The Fundamentalist position on movies

[evangelist6589]

Man of Steel came out this weekend. Yes I want to see it, and I do like movies as long as they are appropriate. However I do not like it when Churches try and make a Bible lesson out of Hollywood. The Bible is the authority not movies! The Bible has the power to change lives, not movies! Don't get me wrong I am not some Plymouth Brethren or Mennonite that thinks all movie theaters are too worldly to be at. Movies become sin if they come before God. We need to be BALANCED and not on the extreme. Many IFB are on the extreme that all movie theaters and movies are too worldly, and many evangelicals are on the other extreme of letting the world get into their thinking and into the church. Both views are unbiblical. Christians are in the world just not of it (Jn 17:15-19) and are the redemptive force in the culture. In order to be the redemptive force we cannot just SEPARATE from everything, nor can we let the ocean get into the ship, for the church is a ship in the ocean (the world) and we are to be out rescuing sinners from death.

 

[TisMe]

Man of Steel came out this weekend. Yes I want to see it, and I do like movies as long as they are appropriate. However I do not like it when Churches try and make a Bible lesson out of Hollywood. The Bible is the authority not movies! The Bible has the power to change lives, not movies! Don't get me wrong I am not some Plymouth Brethren or Mennonite that thinks all movie theaters are too worldly to be at. Movies become sin if they come before God. We need to be BALANCED and not on the extreme. Many IFB are on the extreme that all movie theaters and movies are too worldly, and many evangelicals are on the other extreme of letting the world get into their thinking and into the church. Both views are unbiblical. Christians are in the world just not of it (Jn 17:15-19) and are the redemptive force in the culture. In order to be the redemptive force we cannot just SEPARATE from everything, nor can we let the ocean get into the ship, for the church is a ship in the ocean (the world) and we are to be out rescuing sinners from death by drowning.

My position on the matter is as follows. If it will gave you more of a negative effect then a positive one, the movie is not for you. If your mood or thoughts could drift from a positive heavenly one to a aggravated, perverted or twisted thought process then that movie is probably not a good one for you. As long as you come out of movie mentally the same or better then by all means partake.

Personally, there is music that I don't believe is necessarily bad but I know if i listen to it, it seems to make me moody or depressed. I think to each there own.

However, If you know the movie is going to have porn or lots of swearing but for the most part a good story line, is it worth it?

An example I would like to give is this. If i offered you just a little bit of crack to smoke but not the whole rock, would you or should you smoke it? I mean, just one hit?

Hope this helps - TisMe

 

[evangelist6589]

My position on the matter is as follows. If it will gave you more of a negative effect then a positive one, the movie is not for you. If your mood or thoughts could drift from a positive heavenly one to a aggravated, perverted or twisted thought process then that movie is probably not a good one for you. As long as you come out of movie mentally the same or better then by all means partake.

Personally, there is music that I don't believe is necessarily bad but I know if i listen to it, it seems to make me moody or depressed. I think to each there own.

However, If you know the movie is going to have porn or lots of swearing but for the most part a good story line, is it worth it?

An example I would like to give is this. If i offered you just a little bit of crack to smoke but not the whole rock, would you or should you smoke it? I mean, just one hit?

Hope this helps - TisMe

You are very wise on your position. The IFB are very wise in many areas, however on the extreme in others. Many evangelical let the culture get into their thinking and so compromise, and become just like the world. We cant be legalistic and assume all movie theaters and movies are bad, but must show some serious discernment... I know a brother IFB whom does not own a TV and once frowned upon me for watching movies. He is on the other extreme of assuming all movies and TV content is bad.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

The Fundamentalist Position

is all over the map. Some are tee-total abstainers from movies; others stay away from anything more than a PG-13. Like in many areas, there is no one Fundamentalist position. Though most do abstain from watching films in movie theaters. But even on that point there is not anything close to unanimity.

 

[Mexdeaf]

is all over the map. Some are tee-total abstainers from movies; others stay away from anything more than a PG-13. Like in many areas, there is no one Fundamentalist position. Though most do abstain from watching films in movie theaters. But even on that point there is not anything close to unanimity.

