IS IT BAD FOR A CHRISTIAN TO SEE A GOOD MOVIE?

What we put into our minds is extremely important as it affects our spiritual lives. The vast majority of movies do not fit the Bible’s criteria of what we should allow into our minds. Many movies that are considered “good” movies have themes that are contrary to the Bible and Christian life.

Scripture tells us that we “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Looking at Christ makes us more like Christ, but the opposite applies as well. What we look at has a definite affect on our thoughts, beliefs, motivations, goals, and characters. Most movies feature violence, sexual content, and foul language—things that Christians should steer away from. None of this can help us become more like Christ.

But suppose there is an innocent, G-rated film that you would like to see. What’s wrong with going to the theater to watch it? There are a couple of things you might want to consider. First, if you go to a G-rated movie, you will still expose yourself to advertisements and previews that are not so wholesome, and you might be tempted to come back and see a bad movie. In other words, it opens the door for compromise.

Also, as a Christian, you want to set a good example for others. If someone you know sees you going into a theater, they don’t know what movie you’re there to see. They could actually use your mere presence at the cinema as an excuse to attend another movie of their choice. The apostle Paul put it this way: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Philippians 4:8