Should a Christian go to the Movies.

  

"Just when you think Hollywood has reached the very bottom of immorality's muck, the movie theatre comes up with evidence that they have still found a way to dig deeper into wickedness and vile sins. It is hard to go to a movie theatre to watch a Disney movie these days without wondering what in the world is happening to America. All the previews display the worst of sins for everyone to see. The carnal Christian that goes to the movies ruins his testimony and brings shame to the name of Jesus."

The quote above is from Evangelist Robert Sumner. He wrote this in a book entitled Separation from Worldliness. 

It was written in 1955!

As you will know, morality in America has only gotten worse. Yet why did Christians in the 50s,60s, and 70s take such a strong stand in movies of back then and yet here we are 71 years later and we pacify as it as a personal preference.

In recent years, many Christians have let down on their stand against going to the movie theatre. Today, I will be looking and examining Biblical principles of why a Christian should not go the the movie theatre.

1. Lack of content control.

First is the absolute lack of content control.  The difference between watching a movie at home vs. the theater is a matter of content control.  I need not to explain much here because it is quite obvious that if you are in a theater you will be exposed to whatever flashes on the screen regardless of what you came there to see.

.  Ps. 101:3 says: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” 

  It is hard to take heed to this verse when you see the immoral and vile previews.

When you sit there and watch those previews you may not be listening and fully engaged in them, but you are tolerating it. And toleration of wrong is compromise. One might say that we plug our ears or look the other way. It is foolish, but even more foolish because you put yourself there in the first place.

Proverbs 22:3: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”

2. Music

One might say, well, we are only there to watch the good movies.

Well first off, you by-stepped what I said  above. But secondly, consider the terrible music. The Bible talks clearly against the worlds music yet we somehow think it is acceptable to listen to it only because we are at a movie theatre. 

Ephesians 5:19–20 (KJV)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Nothing is Godly about the worlds corrupt and sensual music. 

 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Don't be deceived today by the vile lie that music is morally neutral. Music is very powerful and we must guard our heart and mind.

This is another big difference between the movie theatre and watching a movie at home. In a movie theatre, you can't skip or mute the music. At home you can mute the ungodly junk the world tries to promote.

 

3. Your Testimony.

Lastly is the idea that your testimony can come in question when you go to the movies.

As a Christian, we have a testimony to keep as being separate from the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

The Bible clearly says that we should not, conform, be friends with, and not fellowship with the world.

In your life, are you being an example for other Christians when you walk into a movie theatre? It could hurt your testimony.

We should always keep our testimony and not help the world. When you rent a ticket to a movie, you are financially supporting a business that shows other wicked films for others. Don't be apart of that.

When you financially support the movies, you are supporting something that is anti-God and perverse.

 Timothy 4:12 –
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

So maybe this will cause you to think more seriously. All I ask for is for Christians to take an honest look at what they believe. 

When you think about this topic, don't ask "Well what is so wrong about..." 

Instead ask yourself "Is this acceptable to God?"

Perhaps we can sum up this post with one verse. 

Romans 12:2
"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."

Is going to the movies being conformed to the world?

Is going to the movies transforming my mind for the better?

Is going to the movies good and acceptable to God.

Is going to the movies what Jesus would do?