Aletheia

Question: Is there anything wrong with seeing "R" rated movies?

Scripture: Rom 12:1-2; 13:14; Gal. 6:7-9

This question was a good one. It is a real life example of a choice to meet the standard or to forsake it completely. Rayna was the first to make a really good point. Our goal as Christians should be to please God above all else. One example that I like to look to in scripture of this being lived out is when Peter and the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin because they continued to preach despite the Sanhedrin commanding them not to. In Acts 5:29 it says: "Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"

Rachel also brought up a good point that all people who have been through Mr. Kellner's class would know. She added onto Rayna in a way of not only saying that we should obey God, but glorify Him. Obedience can be done grudgingly or even apathetically. But to glorify God in all we do as it commands us in 1 Cor. 10:31 means to obey with joy and exuberance. Why joy and exuberance even though we may sometimes not like obeying God? Because of the reward and because it pleases God and is for our best interest.

Shanon then brought up our highest example: Jesus. When Jesus changed the law at will, turned the changing tables in the temple, or claimed to be God, He was not worried at all about what people thought of Him. Why? Because He was God and God can only be God, for if He were anything else He would cease to be God and all would cease to be. Also, He was not concerned about public approval, because opinions don't matter when fact and truth are involved.

I personally didn't say anything in class because I know that I would be a hypocrite if I said that we shouldn't do it. I watch a lot of R rated movies without even thinking about it. However, I do have the standard of either no or one short "love scene" at which point I close my eyes or leave the room or turn my head. Language doesn't effect me much. I haven't cussed in anger out loud for years. Though I may have thought the words in my head I quickly get rid of those thoughts. This, however is not completely in line with Rom. 12:1-2. I am not presenting myself holy and pleasing to God if I have such blemishes. Someday I will attain such holiness, but I have to die first. While here on earth though I should follow Rom. 13:14 and clothe myself with Christ and not think of how I might gratify my flesh.

The old saying, what goes in, comes out has been proven true in every day life, though we may not see it because what comes out is in a different form than that of when it went in, kind of like a hamburger. The Bible in many places talks about man reaping what he sows. Proverbs is a big one talking about sewing laziness reaps poverty. Gal. 6:7-9 talks about how if we sow to please our sinful nature, then we will reap destruction; but sowing to please the spirit reaps eternal life. Which will win, the spirit or the flesh? The one we feed more.

Just like you said, sin should not be funny nor entertaining to Christians. God is with us wherever we go and we need to think "would God approve of what I'm watching?" The standard is black and white in most areas, and the gray ones may as well be black because there is risk in them. Will I meet the standard? No, I won't, at least for a while. Just like many teenage Christians these days, I don't know what it is to hate sin. When I learn, then shall great strides be taken toward eternity.

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