by John Durant

Created on: January 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 19, 2008

Should Christians watch R-rated movies? Should Christians eat lunch at Hooters? Should Christians do anything that would be considered a temptation to commit sin if they're serious about their faith?

There are many denominations in the Christian faith that range from liberal to ultra-conservative, and I'm sure each one of them would have different opinions about the choices we make in our everyday lives. Priests, pastors and church elders often give advice about these real-life issues, and can help guide modern day Christians through a secular world which has become a spiritual minefield. I think most of them would spare a few minutes to recommend entertainment that would be considered safe for Christian consumption.

Fortunately, there are many Christian-based TV networks and radio stations for those who don't want to be constantly bombarded with lewd or offensive media. Each Christian has to make their own decision whether or not to subject themselves to R-rated movies, or anything else that has the potential to erode their faith. Many Christian denominations have very clear rules and by-laws that discourage their members from engaging in any secular activities.

Some churches preach that watching TV is a sin, so if you belong to a congregation like this, watching an R-rated movie would probably be considered a one way ticket to hell. If a church doesn't believe women should wear makeup or wear any type of clothing that would be considered revealing or offensive, then I would assume movies which may contain nudity would be considered off limits. I don't think a Christian who has chosen to be a member of an ultra-conservative church should be meddling with anything secular. If a person chooses that type of church they should live by those principles, and if they aren't willing to conform to church by-laws, then they should try changing to a more liberal denomination.

There are denominations that don't have an issue with parishioners watching R-rated movies, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or engaging in secular activities with non-Christians. These churches don't believe that Christians have to live by the letter of the law, and that faith isn't measured by a member's ability to live a perfect life. Are these folks any less faithful because they choose to expose themselves to secular media? I don't have the answer to that, but according to the bible, Jesus frowned upon the Pharisees who were completely obsessed with rule of law. He seemed to be more concerned about faith, love and salvation for those who believed in him.

Christians in today's world face many temptations and challenges in their daily lives that can test or destroy their faith, so it may be unwise to look for trouble by watching movies which contain profanity, nudity, graphic violence, or adult content. If a Christian has doubts about watching R-rated movies or engaging in other secular activities they should probably get on their knees and pray about it, and trust that God will point them in the right direction.

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