Truth :thumbs:.

 

[evangelist6589]

is all over the map. Some are tee-total abstainers from movies; others stay away from anything more than a PG-13. Like in many areas, there is no one Fundamentalist position. Though most do abstain from watching films in movie theaters. But even on that point there is not anything close to unanimity.

IFB may be on the extreme but I'd rather have their position than these compromising evangelicals that try and make Bible lessons out of movies. They often did that at Simpson University and it drove me bats! Many there hated John MacArthur and Biblical authors. They loved to read these mystical experience type authors that used their experiences, and their opinions scattered with random bible verses here and there and mostly out of context. Most of the books I got from those days I gave away. Especially people like that Robert Webber.

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Man of Steel came out this weekend. Yes I want to see it, and I do like movies as long as they are appropriate. However I do not like it when Churches try and make a Bible lesson out of Hollywood. The Bible is the authority not movies! The Bible has the power to change lives, not movies! Don't get me wrong I am not some Plymouth Brethren or Mennonite that thinks all movie theaters are too worldly to be at. Movies become sin if they come before God. We need to be BALANCED and not on the extreme. Many IFB are on the extreme that all movie theaters and movies are too worldly, and many evangelicals are on the other extreme of letting the world get into their thinking and into the church. Both views are unbiblical. Christians are in the world just not of it (Jn 17:15-19) and are the redemptive force in the culture. In order to be the redemptive force we cannot just SEPARATE from everything, nor can we let the ocean get into the ship, for the church is a ship in the ocean (the world) and we are to be out rescuing sinners from death.

We teach our children to evaluate media choices, in this case, movies, by asking themselves a series of four questions:

1. Does it pass the Phillipians 4 test?

Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it commendable? Is there any excellence? Is there anything worthy of praise?


2. Does it pass the Galatians 5 test?

Does it exhibit, glorify, or incite the works of the flesh, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, either in thought or in deed?

Or does it exhibit, glorify, or encourage the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?


3. Does it pass the 1 Corinthians 8 test?

Even if it's something God grants us the liberty to enjoy or engage in, would our doing it cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or to stumble in their walk with Christ?


4. Is it an idol to you?

If it's something that failed the three tests above, would you give it up? If so, then what would your attitude be about giving it up? Would you be glad to give it up, knowing it doesn't glorify God, isn't conducive to growth in Christ, and could cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or stumble in their walk with Christ?

Or would you give it up grudgingly or not give it up at all? If so, then it's an idol.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

We teach our children to evaluate media choices, in this case, movies, by asking themselves a series of four questions:

1. Does it pass the Phillipians 4 test?

Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it commendable? Is there any excellence? Is there anything worthy of praise?


2. Does it pass the Galatians 5 test?

Does it exhibit, glorify, or incite the works of the flesh, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, either in thought or in deed?

Or does it exhibit, glorify, or encourage the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?


3. Does it pass the 1 Corinthians 8 test?

Even if it's something God grants us the liberty to enjoy or engage in, would our doing it cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or to stumble in their walk with Christ?


4. Is it an idol to you?

If it's something that failed the three tests above, would you give it up? If so, then what would your attitude be about giving it up? Would you be glad to give it up, knowing it doesn't glorify God, isn't conducive to growth in Christ, and could cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or stumble in their walk with Christ?

Or would you give it up grudgingly or not give it up at all? If so, then it's an idol.

I like that test....should be used in everything we do!:thumbsup:

 

[Yeshua1]

We teach our children to evaluate media choices, in this case, movies, by asking themselves a series of four questions:

1. Does it pass the Phillipians 4 test?

Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it commendable? Is there any excellence? Is there anything worthy of praise?


2. Does it pass the Galatians 5 test?

Does it exhibit, glorify, or incite the works of the flesh, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, either in thought or in deed?

Or does it exhibit, glorify, or encourage the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?


3. Does it pass the 1 Corinthians 8 test?

Even if it's something God grants us the liberty to enjoy or engage in, would our doing it cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or to stumble in their walk with Christ?


