1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Jonah: I believe that Christians should abstain from worldly entertainment such as movies, TV shows, and video games. 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” These forms of entertainment often contain ungodly themes and can draw our hearts away from God.

Carl: It’s essential to distinguish between “the world” as a system opposed to God and “the world” as the creation that God has given us to enjoy. Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:4-5, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” We can engage with entertainment discerningly and appreciate the beauty, creativity, and even moral lessons that can be found therein.

Jonah: Even if there is some good in these forms of entertainment, Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. A lot of movies and TV shows nowadays showcase violence, immorality, and falsehoods. By indulging in them, aren’t we allowing our minds to be polluted?

Carl: However, not all entertainment falls into those categories. We need discernment. For instance, some movies can stir our souls and make us think deeply about our faith. Similarly, some video games can enhance our problem-solving skills and promote teamwork. In Colossians 2:20-23, Paul warns against human rules and self-made religion, which might seem wise but lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Jonah: I believe that our time would be better spent reading the Bible, praying, and serving the Lord rather than being entertained. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Carl: I do agree that we should prioritise spiritual disciplines. However, God created us as holistic beings. Rest, recreation, and enjoyment are also parts of the human experience. Jesus himself attended feasts and spent time in fellowship. As long as our entertainment doesn’t become an idol or lead us into sin, I believe there’s space for it in the Christian life. Romans 14:14 says, “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” So, each person should be convinced in their own mind and act according to their conscience.

Jonah: Carl, while I respect your viewpoint, I still feel that in these last days, it’s better to be cautious and avoid any appearance of evil, as 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says. As Christians, we are called to be holy, as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Even if a show has just one scene or theme that’s contrary to God’s Word, shouldn’t we avoid it entirely, lest we expose ourselves to temptation? Jesus even said in Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” While this is a hyperbolic statement, it underscores the importance of avoiding anything that may lead us into sin.

Carl: Let’s consider the broader context. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:22, says, “To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” This doesn’t mean Paul sinned, but he was willing to step into different cultural contexts. If we are too strict in avoiding every show or movie with even the smallest sinful element, we risk isolating ourselves from the very culture we’re trying to reach. We can watch with discernment, taking the good and rejecting the bad.

Jonah: But James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” How can we justify being friends with worldly shows, especially if they contain elements that are clearly in opposition to God’s commands?

Carl: I believe there’s a difference between enjoying a piece of art or entertainment and forming a ‘friendship with the world’. Watching a show doesn’t mean we agree with every element of it. Consider the parables of Jesus. He used stories from the culture of His day, some of which involved sinful characters, to teach spiritual truths. We must be in the world, but not of it (John 17:15-16). By understanding and engaging with cultural narratives, we’re better equipped to communicate the gospel in a way that resonates.

Jonah: But the Psalmist says in Psalm 101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” Shouldn’t this be our standard? Why expose ourselves to something even if 10% of it is ungodly, when 90% of it seems okay?

Carl: Consider Paul in Acts 17 when he was in Athens. He referenced a pagan altar and quoted pagan poets to bridge the gap and share the message of Christ. He didn’t condone or celebrate their beliefs, but he engaged with them. If we know our faith is strong and our conscience is clear, watching a show, even if it has elements we don’t agree with, can provide opportunities to spark conversations about our faith. Of course, if watching certain shows causes a believer to sin or stumble, then they should avoid it (Romans 14:21).

Jonah: What about the frequent use of coarse language in movies and TV shows. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” If the Bible instructs us not to use unwholesome language, shouldn’t we also avoid consuming media that promotes such language?

Carl: I agree that as Christians, our speech should be pure and edifying. However, the verse you quoted speaks to how we should speak, not necessarily what we should listen to. When we watch a movie or TV show, we need to be discerning consumers. Sometimes, the use of coarse language in media can serve to portray the reality of a situation or the depth of a character’s emotions. We don’t have to agree with it, but we can understand its narrative purpose.

Jonah: But in Matthew 12:34, Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” If a character or a storyline is consistently using foul language, what does that tell us about the heart of the story or its creators? Why should we fill our minds and hearts with such content? Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on whatever is pure and lovely. Can we truly say that media with swearing aligns with that directive?

Carl: Art often imitates life. Sometimes, to effectively convey the fallen nature of our world, creators use elements that are raw and real. Remember, Jesus Himself spent time with tax collectors and sinners, people who were not considered “pure” by religious leaders of His day. It’s not about condoning swearing or any other sin, but recognizing its contextual use. If we understand the broader message or theme of a movie, a few instances of swearing might not overshadow its redeeming qualities.

Jonah: Doesn’t Romans 12:2 tell us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world? By normalising and becoming desensitised to swearing because it’s “real” or “contextual,” aren’t we doing just that?

Carl: Romans 12:2 also encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Engaging with the world, including its art and narratives, doesn’t necessarily mean conforming to it. We can watch a film with some swearing and still disapprove of the use of such language in our own lives. The key is to approach media with discernment, letting the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts and reactions.

Jonah: While I respect your perspective, I still believe that avoiding such content can help us maintain a clearer mind and purer heart. Psalm 19:14 says, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” I wish for every part of my life, including my entertainment choices, to be pleasing to God.

Carl: We all have different levels of conviction and must act accordingly. As Paul says in Romans 14:5, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Let’s always seek God’s wisdom in our choices.

