In this episode, I want to share five practical tips/questions with you that I personally use to discern individual pieces of entertainment I consume as a Christian and evaluate its impact on me. I hope this helps your discernment process too. This is a follow-up episode to Can Christians Listen to “Secular” Music?
Episode Outline and Bible Passages
1) In situations when the content in question might portray concepts of sin or the brokenness in this world, or might include ideas that don’t agree with God’s Word and our Christian faith, ask yourself: Is this content genuinely promoting sin and darkness, or is it simply truthful?
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- Psalm 101
2) Don’t hesitate to pray for wisdom before choosing to engage with a piece of content and don’t hesitate to do research if you need to.
- James 1:5
These are the websites I use to look up plot summaries or parent’s guides etc. and get a feel for content in shows or movies if I want research before deciding to watch.
- imdb.com (I mostly use the Parent’s Guide. Search a title and then click “All Topics” on the film’s page to find it.)
- Christian Spotlight on Entertainment
3) Pay attention to your personal convictions and to what causes the Holy Spirit to be grieved in you.
- Ephesians 4:30
- Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25
- Romans 14:22-23
4) Pay attention to the impact on your spiritual life.
5) Periodically check in with God.
Recommended Resources
- Imagine: A Vision For Christians In The Arts by Steve Turner
- Hollywood Heroes: How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God by Frank Turek + Zach Turek
- Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer
- Narrow Way to Broadway | Talkback: Waitress: What’s Inside?
- Narrow Way to Broadway | Talkback: Dear Evan Hansen: Will You Be Found?
- Know Your Story Truth YouTube
LET’S TALK! How do you decide what entertainment to engage with as a Christian, and which of the practical tips from this podcast are you most excited to implement into your life? Discuss this episode in the comments below!
