that cannot merely be entertained by them, I do not recommend them. Likewise, though our Lord turned water into wine, I would not recommend any kind of alcohol to anyone predisposed to addiction to such things. If any kind of film, be it horror or any genre, causes you to feel separated from God, turn it off by all means.

The spirit of fear has indeed not been given to us. Rather, the spirit of hope and love fills our heart. It is important to understand what this means. We, as Christians and children of God, have been lifted from the burdens of this world and have been promised eternal life. Fear of the next day and what it shall bring is foreign to us now, because we understand that God is in control. We don't have to worry about losing our lives or the lives of our loved ones, and praise God for that. We do not have to live in fear ANY longer! What a wonderful, relaxing, invigorating thing!

However, does that mean it is wrong to be fearful of a black widow spider as it inches toward your foot? Does that mean it is wrong for me to be afraid and weary of that thin ice I'm considering skating on? Fear of death and dying and being utterly consumed by the world is different from the fear of stepping on a plugged-in curling iron in bare feet.

Scary movies have been likened to roller coaster rides. They're fast, safe, and provide a thrilling momentary illusion. Is it wrong for Christians to ride roller coasters? Even the acclaimed "Left Behind" series is classified as thriller.

This is not to say that all horror films are OK to watch. Some can be utterly crude and depressing, while I've found others to have truly positive messages about good and evil. There are even those films which are, in the end, spiritually uplifting.

Just as one must when choosing any genre of film to watch, a Christian must exercise strong discernment. I don't like bloody atrocity films, but once in a while a good 'ol scary movie is fun. Whatever the case, one mustn't condemn a film simply because it's intention is to make you jump.


May the Lord Bless you all

[twistedsketch]

I don't like them very much. Except the really bad ones, like Bride of Chucky. That movie was so bad I couldn't stop laughing at it. But I was flipping channels and came across one of the Amytville movies. Nothing but some guy going through a house, shooting children. Not something that is good or even enjoyable to see ever.

I don't like seeing stuff that will keep me thinking about darkness. That is mentally and spiritually unhealthy. I know God is with me, and I have better things to think about anyway. That is the command in Phillipians 4:8, to dwell on whatever is good, true, right, pure, etc. It is an encouragement as well as a command.

Another thought: Rather than asking how close to the line can we dance, we need to ask ourselves how Christlike we can be. Read Scrpiture. Obey it. And if the Holy Spirit makes you uncomfortable with certain shows and movies, by all means obey Him.

[Daily Miracle]

I don't see any harm in a Christian watching horror movies unless that Christian is weak in their faith to God. I would be more inclined to question whether I want my money to support movies like that instead of worrying that the evilness would rub off on me.

I think we should be more worried about the movies that touch on Christianity rather than horror movies. Indiana Jones touches on Christianity in each movie, but we know where the truth is stretched. The Exorcist touches on Christianity, but I don't think any of us worry about having to watch a loved one vomit guacamole in front of us. I think the movies that mock or make light of Christianity are more harmful than horror flicks...just my opinion. I don't mean that in a way that suggests these movies changer OUR views on what we know about God and His word, but I wonder what kind of affect these types of movies have on someone that doesn't know any better.

[User Name]

Yes it is fine too watch horror movies and all, but to God it mostly depends on how you feel about the movie your watching. If you think its ok under God then im sure its fine with him, just as long as he still comes first in your life... and you dont lose faith in the fact that he's your everything just becaue you want to try to copy some evil demon guy you saw in a horror movie. If you think you shouldn't be watching it than you should turn it off and put something else on and just forget about the movie you were watching that you though was bad... do you see what im saying???

[doulos]

I don't see any harm in a Christian watching horror movies unless that Christian is weak in their faith to God. I would be more inclined to question whether I want my money to support movies like that instead of worrying that the evilness would rub off on me.Of course, anti-Christian movies are quite another matter. But the question is whether we are affected by things or not:

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Very cordially, I would also point out that if we want to be strong in the faith, we should not kid ourselves. We must build our faith by daily feeding on the Word, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith, walking in fellowship with Him. And there ARE things that DO put a distance between Him and us, as when we wilfully delve into any matters that are foreign to His Holiness and against His mind. We cannot be enjoying the rot of this world, produced by people of the world who don't know Him, and many of them who hate Him, and whose lifestyles denounce that they are contrary to Him, and at the same time be enjoying His fellowship and approval.

A redeemed person has no will but the Lord's will. Otherwise, why call Him Lord?

And as to feeling strong in the faith and feeling capable to watch all kinds of things with a shrug, it's as wrong as to claim that drugs don't have any permanent harmful effect.
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Of course the Lord is good, and He will keep His own. But His own should hear His voice, and not the voice of strangers. I am afraid that nowadays there is an increasing tendency amongst Christians to seek their own, not the things that are Christ's. Not only on the matter of "horror movies". I put it as a general principle. Perhaps a good slow reading of Romans 5 and 6 would help a lot as to these issues of what we should do with ourselves ...

