‘Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life» (Proverbs 4:23).
DECISIONS
on many occasions I have been asked about the theater. Is it good or bad? For many years, the church has taught that young people should not attend these places because of the surrounding environments. Even the church manual warns that They are not the best places for a Christian. However, I have sometimes thought that these lands of restrictions have provoked situations that were not foreseen in the past
Many young people believe that the problem of going to the theater—to name one of the arts—lies with the place where the film is projected. So they prevail in •not sinning» by attending a movie theater, but however, they have no problem watching the same movie at home over the Internet or when it appears on DVD or, worse yet, they obtain a pirate edition (an action contrary to Christian ethics) and enjoy watching it with their friends. So, the supposed restriction of going to the theater, at the same time, works as a permit to see any type of movie at home. And today many young believers are watching more movies than ever without any criterion to choose the best within this art venue. The problem with many movies is dear content. Many teach values that go against and that are offensive to a Christian, for example: money is the basis of happiness, pleasure is very important, success equals fame, power, and fortune; that Christians are eccentric, rare, intolerant, and anachronistic; that passionate love overcomes all obstacles; that the problems of life can be solved without God. All these ideas are presented through seductive stories and seasoned with attractive actors, music, and special effects. A believer should not fill their head with these influences, either in a movie theater or at home.
However, we cannot close our eyes to the world of culture as it is a means of transmitting human concerns. Rather, we need to take advantage of art to proclaim the gospel. In fact, the church has already produced interesting films. I believe that the apostle Paul gave us a fundamental principle to choose the best in everything: «Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, Whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, Whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things» (Philippians 4:8).
Pray to Heaven to help you choose the best influences to edify your mind.