Should Seventh-day Adventists (S.D.A.‘s) watch movies? What about television? What about attending plays and dramatic events? Or how about creating movies (filmmaking) on the Great Controversy theme or other so called Christian topics? The answer to these questions should be a resounding NO but it seems that many are clamoring for a justification to participate in these forbidden mediums, even amongst some professed conservative Spirit of Prophecy believing S.D.A.‘s. In this article we want to sound the alarm regarding these spiritually lethal diversions from reality and in the end offer up some very simple and practical methods to avoid them and engage in wholesome Bible based and Spirit of Prophecy supported activities, most especially for our young people who are a particular target of these satanic snares.
A case in particular has to do with a recent article on the advindicate.com website that contrasts two recent big screen theater movies that came out around the pagan Valentine’s day holiday on February 14th. The contrast was highlighted in summary by the article’s author:
In “Old Fashioned” there was no nudity, no sex, no violence, no swearing, and if you’ve ever seen films such as “Fireproof” or “Courageous,” you know such clean filmmaking is possible, but definitely not the norm.
“50 Shades of Grey” glorifies sadomasochism — essentially sexual pleasure derived from domestic violence — and was described by viewers as pornographic and “100 shades of terrible.”
“Old Fashioned” on the other hand is the story of former frat boy Clay Walsh (Swartzwelder) and a free-spirited gal Amber Hewson who attempt an “old-fashioned” courtship in contemporary America.
The author, in her review goes on to provide a recommendation for viewing the movie because it uplifts old fashioned Christian values that are nearly extinct from our society today. Is this sound counsel to be giving to S.D.A.’s today, most especially the youth in the church? We reason that it is not and actually a positive danger that will lead the naive and innocent on the slippery slope to ambivalence towards the watching of fictional tales despite their apparent moralistic content. And here are the principle reasons:
- The movie is a fictional story and not based on reality. It places in the imagination scenes that can be played over and over long after viewing the film. This is especially dangerous for the youth who are prone to “daydreaming” and being challenged with carnal desires.
- It diverts time away from prayerful reading and study of inspired counsel in regards to proper courtship. Are not the inspired counsels found in the Adventist Home and Messages to Young People sufficient to guide the young on proper Christian courtship without having to play on the imagination?
- It encourages the youth to become infatuated with having relationships leading to marriage when they should be focused on serving God first and foremost.
Spirit of Prophecy Counsels
It is interesting that the same website, advindicate.com also published an article by Eugene Pewitt that warned of the dangers of dramatic presentations in general. Therein the author provided several counsels and examples from the Spirit of Prophecy that are particularly relevant to the watching and participation in dramas such as the movie “Old Fashioned”. He brings up the issue of our personal Facebook pages and all of the favorite things we like such as movies and TV shows What does this reveal to the watching world. Is our page representative of a God fearing Christian expecting the soon advent of Christ in the clouds of glory or of a world loving idolater? You decide.
Let’s come back to the Facebook issue. Everyone seems to have favorite movies. But those favorites are virtually recommendations. And how do they affect your friends when they give in to their curiosity to see some famous movie star? What happens when they are done watching the movie?
“They leave the theater; but their imagination continues to dwell upon the scenes they have witnessed, and they are anxious to go again, and again. They acquire a passion to witness theatrical performances. . . . They thus stifle conscience with the example of worldly, pleasure loving, professed Christians.” — Review and Herald, February 20, 1866, par. 21.
A Practical Plan of Action: Some Simple Recommendations
What are sound plain, simple, and concrete things all sincere and earnest S.D.A.‘s should be doing in regard to the viewing of movies and entertainment in general. Here are a few suggestions.
- Do you need it to survive? One absolutely needs food, water, shelter, clothing to meet their physical needs. One the spiritual side one positively needs the Word of God and the writings of inspiration to survive in this morally challenged world. All other forms of stimulation are unnecessary and should be prayerfully considered as to whether they are acceptable or not in the sight of God.
- Destroy your television immediately. There is nothing redeeming coming from this medium, it is all lies, deception, commercialism, and propaganda. Spend your precious time studying God’s Word and reading inspired books and laboring for the souls of those whom God is seeking to save. You will find plenty to do and will gain a real world experience that is not based on the artificial and the imaginary.
- Same goes for all movies, dramas, skits, plays, theater, etc. most especially at official church sponsored events are the most dangerous as they have a cloak of apparent goodness when in reality they are snares. Here are some examples of such dangerous church sponsored programs that lie in wait for unsuspected youth and their naive parents. Click here and here.
- Delete all movie and television recommendations and likes from your Facebook page and other social media outlets. If you want to see what a FB page should represent for those who fear and serve a Holy God then please consider the following example.
- Educate yourself on some practical pursuits in life such as gardening, self sufficient living, a craft for hobby to generate some extra income for the home. One can make use of reading materials and educational presentations along this line which allow one to quickly master a skill or trade. There are many useful titles provided on DVD’s that you can view in this line which are not sensationalistic, artificial, or simulate the lower passions.
May God help us all discern the signs of the times and make ready for the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.” — Matthew 24:33
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So as Christians we are not supposed to be entertained?
Dear sister
Christ’s followers are governed by God’s Word even in “entertainment”. 2 Corin 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
What we watch, listen to and practice makes us what we are. We are to be entertained but the question is how and by what? Should we follow our natural hearts and what the world term “entertainment” or God’s Word? What we choose shows whose government we are of.