Movies and Entertainment: A Moral Crisis

Movies have been a huge part of our society ever since they were invented. The developing technology has advanced movie making and special effects to a whole new level. At the same time however, the morality contained in movies has declined over the past several decades. This decline in moral principle is due to the society being so influenced by greed, fame, sex and drugs. These highly immoral things have overtaken the youth. This problem is a vicious cycle. People were taught all the above things were good and natural. They then taught their kids and those around them the same. And on and on it went.

Some people watch movies for the wrong reasons. Some people will watch a movie because an actress with strong sex appeal is the main star. Others will watch it for that and or the violence therein. Some people will watch a sinful movie to see if the movie is morally permissible but end up not condemning it. Others watch sinful movies because it is a "family favorite" and it somehow justifies the reason for watching it or my best friend Billy Bob recommended it so it must be moral. I'm sorry people, but these are pretty lame reasons. Your best friend may be of high moral standards and have many of the same opinions as you on this subject. I hate to break it to you but, your friend ain't infallible!

There should only be three reasons to watch movies. (Note that these are not what the church says but are my humble opinion about what the purpose of watching a movie is). They are the following:

To be cleanly and harmlessly entertained

To be uplifted

To learn some history

Sometimes a movie can be a good combination of two or all of them. Many people do not agree that movies should inspire or be clean.

Then comes the subject of movie genres. I myself have never liked comedies. I cannot think of a single comedy movie I have seen which is neither sleazy nor vulgar. Action movies tend to be better but may still contain vulgarity or sleaze. Drama movies are similar in this regard but may include many sensual references and may have the focus of the movie on a controversial or maybe even sinful subject.

Do not think that by reading this I am condemning movies. On the contrary, I love movies and we can use them to bring the gospel to people! God has admitted for advances in technology and the media for the furthering of his kingdom! Let's not miss the opportunity!