Christian Entertainment?

By: Steve Huston

Last week I wrote about the dangers of worldly entertainment and the necessity of taking great heed to what we disciple our minds and feed our spirits with. Yet, there is increasingly this same danger coming from within the genre of Christian music and movies.

Just because it’s called “Christian” music or “Christian” movies doesn’t mean that we can simply check our brains at the “play button.” On occasion, there’s a greater danger to accept whatever we see or hear simply because “it’s Christian.” But is it? We must be engaged and discerning, lest we be led astray with the beats we like, the plots we enjoy, and the particular artists or actors or producers we may become enthralled with. We need to take great care for the “little foxes that spoil the vines;” this is why it’s vital that we “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Col. 3:16)”

I remember, many years ago, watching a Christian TV series by a writer/producer that I felt was a trusted and committed Christian. My family enjoyed watching and learning from the series. Occasionally, God’s name was taken in vain through slang and we would turn that episode off. After several times, I felt that I should, with grace and truth in love, write to this producer about this offence. I was quite surprised to hear back from him and grateful to have several respectful correspondences on that matter. Later, there was an episode centered around not taking God’s name in vain. I don’t know that our conversations had anything to do with it, but it was a blessing nonetheless and future episodes always held God’s name in the highest regard.

Just as important as discernment, what is our motive in participating in these forms of entertainment? Is it simply escapism? Catharsis? Killing time or redeeming the time? Is it helping to draw us into the spiritual reality that we, as Christians, are to live lives of worship and praise to God here and forever? Are we simply being entertained or are we being drawn into gratefulness, praise, thanksgiving, truth, admonition, and instruction in righteousness?

There’s often a culture that surrounds and accompanies music. Many genres of music or movies have their beginnings in something and have a trajectory leading toward something, often taking our minds and emotions with it. Are there certain genres that are “unredeemable”? As we consider our choices, we must remember the admonition that in all that we do (even our entertainment), we are to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31) and to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

As we warned about the “discipleship” of singers and actors last week, we must also consider what these Christian artists represent and the “discipleship” they offer as well. Are they people we should emulate or is their theology something we ought to be wary of? While we needn’t dig deep into every person we want to watch, read, or listen to, if they are publicly going against Scripture to advance a “woke” theology, we need to think carefully about our support of them. They are a form of false teacher and are discipling others by their lives as well as their wares. (Can a fountain put forth sweet AND bitter water? – James 3:11) Paul warned in Romans 16:17-18, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

I remember, several years ago, when “Christian” author, Jen Hatmaker, came out with her unbiblical stances and animosity for the church. At the time, I wondered how far she would go and if she would even remain in the church. Last week when I was writing the article on Taylor Swift, I also came across an article on Ms. Hatmaker entitled: Jen Hatmaker reveals she left the Church, might never return: ‘I need a break from the machine’.

This self-professed “Christian” author supports abortion, supports same-sex “marriage,” calls for the full inclusion of the LGBT people into the Christian community, sneers at many of the things that the church biblically stands for, and claims to be a “Big fan of Jesus” while “not liking many of His folks.” (Um, what about 1 John 4:21? “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”)

Many have attacked her; many more have come to her defense, but what is the correct stance to take and what should our response be in these types of situations?

Let me answer this by stating that there are three types of people when it comes to dealing with others who are either caught up in sin or down in a pit regarding their situation: a.) Those who keep a “safe distance” from that person, sometimes a “stone’s throw” away. b.) Those who jump in the pit with them to enjoy a good, old-fashioned pity party. To this group I would include those who Allie Beth Stuckey describes: “When Christians confuse empathy with love, they end up affirming sin, validating lies, and supporting destructive policies. True love is tied to truth – anything else is toxic.” And c.) Those who, by faith, speak truth into their lives while showing grace, fulfilling the law of Christ, meeting them at their level, encouraging and bearing their burdens, and patiently helping them until they are at peace with God. (Gal. 6:2) – There have been a few with this response, but it has seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

The answer is “c,” be like Jesus, full of truth and grace. This doesn’t mean we ignore the danger. As Denny Burk, writing for WORLD, warned: “It’s a spiritual poison pill concealed in the rhetoric of therapy, freedom, and self-actualization. Discerning followers of Christ will see through the ruse. Tragically, many others won’t.”

That’s always the answer, whether we are dealing with music, movies, books, or their singers, actors, authors, or their fans. Be discerning (Matt. 7). Stand on and do truth. Approach them with love and grace. Some will accept and discuss, like the movie producer at the beginning of this article. Others will reject without thought to their own peril.

The question for us is will we put our trust in idols (people, entertainment – anything to which we give more devotion than God) or will we put our trust in and worship the God of heaven?

 

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