4. Is it an idol to you?

If it's something that failed the three tests above, would you give it up? If so, then what would your attitude be about giving it up? Would you be glad to give it up, knowing it doesn't glorify God, isn't conducive to growth in Christ, and could cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to sin or stumble in their walk with Christ?

Or would you give it up grudgingly or not give it up at all? If so, then it's an idol.

Very good list, but doesn't it matter what the subject of the movie is?

Saving Private Ryan very gory, but also was set in war zone, so isn't violence to be expected?
or if a movie based upon real history of Holocust, or say Roman times, wouldn't it if historically true, be graphic?

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Very good list, but doesn't it matter what the subject of the movie is?

Saving Private Ryan very gory, but also was set in war zone, so isn't violence to be expected?
or if a movie based upon real history of Holocust, or say Roman times, wouldn't it if historically true, be graphic?

True - in the event of a worthwhile topic that may tend to be graphic, we must know our children or the wider audience to know if it's good for general viewing.

 

[Yeshua1]

True - in the event of a worthwhile topic that may tend to be graphic, we must know our children or the wider audience to know if it's good for general viewing.

I am not bothered that much by say a war movie IF done true to what actually happened, or say historical movie, for violence, even at times "bad words", much more offended by sex and language/violence that "just happen" for NO reason!

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Good Movie Review Site

Here is a good movie review site that evaluates and reviews movies from a Christian perspective. I like to know something about what to expect if possible BEFORE I watch the Hollywood stuff. Check it out.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment (movies, TV, games, comics, music and mor

Bro.Greg:saint:

 

[Gorship]

From what I understand, the idea would be that the theater holds no benefit to the Christian, therefore going to the theater with the posters of girls, and the content of most films (Granted the fact that a lot of people just rent the movies from home is kind of a silly thing) is just a big stumbling block. I personally I'm not swayed completely on hating movie theaters but I do agree that we need to (in all things) ask ourselves if its spiritually beneficial or not.

 

[Thousand Hills]

Would a Fundamentalist be okay with a Chuck Norris movie? I mean they are violent, but in real life he's a good ole Baptist like the rest of us, so it kind of balances out dont it?

 

[Gorship]

Would a Fundamentalist be okay with a Chuck Norris movie? I mean they are violent, but in real life he's a good ole Baptist like the rest of us, so it kind of balances out dont it?

Ill give you a good strong "maybe" haha.

 

[Thousand Hills]

Ill give you a good strong "maybe" haha.

:laugh::laugh: I'm thoroughly convinced Chuck is a lurker on Baptist Board, maybe he even has an account (if so send me a PM brother!) :thumbsup:

 

[agedman]

WHY?????

Why spend big bucks when you can wait a few years and rent it for free from the public library????

Seems like a waist of money for a few moments mental distraction that may not be a Godly place to put your thoughts to begin with, much less the Scriptures really challenge the believer to be very careful over the battle of the mind.

Here is a basic test for any situation.

Would you be embarrassed if the Lord appeared by your side and started a personal conversation with you if you are ......

Never forget that in every area of living the believer is to bring the total body, total mind and total strength into submissive love of Christ.

I am not sure there is a believer who has ever truly accomplished that measure of devotion.

He is faithful, even in our unfaithfulness.

 

[evangelist6589]

Would a Fundamentalist be okay with a Chuck Norris movie? I mean they are violent, but in real life he's a good ole Baptist like the rest of us, so it kind of balances out dont it?

Chuck Norris??? No he's a friend of Joel Osteen. Is Osteen the example you have as a good christian?

 

[evangelist6589]

:laugh::laugh: I'm thoroughly convinced Chuck is a lurker on Baptist Board, maybe he even has an account (if so send me a PM brother!) :thumbsup:

I will know when someone on this board starts defending Joel Osteen.

 

[Thousand Hills]

Chuck Norris??? No he's a friend of Joel Osteen. Is Osteen the example you have as a good christian?

Ok, so the only reference I could find on the web is that it appears Chuck endorsed "Your Best Life Now", maybe they have the same publisher or agent, and this was a you endorse me if I endorse you type of deal.