What does the Bible say about movies and entertainment?
The Bible offers clear principles for discerning entertainment that honors God and edifies believers. Scripture encourages guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. This guidance applies to all forms of media, including movies, fostering thoughtful engagement with content.
The Bible doesn't directly mention movies or modern entertainment, but its timeless principles offer profound guidance for how Christians should engage with all forms of media. Scripture calls believers to a life of discernment, holiness, and engagement with truth, beauty, and goodness. This means critically evaluating content, being mindful of its impact on our hearts and minds, and ensuring our entertainment choices honor God and edify others. Our aim is always to live in a way that reflects Christ in every area, including how we spend our leisure time.
While the Bible doesn't name movies, it provides clear principles for discerning entertainment that honors God and edifies believers.
Discerning Heart and Mind
The most important biblical principle for evaluating entertainment is to guard our hearts and minds. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This means being extremely intentional about what we allow to influence our inner lives. The apostle Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:8, urging believers to dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This is a powerful filter for any movie, song, or show.
Discernment is not about legalism but about spiritual wisdom. It recognizes that entertainment shapes our worldview, values, and desires. If our media consumption regularly exposes us to content that is contrary to God's character—violence, promiscuity, greed, or rebellion against Him—it can subtly desensitize us to sin and distort our spiritual affections. Romans 12:2 warns, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Our choices in entertainment are a significant part of this transformation or lack thereof.
Holiness and Purity
The call to holiness is central to Christian living, and it extends to our entertainment. 1 Peter 1:15-16 commands, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This means striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, and being mindful of what we willingly consume. While the world often celebrates what is coarse or sexually suggestive, the Bible calls believers to high standards. Ephesians 5:3 declares, "Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." This isn't to say that all art must be sanitized to the point of being unrealistic; rather, it challenges us to consider whether the entertainment we consume contributes to a holy mindset or undermines it.
Some Christians believe this means avoiding any content with elements of impurity, while others argue that a mature believer can engage with such themes critically, provided the overall message is redemptive or illustrative of truth. However, all agree that actively indulging in or celebrating sin for entertainment is contrary to a holy life. Ultimately, we must ask: Does this entertainment make me more like Christ or less? Does it draw me closer to God or pull me away?
Conscience and Edification
Another vital consideration is both our personal conscience and the impact on others. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10 discuss the principle of Christian liberty, where actions that are permissible for some might be stumbling blocks for others. If a particular form of entertainment causes your conscience to be defiled, or if it might cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble, the more loving choice is to abstain. Romans 14:22 advises, "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves." Yet, Romans 14:15 adds, "If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love." This principle applies to entertainment as well.
Furthermore, all entertainment should ultimately aim to edify—to build up rather than tear down. 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." While this specifically addresses speech, the principle of edification can be extended to all forms of media we consume. Does it contribute to spiritual growth, or does it hinder it? Does it foster love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23? Or does it promote the works of the flesh? Ultimately, our goal is to bring glory to God in all things, including our entertainment (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Bible verses about movies
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life."
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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."
"And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
"but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy."
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints;"
"The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth."
"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law."
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Frequently asked
Is all secular entertainment sinful?
No, not all secular entertainment is inherently sinful. The Bible doesn't call us to retreat from the world but to engage with it discerningly. Creativity, storytelling, and beauty are gifts from God, and secular artists can produce works that reflect truth, goodness, and beauty, even if they don't explicitly mention God. The key is to apply biblical filters: Does it align with truth? Is it pure and lovely? Does it build up or tear down? Christians may disagree on specific content, but the principle of thoughtful evaluation remains.
How do I know if a movie or show is too violent or sexually explicit?
This is often a matter of personal conscience and spiritual maturity. Rather than setting strict rules, the Bible encourages discernment (Hebrews 5:14). Ask yourself: Does this content glorify violence or sexual sin, or portray it realistically in a way that highlights its destructive nature? Does it cause me to stumble or tempt me to lust or anger? Does it desensitize me to sin? If your conscience is troubled or if it consistently pulls your thoughts away from God, it's wise to reconsider. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and seek counsel from trusted, mature believers.
Can entertainment be used for evangelism or ministry?
Absolutely! Creative arts, including film and music, have a powerful ability to communicate truth, evoke emotion, and spark conversation. Many Christian artists use their talents to create impactful entertainment that shares the Gospel or explores faith themes. Even secular entertainment, when viewed discerningly, can offer opportunities for discussion about worldview, morality, and spiritual longing, opening doors for sharing the hope of Christ. The apostle Paul used cultural references to connect with his audience (Acts 17:28), modeling a similar principle of engagement.
What if I feel convicted about my entertainment choices?
Feeling conviction is often the Holy Spirit guiding you toward greater holiness. Don't ignore it. Respond by honestly evaluating your entertainment habits against biblical principles. If certain content is consistently causing you to stumble, tempt you to sin, or hinder your spiritual growth, prayerfully consider removing it from your life. Repentance means turning away from anything that takes you from God. Remember, there is grace and forgiveness for past choices, and God gives us the strength to live in freedom and purity (Philippians 4:13).
Should Christians only watch Christian-produced entertainment?
While Christian entertainment can be edifying and encouraging, the Bible does not mandate that believers only consume media produced by Christians. Limiting ourselves to only 'Christian' art might cause us to miss out on encountering truth or beauty expressed in the broader world, and it could also lead to isolation. The command is to be *in* the world but not *of* it (John 17:15-16). We are called to be discerning viewers of *all* content, using biblical principles as our filter, rather than simply relying on a 'Christian' label.
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