Very cordially in the Lord,

doulos

[Mitch]

Here is a simple answer: If you wouldn't do it if Jesus was siting beside you DON'T DO IT if you would, do it

[christiantechie]

I dont agree with the fact that you will get possed becuase light over comes darkness and therefor darkness cant abide in light God that raised Christ from the dead lives in you therefore you wont be possed I dont agree with viwing evil movies becuase it invites the spirit of fear and then satan plays with your mind and gets you fear full and then you have fear BUT PERFECT LOVE CAST OUT FEAR so anyways like paul said everything is permissible but not everything is benificial....

[ThrillKill]

:mad: :mad: :angel: :mad: :mad: Im a huge horror movie fan.. i have troube letting things dictate my life in such a way and it takes a lot ot offend me. As for those movies being bad, in not christian at all and by far but i dont have any BAD habbits like killing people or anything. Most of my movie collection is all horror and my daughter loves them. She knows they are fake and thinks of them as monsters and boogiemen but not afraid of them. There is no reason not to watch them if you like it as long as you know its just entertainment.. right

[Rafael]

:mad: :mad: :angel: :mad: :mad: Im a huge horror movie fan.. i have troube letting things dictate my life in such a way and it takes a lot ot offend me. As for those movies being bad, in not christian at all and by far but i dont have any BAD habbits like killing people or anything. Most of my movie collection is all horror and my daughter loves them. She knows they are fake and thinks of them as monsters and boogiemen but not afraid of them. There is no reason not to watch them if you like it as long as you know its just entertainment.. rightFrom a child. I always liked monster movies, etc. too, but I have to admit that I probably would have lived long and propspered without ever seeing one and that they don't do much more than instill fear in us of the unknown. As long as it isn't an addiction, I know it does no more harm that a rollercoaster ride for the emotions....:D

[artybloke]

I'm not a fan of horror movies myself. But whatever you like is really up to you. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and, like Karl says, is wonderfully, gloriously, amazingly useless. It is there to be enjoyed, to stimulate our emotions, our brains and add pizzazz to our lives.

There was a guy in "Open All Hours" last night (British comedy starring Ronnie Barker) who said to the shopkeeper, "Avoid eggs, Granville. They make you think of the re-pro-ductive cycle..." then bought a torch battery so he could keep an eye on what people got up to in the bushes...

Personally, I'd prefer to watch the eye-candy on ER (oh, Doctor Susan, you can infibulate me anyday...) but if you like being scared, enjoy...

[ceedaisy]

I realize this is kind of an old thread, but I feel like I can add my two cents to this. Before being saved, I was totally into ghosts, scary movies, anything supernatural. And horror books were the only thing I would touch. Now after being saved, I have no inkling of trying to watch scary movies and I stay away naturally from learning about the supernatural. And before I could read a Stephen King novel without stopping, but last september I tried reading one and I couldn't even read the first 100 pages. I couldn't handle it. And I haven't touched my horror book collection. All I want to read is Christian fiction. I feel that is the Holy Spirit changing me into a better person. It isn't that these stories tear me away from God, but they are stories that I spiritually feel He wouldn't want happening in His world. I can't explain it. Yet I will not judge others for watching or reading this type of fiction. I think the Spirit will move you to do what is right for you. If you feel guilty about it, then you have a problem. Your conscience is your Spirit. I hope this helps.

[Knight]

You might like Frank Peretti novels..... In particular "The Oath". It's suspensful but with a Christian perspective. Very well written.

There is also "The Hangman's Curse" which is one of Frank's more recent works that was made into a movie. It's currently available on video/DVD and is pretty good. You get the suspense and surprise of a horror-type movie but without all the junk that usually goes along with it.

[overnight]

From a long time horror movie watcher and a Christian I love a horror movie. Especially if it is from King (yes even the bad ones). No moral lessons, no applogies, just fun. FUN since when did being a Christian equate not having fun? Alot of people here said it is what you put in it. Just like sports, money, job, girlfriend/boyfriend, these all can be bad things if they are put before God. Movies, books, art wiritten by Christians and non-chirstians alike enhiance our knowledge and if put before God can be a hinderance to our fellowship with God.

Just a short talk about dreams. Anything can give you wierd dreams. I recently saw Scooby-Doo 2 with my daughter and that night dreamed I was part of Mystery Inc. Enjoy life, redaing, movies, and tv just keep it in moderation.

[Bain_Adaneth]

