THE GOSPEL IN FILM — WATCHING FILMS WITH DISCERNMENT

Some ask, “How can a Christian watch movies with adult content—R‑rated films?” It is a fair question, for the Gospel calls us to holiness and warns us to guard our hearts. Yet the truth is more nuanced, and the Gospel provides a framework for discernment rather than fear.

The Bible itself is not rated G. The Old Testament is filled with violence, betrayal, lust, and sin. Kings commit murder and adultery, nations wage war, children die in plagues, and humanity’s depravity is displayed without restraint. David’s sin with Bathsheba, Saul’s jealousy, Ahab’s cruelty—these are stories no child’s movie could contain (and these are the milder ones), yet the Spirit inspired them for our instruction (Romans 15:4). The Old Testament is definitely rated R—if not NC-17. God trusts His people with the truth of brokenness, not a sanitized version of reality.

Films, like Scripture, often depict the fallen condition of the world. An R‑rated movie may contain violence, sin, or immorality—but that does not automatically make it spiritually poisonous. What matters is the viewer’s heart and purpose.

Are we drawn into sin, or do we see the consequences of sin?

Are we entertained by evil, or are we instructed, warned, or moved to gratitude for God’s mercy?

Do the Right Thing and The Godfather are not for children, for example, yet they reveal the consequences of pride, greed, and prejudice—truths the Gospel addresses at their root. These films, if watched with discernment, can sharpen our understanding of justice, mercy, and human fallenness.

Discretion is essential. We must acknowledge the content honestly, choose wisely, and never allow curiosity to override conscience. Pray before watching, consider the impact on your thoughts and emotions, and be willing to turn away if the story begins to dominate the soul instead of illuminating truth.

Paul exhorts us: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble…think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Discernment is not fear; it is stewardship of the mind God has given us.

Ultimately, the Christian life is not about avoiding the world but seeing the world through the lens of Christ. Movies, like Scripture, can display darkness so that God’s light shines all the brighter. They can reveal human sin so that we recognize our need for redemption. They can provoke reflection, prayer, and gratitude.

If we watch with wisdom, prayer, and guidance from the Spirit, even R‑rated films can point us toward the eternal truths of the Gospel.

BDD