At the start of the weekend it seems appropriate to broach the subject of movies. Our Plugged In team receives thousands of emails each year, asking a variety of entertainment-related questions. I’d like to share one which we received recently:
In your movie ratings you include a section labeled “profanity.” I have a particular problem when the Name of Jesus is used as a cuss word….My question is this: Is it a sin to watch a movie where Jesus Name is used this way? Or is it proper to keep in mind that evil characters are just being true to their character? It’s easy to justify because I’m not using His Name in that manner, yet at the same time I wonder if I am dishonoring Him by continuing to watch a movie that does so.
Here’s how Bob Waliszewski, the director of our Plugged In ministry here at Focus, responded.
He wrote:
Great question! For me, hearing Jesus’ Name abused as a profanity is like fingernails down a chalkboard! But does that mean that if I willingly go to a movie with full knowledge the dialogue utilizes a misuse of our Savior’s Name that I’m sinning?
I know without a shadow of a doubt that speaking Jesus’ Name as if it were a profanity is wrong. But the person who sent this email recognizes that as well. Her point is, “Hey, it’s not me using it. I’m just watching it. Is it sinful?”
I’ll be honest, I struggle over whether or not it’s a sin to watch a movie that abuses our Savior’s Name in this fashion. However, applying the WWJD? principle to the question (something I highly promote when I speak publicly on media discernment), it seems likely that if Jesus were walking the planet physically today with his 12 disciples, and if Peter or John asked the question, He would advise against it.
Now that may seem a bit wishy-washy to those who want a definite yes or no. I wish I could find the answer in the Bible–you know II Hezekiah 3:16, the one that reads, “Thou shalt not watch a movie or listen to a song or play a video game that misuses my Name as if it were a swear word.” But it’s simply not there.
Still God hasn’t been silent on the issue. Let me remind you that when the Creator of the Universe narrowed down all life’s rules to a list of 10, He etched on a stone tablet (twice), “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” [Exodus 20:7)
I find it incredibly frustrating, even sickening, that Hollywood’s writers and actors seem to care so little about this third Commandment. But equally troubling is that many Christians today ignore—or have forgotten—how important God’s Name is!
Is it a big deal? Now, that’s a question I can comfortably answer. I’ve already mentioned the 10 Commandments. Now, let’s go back in time to Moses day and imagine asking this Jewish leader whether or not it really matters. Let’s assume we catch up with Moses shortly after he returns from his 40 day stay on Mount Sinai. It’s hard to imagine Moses responding to our inquiry with: “Well, misuses of God’s Name are rampant these days so just get used to hearing ‘em. With regards to the 10 Commandments, I think Yahweh was pretty serious about nine of them. But this one about His Name, not so much.”
Bob concluded:
I’m currently reading a book about a woman from England who explored much of Colorado by herself on horseback in 1873. Referencing one particular Colorado frontier town and about America in general during that time, Isabella Bird remarks, “Americans are given over to the most atrocious swearing, and the blasphemous use of our Savior’s name is peculiarly revolting.” [A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains, Isabella Bird, pg. 188]
More than one hundred years later, I agree completely with Ms. Bird: the blasphemous use of our Savior’s name is peculiarly revolting. As such, when it comes to film, I believe simply saying no (or watching on a ClearPlay machine that edits out objectionable content) seems to be the most Christ-honoring approach overall.
Thanks for your thoughtful and God honoring perspective, Bob. How we choose to spend our time and what we choose to invest our precious time in is a reflection of how we view the creator of the universe. And though it’s true the Bible is silent on the specifics of movie choices, it’s helpful to know that the Lord’s Word is clear on just how important it is to honor and respect His name.
I welcome your thoughts.
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Michael says
-I am a physician. The other night I stopped watching 6 movies because of the exclamations using God or Jesus’ name. This doesn’t seem to be a mature nor realistic approach. Please comment, thanks.
Nat says
-We stop watching any movie or television show that uses God’s name in vain. There is no need for it and the fact that it seeped into entertainment so easily and is going unchecked or is not being boycotted by Christians is concerning.
Kim says
-I don’t watch TV shows, and I have walked out of movie theaters where God’s name is used in vain. I love my Heavenly Father too much to willingly be a part of such disrespect. I don’t understand why TV shows and movie makers think this adds anything to a show or movie… It actually takes away what might otherwise be an okay show or movie.
Robert Harrell says
-As a Christian,, I concede I enjoy watching action packed & horror type movies as well at times. My wife & I both cringe when the use of the Lord’s name in vain is mentioned & she’ll walk out the room when it continues. I think there are certain networks such as “the SyFy network” is intentionally notorious viewing movies of this nature,, it’s almost as though they seek them out with the intention in mind to willfully slander God’s Holy name while insulting Christians. I didn’t know about the “Clear Play” device or feature that can be utilized to filter out such language. There must have been a specific reason for me reading this article. I will indeed research the usage & function of it & if practical,, will surely apply it to/for our television viewing.
Thanks so much for that information,, God bless you for it.
Jim says
-I started by throwing away movies that used the name of Christ in vain. However, now I can’t seem to watch any fiction as it now appears as bogus people lying and making faces in front of a camera.
Dorothy says
-There are so few programs that a person can comfortably watch that have no profanities. A few sitcom use no cursing but yet “oh God” throughout the segment. It troubles me greatly. I have to repent and try to find something else or not watch tv at all. But the other thing that I question are Christians who say “oh my God” in their everyday conversations and preacher from the pulpit using no in praying or in teaching but in expressions other than honor. My spirit is always uncomfortable with that kind of us sage of His Holy Name. Thank you for your insight. Let me know if you think I’m wrong. God bless you and your work at building better families and people.
Anne Lane says
-Disrespect of Jesus name is becoming more and more prevalent. This insidious practice has become commonplace on TV and it seems no one cares. I have written many letters expressing my dismay. One wonders why script writers choose not to take advantage of the vast array of other curse words. Could this dishonoring of our Lord’s name be deliberate?
Gregg Rogers says
-I have a major issue with Jesus’ name being used in any way other than in praise or utmost respect. Over the years I have purchased many Hollywood movies on DVD. When watching a movie, as soon as any character in a movie uses the name of Jesus to curse or swear, I stop the movie and put it in a pile of DVD’s that I have rejected, and will throw into the garbage. I do not accept the use of Jesus or His Father’s name as a curse or swear word. It’s that simple!
Mike says
– I agree whole heartedly. We once went to a theater showing and walked out due to this issue.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/rom.12.2.kjv