by Ronnie Reese

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2009

Should Christians watch rated R movies?

Before we jump to any hasty conclusions here, we need to know two things. First, what's a Christian? And, second, what is it about a movie that gives it an R-rating?

1) So, just what is a Christian, anyway? (Sometimes we wonder, don't we?)

A Christian is one who follows the example of Jesus Christ when he was here on the earth. Jesus' mission while on earth seemed to put him in places where people needed help. He didn't seem to be the type of individual who was in this world to just have a good time, just to be entertained. He was always busy helping others. So, a follower of Christ, a Christian would be found doing the same thing.

2) Would you know an R- Rated film if you saw one?

Movies with the Rating- 'R' are Films that May Contain the Following:

Strong profanity

Graphic sexuality

Nudity

Strong violence

Horror

Gore

Drug usage

That's quite a list, isn't it? Does that sound like things to be watched by the person we describe above as a 'Christian'? Now, before you answer this let's take a look at another list. This is an itemized list of things that the Apostle Paul admonishes 'Christians' to look at and dwell upon.

Paul's List of Things to Look at and Dwell Upon

Things that are True

Things that are Noble

Things that are Right

Things that are Pure

Things that are Lovely

Things that are admirable

Things that are Excellent

Things that are Praiseworthy

(Philippians 4:8)

There's quite a contrast in our two lists isn't there? Obviously, everyone is going to do what they want to do. God gave us the power to choose. We are free moral agents. True, he still loves us even when we don't make the best of choices, but I think it makes him very proud when our choices are the same as the ones he would have made.

So in this author's opinion, if a person chooses to be a Christian it's my feeling that they need to contemplate what Jesus would do. Would He have chosen to have watched R-rated movies?

Some would say, "Yes He would have," to justify themselves and the course of action they choose to take. However, in a close look at the 4 Gospels we see Christ as one interested in the welfare of others. Jesus wasn't all about entertainment and having a good time.

He never did a miracle to help Himself. His miracles were always for others. If we could go through life and always have others' needs at the forefront in our hearts, then I truly believe we would be walking the same sandal worn path that Christ

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