I often wonder what goes through a Christian’s mind when they decide to see a movie like Saw, Saw II or Wolf Creek – where the main (only?) emphasis in the movie is simply gratuitous gore and violence. Now, I haven’t seen the above three movies so I can’t comment with 100% integrity on anyone who watches those movies – but I have read reviews from Plugged In Online to know that I don’t necessarily want to see them, as a Christian.
How, then, should we go about thinking what movies we should and probably shouldn’t see? Are these matters of triviality, wisdom or rightousness. Given that the bible says little about what movies we should be watching it’s then an argument over triviality and wisdom.
With this in mind I would then propose that the choice of movies to watch falls under matters of wisdom for these reasons:
- Content matters: sexual immorailty, violence and worldliness are issues Christians need to stand strongly on. Films with promote, encourage, or glorify the above are pretty obviously not worth a Christians time.
- Script matters: for example – Saw. From what I understand Saw is essentially about a psychopath who wants to teach people, in very very gruesome and horrifying ways, the value of life. Now that’s a good lesson; if you are able to survive. And from what I can gather (without having actually seen the movie) hardly anyone survives. Does this not nullify any good value out of the lessons?
- Brothers and Sisters matter: I have, in the past, been concerned with Christians brothers and sisters who promote seeing these types of movies as social events. I have no concerns for individuals who have desired to see the movies, but I don’t think it appropriate to encourage other brothers and sisters to join. The possibilities of stumbling someone whilst watching a movie are higher because you have no chance to add commentary to negate any negative images portrayed.
So with this in mind I think my conclusion on this issue is this: see what you think is wise to see, using your personal judgement (with possible assistance from above mentioned website), and keeping in mind brothers and sisters who you either lead or have influence over (should they be stumbled into thinking your choice of movies normative for Christians to see).
Have I put my foot in my mouth? I may have, but I’d really like to see more guys in particular give a little more thought to seeing the latest blood bath without batting an eye.
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