Jonah: Consider the impact on younger Christians or new believers. They might watch us, mature in the faith, consuming such content and think it’s perfectly okay for them as well, even if they aren’t yet spiritually mature enough to handle it. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” Isn’t there a risk that by watching these movies, we could lead others astray?

Carl: That’s true; we should always be cautious about how our actions might influence others. But I believe the solution is open communication and mentorship, not complete avoidance. If younger believers see us engage with media discerningly, discussing the good and the bad openly, it could teach them to do the same, rather than consume content blindly.

Jonah: And yet, James 3:1 reminds us that “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” We have a responsibility. In many instances, I’ve seen young believers use the behaviour of older Christians to justify their own actions, even when they’re taken out of context or not understood fully. It’s a dangerous precedent.

Carl: But I also remember Paul saying in 1 Corinthians 9:20-22, “To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews…To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” It suggests a level of adaptability in our approach, always with the goal of evangelism and edification in mind. Our engagement with culture, including movies, can be a bridge for these conversations.

Jonah: But isn’t there a line? What about horror and fantasy movies? These films often delve into themes of the supernatural, evil, and darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 instructs us to “avoid every kind of evil.” By watching these types of films, aren’t we deliberately putting ourselves in the path of dark and potentially demonic influences?

Carl: Those genres are vast, and it encompasses a wide range of themes. While some horror films might delve into dark supernatural elements, others are psychological, focusing on the human mind and its fears. But remember, the Bible itself contains stories that, if depicted on screen, might be seen as “horror” or “fantasy” — tales of demonic possession, plagues, and judgments. It’s not always about the genre but the content and the intent behind it.

Jonah: Yes, but when the Bible speaks of these events, it’s in a context of teaching, warning, or showing God’s power. Many horror films seem to glorify evil or, at the very least, trivialise it. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Shouldn’t we be wary of anything that might desensitise us to the very real presence of evil?

Carl: I agree that there’s a spiritual realm and that there are forces of evil. But discernment is key. Some horror films can actually serve as metaphors for deeper truths. For instance, they can illustrate the battle between good and evil, the consequences of one’s actions, or even the depravity of humanity apart from God. If approached with discernment and understanding, they can be a tool for introspection.

Jonah: Many of these films seem to induce fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Intentionally subjecting ourselves to content that seeks to scare or traumatise seems contrary to the peace and sound mind that God wants for us.

Carl: However, some individuals watch horror not to be genuinely frightened but to experience the thrill, much like people ride roller coasters. It’s a controlled environment where they know the fear is not real. For them, it’s more about the adrenaline rush than genuine terror. But of course, if someone feels disturbed or genuinely afraid after watching such content, it might be better for them to abstain.

Jonah: And what about the doorways we might be unknowingly opening? Even if one watches for the “thrill,” might they not be making themselves vulnerable to unwanted spiritual influences?

Carl: Spiritual vigilance is always crucial. If someone feels that a particular type of content is spiritually harmful to them, they should avoid it. However, declaring an entire genre off-limits might be overly broad. Instead, individual discernment, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, should be our approach.

Jonah: I still believe that with the plethora of content available, choosing something uplifting and edifying over something designed to in still fear would be the better choice. I’m also deeply troubled by the amount of nudity and seductiveness in movies and TV shows today. As believers, we’re called to purity. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” How can we reconcile that with watching content that displays nudity or provocative scenes?

Carl: I understand and share your concern. There’s no denying that much of today’s content has become more explicit. But it’s really important to differentiate between content that uses nudity or seductiveness gratuitously and content where it serves a genuine narrative purpose, reflecting real-life situations or historical accuracy. There is no need for the former.

Jonah: But even if it serves the narrative, does that make it necessary? What about the danger of personal temptation? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:18 to “Flee from sexual immorality.” Watching such scenes, aren’t we placing ourselves directly in the path of temptation instead of fleeing from it?

Carl: It’s a valid concern. Every believer should be vigilant about what they expose themselves to, especially if they know they struggle with certain temptations. However, what might be a stumbling block for one person might not affect another in the same manner. It’s about knowing our weaknesses and setting personal boundaries.

Jonah: Still, Romans 13:14 instructs us to “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Even if someone doesn’t feel immediately tempted, continually watching such content can desensitise us over time, subtly shifting our moral boundaries. Shouldn’t we be proactive in guarding against this?

Carl: You’re right in emphasising the importance of guarding our hearts and minds. Yet, it’s also essential to cultivate a mature and discerning faith. Hebrews 5:14 speaks of mature believers who “by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” If we approach content critically and discerningly, acknowledging and critiquing problematic elements, it’s possible to engage without being compromised.

Jonah: I just think, with so many alternatives available, why risk our spiritual well-being? Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” By choosing to avoid content with nudity or seductiveness, aren’t we making a deliberate choice to prioritise our relationship with God?

Carl: For many, that might be the right choice. Yet, it’s also worth noting that the human body, relationships, and even sexuality are all part of God’s creation. How these themes are portrayed and our motivations for watching are where the real issues lie. As always, discernment, prayer, and personal conviction should guide our choices.

Jonah: While I understand your perspective, I believe erring on the side of caution is wise in such matters. The spiritual and moral costs are too high.

Carl: I respect that, Jonah. Each believer must seek God’s guidance and act according to their convictions. Let’s continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, always prioritising our walk with the Lord.

Our faith calls us to continuously seek wisdom and understanding. It’s vital for us, as Christians, to engage in these dialogues, always aiming to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our lives and the lives of those around us.