Choosing Music and Movies

Choices, choices, choices. How do I decide on which movie, music or video game to spend my money? With so many options, from science fiction and action to Westerns, comedies, and love stories, there's no shortage of entertainment. But does it really matter which one we choose?

Not all options are good

According to one author, "Most television programming is insipid, illicit, and idiotic" ("How the Bombarding Images of TV Culture Undermine the Power of Words," Modern Reformation, January/February 2001, Douglas S. Groothuis Ph.D., p. 39). It is obvious to those who have been watching TV and movies for years that there is more violence and sex than ever before—actually, quite a lot more. An ever-increasing number of movies and shows feature openly gay characters. While these productions may entertain and stimulate, are they really good for you? Are they appropriate for Christians?

In 1939, Rhett Butler, talking angrily to Scarlett O'Hara in the cinematic blockbuster, Gone With the Wind, appeared without his shirt and also used the word "damn." The audience was shocked. This epic movie about the Civil War was considered controversial because of this one word and shirtlessness. Today, nudity or partial nudity is normal and the use of expletives is so commonplace that removing them would leave some characters with little dialogue.

Today, casual sex, graphically depicted, is almost expected between the main characters in a majority of movies. Ratings of movies have been steadily getting looser—meaning less and less is being censored. Full frontal nudity, graphic violence and generous quantities of the "f---" word are no longer considered shocking.

Marshall McLuhan remarked that, "We become what we behold" (ibid., p. 33) and Groothuis elaborates, "When we become habituated to a particular form of communication, our mentalities and sensibilities bear its mark" (ibid.). Joshua Meyrowitch, a professor of communication, complains that his students tend to have an image-based standard of truth. "If I ask, 'What evidence supports your view or contradicts it?,' they look at me as if I came from another planet" (ibid., p. 35).

The apostle Paul wrote, "Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Is it any less true of words from a song or an image from the big screen? Don't we also corrupt our minds by taking in words and images that are evil?

Guidelines for choosing movies and music

• Is this appropriate? Are the words of the song or the plot of the movie good for me? It is true that options are often few, whether you're at a major cineplex or browsing your streaming service at home. While the powerful combination of surround sound and high definition can provide captivating imagery, we must ask: what about our minds? Shouldn't we protect this vital gateway to our character? The answer is a definite YES!
• Will this be uplifting and positive? Inspiring music can lift your spirit. For example, during a visit to the EPCOT Center at Disney World, I witnessed a breathtaking parade with giant puppets, dancers, and energetic drumming, all set to beautiful, inspiring music. It left such an impression that I had to get the soundtrack for my collection. Music should fit the mood but not create a negative or destructive one. With so many music options available today, make wise decisions and choose music that inspires and encourages.
• What are the alternatives? Sometimes, instead of watching a movie, it might be more enjoyable and rewarding to do something else. You could gather with friends to discuss ideas and plans or go to a park to play Frisbee or football. The possibilities for fun, creative and meaningful activities are endless. Movies are becoming more expensive and can often introduce ideas that aren't pure or uplifting. Sometimes, simply spending time in a peaceful setting with friends, learning from each other and sharing concerns, is a healthier choice for building lasting relationships.

You have choices—use them wisely

Unfortunately, many of the things that become popular are products designed for profit, not character building. Companies targeting a younger demographic often use this to their advantage.

We live in fascinating and electrifying times in which free time and money are more readily available to spend on entertainment. What you take into your mind is very important. King David, as a young man, was a musician and his skills were such that he was called upon to calm the troubled spirit of Saul (1 Samuel 16:23).

There are many troubled people today who could use a friend with qualities to show the way to true peace. The frenetic pace of today's world, with many broken families and shattered lives, cries out for those who can calm troubled spirits. If you are like most people, movies and music provide a powerful influence in your life. Why not choose music and movies that uplift your spirit and draw you closer to God?