Do you believe that watching TV or movies is a sin?

[Elife3]

I don't believe that it's a sin, but you may also check out these articles at the links below. I don't agree with every article as my belief implies. I also warn you that you may not like some of the below websites, so I recommend only sticking to the links.

http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/television.htm
http://www.ifbreformation.org/MoviesAndTV.aspx
http://www.gotquestions.org/sin-movies.html

 

[JolieHeart]

Watching tv or movies themselves is not sinful. However, there are some sinful things being shown and when we internalize those, that is when it's bad. Voluntarily watching sinfilled shows - such as repeated murderous, anger-filled, pornographic, etc shows and films would be sinful imho.

 

[Dystopia]

Jolie, I would only agree if you were to get engrossed with it. Is it not possible to watch television or a movie for the sake of entertainment, and if not, are we as disciples supposed to shut ourselves off from the general public? I think not. I agree that Jesus said "29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away.", as in do not get literally involved with sin, but a person can know longer be entertained for fear of being excluded merely because they saw something that God knows, as I'm sure he is fullwell capable of doing, is nothing more than entertainment. Just don't accomodate thoughts of what is in the movie or the programme.

 

[notmyown123]

I do not think watching filth could be justified by saying you were only doing it for entertainment...this argument lies solely on what you are watching and/or your P.O.V. If you are entertained by sinful things then yes, that is a sin... but just watching a Tv is not

 

[Stinker]

Watching so much tv that it damages your life, then yes, it would be a sin.

Watching movies that are watched because of their sexual content, then yes, that would be a sin.

 

[EdtheJesusfreak]

Movies and tv certainly are not sin, however we as christians should be censoring ourselves and our children. Most tv shows are reflective of the time. Today tv shows are contantly making it out that phornication, homosexuality, cursing, and infidelity is normal. Those things are not biblicly ok and we should not be supporting shows that are blatently against the morality that is taught in the Bible. I believe I can find more modest and morally sound entertainment elsewhere if need be.

 

[ParsonJefferson]

There is a lot of TV, and a lot of movies, that are either good or at least "not harmful". For instance, watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" does not necessarily do anything to enhance my spiritual life, but it's not harmful either.

On the other hand, there definitely ARE moves - and TV shows - that are harmful to the spiritual life of Christians. For instance, how could the movie "9-1/2 Weeks" ever be seen as anything short of soft-core pornography?

 

[dayhiker]

I think what Jesus said about food also works for movies. Its not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of a person. So seeing a sin isn't a sin but desiring to commit a sin is leading to commiting a sin.

dayhiker

 

[Dorothea]

You needed to specify what types of movies for me to be able to vote correctly. Sorry about that. I do think it's not good for your soul to watch violence, pornography, listen to a bunch of horrific language, and all, basically R-rated movies, and even some PG-13. Watching such dark stuff all the time eats at your soul, festers in there, imo.

 

[TankGirl]

You needed to specify what types of movies for me to be able to vote correctly. Sorry about that. I do think it's not good for your soul to watch violence, pornography, listen to a bunch of horrific language, and all, basically R-rated movies, and even some PG-13. Watching such dark stuff all the time eats at your soul, festers in there, imo.

That's why I voted "not within biblical boundaries". We need to be wise & discerning. For instance, I watched "The Wedding Singer" last night (again!). I find this to be a light, warm, funny & entertaining film, that cheers me & makes me feel good - I enjoy the music, it makes me laugh, and it has a happy ending. Others, however, may have issues with the mild sexual references, the mild bad language & even the mild violence, and a film which I consider to be a gentle comedy could be a stumbling block to them.

On the other hand, I have never & would never watch any horror film stronger than a regular or sci-fi thriller, nor anything that is purely for sexual titillation. I don't consider myself a prude, but I am open to the Holy Spirit to convict me of anything I shouldn't be watching, and this includes programming aimed at children, which can often be inappropriate.

 

[ContentInHim]

The Holy Spirit can be a very good advisor on this subject. If you feel guilty because you watched TV all day or if you felt a check in your spirit when you watched and did not turn off something titilating, then you went too far. Pay attention next time. And what's wrong for you might not be wrong for others. The conviction is for your benefit, not that you should miss something "entertaining" but that you not be led astray!

 

[TankGirl]

basically R-rated movies

I actually just checked my dvd collection (not including my vhs-tapes), and only found 3 "R-rated", or 18 certificate films. One is the multi Oscar-winning "Traffic", which is clearly due to the subject matter being the drugs trade (brilliant film, btw). Then there's the Alien films (Aliens is my favourite ). And finally "The Passion of the Christ", which is to this day the most difficult, uncomfortable and unpleasant film I've ever witnessed, and compulsory viewing for every Christain and seeker IMHO.

I know I have a few 18 cert vhs tapes as well - "Leon" springs to mind (such an incredible film), and also "Trainspotting", but I can't think of any others...

 

[Elife3]

The Holy Spirit can be a very good advisor on this subject. If you feel guilty because you watched TV all day or if you felt a check in your spirit when you watched and did not turn off something titilating, then you went too far. Pay attention next time. And what's wrong for you might not be wrong for others. The conviction is for your benefit, not that you should miss something "entertaining" but that you not be led astray!

I agree. We should let the spirit advise us.

 

[WannaWitness]

I don't believe TV is wrong, as long as we are not watching something completely immoral, or possessing a basic worldview which is the opposite of Biblical principles. I'm very careful about what I allow to come through on my TV, and I have ended up shutting things off on more than one occasion (starting to watch something that "looks good" until well into the movie). The rating system, although the concept is good, sadly isn't very helpful. Two programs can have the PG rating, yet one can be moral, and the other totally opposite. Also, I believe big issues can be touched on in a G or PG show, and still be handled in a tasteful manner.

Also, it's easy to nitpick and find things we don't believe in, even in the most innocent programs. In "I Love Lucy", there was cigarette smoking and lying and deception. Yet, I don't see anything wrong with the show because we have to realize this is mainstream TV that shows the things that happen(ed) in the world. The humor is clean and harmless (unlike some of the garbage today), and many Christians will admit they will watch it over other programs. I even sometimes watch it.

I'm also aware that there are some who choose not to watch any TV, nor do they even have one in their homes. That is a conviction to be commended; for these particular individuals, it is a stumbling block, so it's probably better that they abstain from it. Anything to help in our own individual walk with the Lord. However, everyone's different, and if we think we are doing our best to serve God, that's what counts.