For some believers, Christian entertainment is a source of debate and division.
Productions like “Jesus Revolution,” “Southern Gospel,” “The Chosen” and even “The Nativity,” from a few years ago, receive negative backlash from some Christians.
There are two main complaints: the shows lack theological depth or biblical accuracy; the lifestyles of some of the people involved don’t align with Christian values.
Both complaints have some validity and it’s fair to point out those discrepancies.
Big issues to consider
The larger questions, however, are what you really are expecting from Christian entertainment and how much those issues matter.
Movies, concerts and other productions are primarily entertainment, not Bible studies or theology lectures. They are someone’s artistic impression about and expression of past events.
They are, of course, shaped by the character, imagination and capacities of the creatives who produce them. Since all people are sinful, everything they create has flaws — but that doesn’t necessarily mean evil — just imperfect. And even then, these productions are significantly more uplifting than most of what is available through other media sources.
Something worth celebrating
Given the panoramic wasteland of entertainment options promoted today, it seems we should be celebrating almost any attempt at wholesome alternatives.
Most secular entertainment offers a steady stream of profanity, nudity, immorality and content that contradicts everything Christians stand for.
While Christian entertainers — including actors, comedians, musicians and other creatives — are far from perfect, their attempts to produce something a family can enjoy together should be celebrated, not denigrated.
Christian entertainment is entertainment.
Keep that in mind as you evaluate and comment on it. The purpose is artistic expression, not replacing sound teaching you receive through church.
Seminary classrooms and church pulpits are places where serious Bible teaching takes place; Regal Cinemas and Prime Video are not. Clarifying those expectations will help you enjoy Christian entertainment and benefit from the positive contribution it makes.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jeff Iorg and originally published by Gateway.
