What Are We Looking At?

What Are We Looking At?


Why not watch sex in the movies? In thinking through reasons why we shouldn’t watch television and movies with sexual content, I have decided to explore why God desires for us to use our time in a way that is more glorifying to Him. First, let me define “sex in the movies”. I personally see this as anything with sexually explicit conversation, scantily-clad people, or actual sexual activity. If I am to avoid this, my choices at the theater are considerably narrowed. As human beings, we are designed to respond emotionally and physically to behavior of this sort, as it all leads to something God created for us. So why do I have several objections to being exposed to someone else’s (the world’s) opinion on this subject?

One good reason for me to avoid movies with sexual content is that God values my marriage and wants me to keep it sacred. I also value my marriage, and personally do not want my sexual relationship with my husband influenced by the world. One may argue that we are married and are mature adults, so why not have a “romantic” night out watching a “romantic” movie. It can’t hurt a strong Christian marriage? Right? The problem with this opinion is that once sexual material has been added to a movie, it will arguably cause us to question and compare our own relationship to the idealistic relationship happening on the screen. Personally, I will begin comparing myself to the woman’s body, and would rather those comparisons never creep into my mind. Watching members of the opposite sex engaged in activities that should be private, not only brings doubts, ideas, and insecurities into our minds, it also brings the temptation to be looking at someone lustfully other than our husband or wife. Matthew 5:28 says, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

If our relationships weren’t influences by those on TV and in the media, we would have less to compare to, and thus would never know the difference between our private sexual relationship and those portrayed every few seconds on television. God created sex to be between a man and woman in a covenantal marriage relationship, so why should we even allow ideas to enter that relationship that are outside of what God has given us as a couple?

In the same vein, young people who are not yet in a sacred marriage relationship are also very much influenced by what they see portrayed by Hollywood. Most young people have seen hundreds of relationships in the movies that are ungodly and have heard many conversations containing sexual dialogue that are just as bad as the actions. If in the future they are blessed to enter a marriage relationship, they will be carrying many ideas and expectations that are not of the Lord. Instead of entering a marriage ready to explore this new blessing of sex uninfluenced, their minds will be full of pictures that could cause insecurities and potentially hinder the couple in creating their own unique and special relationship. Of course, we will likely be exposed to ungodly sexual behavior in circumstances other than movies and TV, but why not take one extra step towards God’s desire for us to be holy by avoiding that avenue altogether?

Whether married or single, the Bible urges us to stay away from any sexual sin. In 1Thessalonians 4:3-4, we read that “God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin. Then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honor – not in lustful passion as the pagans do, in their ignorance of God and his ways.”

If we continue to attend these movies as Christians whose purpose in life should be to glorify God, we are saying that we approve of these ungodly behaviors and relationships. Then, when we give that approval, there will be no reason for Hollywood not to continue adding content that is more and more disgusting. If we (and I know we are a pretty significant number) choose not to attend these movies, we are not providing even more encouragement for this to escalate.

After saying all this, I must admit that I enjoy watching a good “chick flick” as much as the next girl and am not opposed to watching movies or TV in general. Ultimately, we all need to simply stop and ask ourselves if what we are watching is glorifying and pleasing to God. If it isn’t, let’s turn it off! If it is, have a fun evening at the movies! (Better yet, read a good book as a family, go for a drive or a long walk or even have a game night.)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Cor. 10:31
“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:13-14
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8