Lisquests,

I think Christians shouldn't be watching them. It is hard to say, because I've always was a horror movie fan, but it's true. Now that I know my walk with God, I regret that I've ever watched all those horror movies. I know that in the future I will watch more too, but it isn't good for me. I'm trying my best not to. It's really hard for me because my husband is not a Christian, nor is his whole family. Uhmm, it's not good for me because it makes me think about them constantly. As a child I grew up loving horror movies, but it made me so scared to go to sleep at night. But we shouldn't be fearing evil. It took me so long to overcome that fear. This one time I watched a French movie for my class and it turned out to be a really blood based on a true story movie. People were killed. I think the movie itself was a copy of the original tape that the killer made. It just made me so mad after watching two hours of killing...my mood was bad. It was weird because I was fine before I watched it, but I was such in an angry mood afterwards. Also, a lot of people want to say that movies and books don't change you, but it does. I used to read the Harry Potter books, and I found myself so interested in magic. Then I began to think that maybe magic is okay, if it's "good" magic. I still watch movies like the Lord of the Rings. I know that a lot of Christians watch this too. But I think we shouldn't be watching them. I am trying everyday to limit these kinds of movie watching. I think that the Lord of the Rings is a great movie, in terms of how it was made, the beautiful scenes it captured, and just the story line itself. But we shouldn't watch it because of the killing it has in it. And everybody knows that it has to do with magic and power. People thinks it's okay because of the "good" side, and they say it's "good" magic. But we all have to realize that it is still magic. Good magic, bad magic, is still magic to me. We are all influenced by what we watch, read, and learn. I was just wondering, how do you guys feel about movies like the Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter? Do you think Christians should watch these movies?

[ceedaisy]

I have not read these books nor watched the movies. Just because they have not appealed to me in the slightest. And because there is so much hype about them it turned me off. And after I read that Christians should not read Harry Potter, I dared not too, because of all the magic and stuff. I think as long as you take it for what it is, fiction, there shouldn't be a problem. But it can mess with peoples minds and in that case those types shouldn't read or watch things like that.:kiss:

[GodSaves]

I really have to disagree with the statement that was made on here about a christian being demon possessed by just watching a horror movie, or listening to a talk show about ghosts. Once we truly give ourselves to God, we are His. Do you really think God would take us in and then let us be possessed by demons? I have seen many references throughout the Bible that confirms this. We as christians shouldn't be so fearful of such things. I think that there are better uses of our time then watching such things, but to build up such a fear about them is really a lack of faith IMHO.

[Daughter of His]

I think Harry Potter is not meant for christians. The bible is clear that sorcery is not acceptable. This does not come from or honor God, the true potter. Do you think God would ask someone to make a horror flick for his family to enjoy? If you want to read about supernatural things try reading the book of Revelations, that comes from God himself and it will not bore you! We need to be careful what we "feed" ourselves. Please honor the work done on the cross for you. If you read Rev. once a week for a month it can become so much more clear how we are to live.

[12volt_man]

I really have to disagree with the statement that was made on here about a christian being demon possessed by just watching a horror movie, or listening to a talk show about ghosts.

So do I. I hear that so often but there's absolutely nothing in the Bible to indicate that this is the case,

[SuzQ]

If you want to read about supernatural things try reading the book of Revelations, that comes from God himself and it will not bore you!

You go girl! :) I also reccommend the Left Behind books (the adult series, as I have not read the kid's series). This whole fictional series is based upon literal translation of the Book of Revelations. The first book actually made me put the book down for a moment to CRY, :cry: it was THAT good - and THAT personal to me, as it HITS HOME in so many ways. The fictional writer, Jenkins, takes you all the way through with how some of the characters first start giving up the "worldly" knowledge they've come to accept most of their lives, and finally allow themselves to start seeking Christ. One by one, you root and celebrate for each character being saved, page by page.

I saw a LOT of horror movies growing up in the 80's. I really, really wish I hadn't. :eek: (I never, ever wanted to go camping or sleep on the bottom bunk of bunk beds, thanks to Friday the 13th, LOL! ^_^ ). Some of them were pretty tame (and quite silly, now when I see them on tv), and fun entertainment at sleepovers with my girlfriends (clutching pillows and screaming!), but some others scarred me for life! I especially hate Amityville Horror (because it's a TRUE story of a demon-possesed dwelling), or The Exorcist - they're NOT entertainment, they're simply Satan's way of "shaking you up" by trying to get you to let some good 'ole fear in that soul. it's just pure evil & made me shudder to think of those poor, demon-possesed non-believers in the Bible, etc.

A good "thriller" is one thing, but chainsaw killings, and some of those "blood baths" can forever be "tatooed" on the brain (much like PORN, people). They're disturbing and can "pop up" again later on, especially when you thought you had forgotten all about it. :help:

I agree with a lot of these posts, that you should want to continue your journey with Christ in surrounding yourself with that which is pleasing to God.
I do still love regular movies, because I LOVE to sit and have either a good laugh or good *sniff-sniff* cry! (I'm such a sap!).

[jdcooper]

Simply put... Satan is the deciever and wants you to think about, study, fill your mind with ANYTHING except things that glorify God. Satan doesn't care who (or what) you worship as long as it's NOT the true God ("I am").

As for being possesed by demons, the Bible says we are marked with the blood of Jesus when we give our lives to Christ. Yes, we can be (and are) constantly tormented and definatly influenced by demonic suggestions... and our carnal sin nature adds another layer of things to deal with. This is often referred to as "temptation"... and if we act upon that temptation in such a way as to follow it's suggestion, we have committed "sin".

(THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR FORGIVENESS THROUGH CHRIST!)

[Mary_Magdalene]

i dont believe any Christian should watch anything that has sex, violence, bad language, etc. we dont watch rated R movies.