“I’ve never seen (fill in some secular movie or TV show).”
“Why?”
“I wasn’t allowed to.”
This conversation arises on a daily basis between those who grew up in a Christian home and those who didn’t. Those who grew up in a Christian home are often “sheltered,” and they were not exposed to certain movies, books, TV shows, etc. They aren’t all “sheltered,” but when they meet a Christian that has been exposed to all those things, it can go many ways. Oftentimes, the two have peaceful and enjoyable conversations. But sometimes, conversations between the two can be full of tension.
“Why weren’t you allowed to?”
“My (parent, pastor, other family member, etc.) said it was wrong to watch it because we are Christian.”
“It is? My parents were fine with it.”
It’s a struggle to determine what is safe to watch or read as a Christian, because there is no straight answer. Everyone has a different idea. Some will say that if it is secular, it is bad. Some will have certain standards, like if it doesn’t contain any graphic images or curses or nudity or extreme violence. Some will just say “use your best judgement.” Each of these ideas could be true. Honestly, no one really knows exactly what we as Christians are not suppose to be exposed to, because books, movies, etc. reflect the world around them.
“I guess it is. It isn’t about God, so I guess He doesn’t want us to watch it.”
“Then why would He give people the ideas for books and movies if He didn’t want us to enjoy them?
“I don’t know.”
Sometimes it seems like the “sheltered” Christian can understand the Word more, and the “exposed” Christian can understand the world more. Those who grew up in a non-Christian home are often exposed to more depravity in the world. (Not always. Just often.) They are seen as having more real experiences with some of the dangers of the world than those who were sheltered by their parents. I have experienced things that no one should have to, and it has made me stronger. Those who have grown up with Christian parents also experience the bad parts of the world, but it is often less so than the “exposed” Christian.
“The (movie or TV show) is based off of things that happen in real life. It’s important to know what goes on in the world around you, especially the terrible things.”
“I haven’t really experienced anything too terrible.”
“I have.”
Sometimes talking to Christians who did not grow up in a Christian home can be very enlightening and informative. Not only do you get to know more about the world around you, but you can start to understand what has made them who they are. Everyone has their own story, and each gives glory to God in one way or another. Christians who have experienced hard struggles have stories that show God’s strength and love very clearly. No matter what side of this conversation you find yourself on, it is important to be open to the other side. Both have a story that glorify God in some way, and we should give thanks for them.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” - 2 Timothy 1:7-8 ESV
