Christians and Horror Movies

A few weeks ago, I did a poll on Twitter asking the question, "Should Christians watch horror movies?" I think it is a fair question considering that there are many movies in that genre. Some become blockbuster hits while other get a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Not many participated in this poll, but to my surprise the results were split down the center, 50% voted yes and 50% voted no.

With Halloween approaching, its time to consider if Christian should be engaging themselves in horror movies. One person on Twitter said no because Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." We are fill our minds with pure things and things that will cause to ponder on the things of God. Most horror movies deal with the occult or demons with a twisted view of God mostly from the Catholic church. So, I guess that is case closed, right? Let's dive a little deeper.

Another person on Twitter said a better question would be, "Is it permissible for Christian to watch horror movies?" Sounds like a fair question. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." Does apply to horror movies? Yes. Does this apply to all forms of entertainment? Indeed. When it comes to horror movies or any forms of entertainment, we should always approach it with a discernment. We should be aware of what kind of movie this is.

Some horror movies do contain sex scenes, so we have to be very careful about that and really wonder is this a movie that we should be seeing. There are places on the internet where you can search for a movie to see why it is rated R or any other rating such as Film Ratings.com and IMDb.

Granted we have the tools to help us know if a movie is appropriate or not to see, but we really to ask the question if a horror movie is something a follower of Christ should be watching. The same can be true with crime drama and sporting events. Do I have the freedom to watch horror movies? Yes, but, as I said earlier, you need to be discerning when approaching them movies or any form of entertainment. Is watching them permissible, yes, but is it helpful.

I really wish I can give a more direct answer, but this lies within where you are in your walk with Jesus. Some may feel like those movies should be avoid while others do not. If you are a brother or sister that watches horror movies, let me give you some caution from the Bible, "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9). Yes, this passage is in context to food being sacrificed to idols, but the principal is the same. We should never use our freedom as a stumbling block. If you are a brother or sister that avoids horror movies, do not judge those who watch them. Once again, this is a Christian freedom issue, but, like all things we do, must be approached with discernment.