Watching horror movies may be fun, especially with friends or even with the lights off. When we get right down to it, fear is a feeling unlike any other. Fear causes us to flee in a fight-or-flight reaction, but occasionally, terror may be joyful.
We may cover our eyes, hide under a blanket, or turn away, but we’re still prepared to stay in front of a big screen for an hour and a half to see something that may be somewhat or extremely uncomfortable because, deep down, we know it’s only a movie.
A horror film is a narrative that evokes “an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.” Horror stories have always existed, but they have always been specific to the societies in which they originated.
Many traditional fairy tales; just as violent as most of today’s “horror”: were taught to youngsters as moral lessons or as a deterrent to misbehavior.
As everyone knows, life is not always a joyful and inspirational romantic comedy; occasionally, harsher tales are required to convey a particular point.
However, as individuals become less sensitive, something that was formerly thought to be a standard for nightmares may now be exploited as a low-cost pleasure appropriate for a television ad. Because of this, it is more difficult to shock a crowd that has grown up with stylized gore and a shakier moral code.
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Contents
- 1 Is it OK for Christians to watch horror films?
- 2 Reasons why its advisable to stay away from horror films as a Christian
- 2.1 1. You are the one who knows yourself the best in the end
- 2.2 2. Some horror films exalt Satan
- 2.3 3. Horror films provide Satan with a platform.
- 2.4 4. Horror films cause us to see dark and evil visions in our minds
- 2.5 5. We are the world’s light.
- 2.6 6. Horror films show gloom. Should we share in the darkness?
- 2.7 7. We are neither inspired nor edified by the film’s conclusion
Is it OK for Christians to watch horror films?
The fact that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” should be a constant reminder to us as Christians (Ephesians 6:12).
We are aware that demons exist and that their goal is to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). Spiritual warfare is a serious topic that should not be taken lightly since Satan and his minions will stop at nothing to throw us off.
Whatever decisions we make, whether they have to do with our lives or the media, we should always pay attention to what the Holy Spirit tells us via our conscience.
Does He say, “No, don’t watch that”? Then refrain from it! Do you doubt that the Holy Spirit is refusing to say yes? In such a case, it would be wiser to steer away from whatever you’re unsure of, at least until you receive a certain response. Nothing (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30) is worth suppressing the voice of God!
Second, have you received a no from your parents? Then, you must respect and follow their decision regardless of the movies you believe appropriate (Ephesians 6:1-3).
How am I supposed to be able to judge horror films?
Our sensitivity to sin and evil should increase as we deepen our faith. As lighthouses in a world of darkness and evil, we are meant to be unique (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
“Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute” (Philippians 4:8) should be our constant focus.
Nevertheless, some people can locate the items mentioned in Philippians 4:8 in scary or horror movies. Certain “horror” films reveal more reality and pose more thought-provoking topics than one may anticipate.
Some horror movies are even produced by Christian directors, who use their distinct perspectives on the world to illustrate the realities of issues that many other Christian media refuse to address or to reach a new audience who may not otherwise be exposed to God’s Truth.
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Reasons why its advisable to stay away from horror films as a Christian
1. You are the one who knows yourself the best in the end
Some people need to avoid unnecessary scares since they already suffer from fear and no longer need stimulation in that area. Step away from horror and terrifying movies if they make you question your values and conscience, make it harder for you to fall asleep in God’s safe embrace, or even make you look for an excuse to watch them.
If you choose to watch these kinds of movies, examine your intentions, your emotions, and if you can, your research. Be advised that very few review websites can ever be 100 percent reliable; all have some degree of prejudice, no matter how little. Recognize your limitations.
Recognize your shortcomings. Seek direction from God. You may belong to people who find personal enlightenment in horror films.
2. Some horror films exalt Satan
There is no doubt that the creators of horror films compete with one another. They make every effort to surpass one another’s output.
They aim to create a movie that is as violent, frightening, and gory as possible. That explains why horror films have a lot of bloodshed, mayhem, screams, and carnage.
Better still, the more bloodshed. It’s impossible to ignore the reality that horror films glorify agony, death, and all other things that belong to Satan.
Satan motivated the imaginations of these movie producers and filmmakers to create movies as violent and horrific as possible. They fervently want to be the scariest film ever made this year. The motif that unites all horror films is their focus on the macabre.
According to what the Bible says:
“..I WANT YOU TO BE FREE FROM DEMON FELLOWSHIP. You cannot eat from both the Lord’s table and the devils’ table; you cannot drink from both the Lord’s and the demons’ cups (I Corinthians 10:20-21).
3. Horror films provide Satan with a platform.
Ephesians 4:26–27 tells us:
“Be enraged, but do not sin” means that you should not let the devil or the sun set on your fury.
Have you ever had trouble falling asleep after viewing a scary movie? Have you ever had the sensation of becoming terrified of something you were never afraid of before?
Have you ever noticed how vividly horrific and disturbing scenes from horror films linger in your memory?
That’s one way you can push the devil aside, then. It is important to note that watching scary films makes us feel bad. We are amusing Satan’s thoughts and ideas when we watch scary movies, and it provides us with a footing.
Satan is a cunning person. He will exploit even the slightest vulnerability we have. If we fail to atone for the little transgressions in our lives, the penalties will ultimately get worse and more deadly.
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4. Horror films cause us to see dark and evil visions in our minds
Philippians 4:8 tells us:
“In conclusion, brothers, consider these things: whatever is pure, lovely, commendable, just, honorable, just, or anything deserving of praise. If any excellence or anything is deserving of praise: THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS” (Philippians 4:8).
It’s a fact that ninety per cent of the information that enters our minds through our eyes gets stored in our brains and stays there for a long time.
Horror films should never have been in the first place if we were to occupy the attention of God! Remembering what King David penned in Psalms 101:3–4 is important.
“I refuse to let anything useless come before my eyes. I would not say I like the work of the disillusioned; it will not stick to me. I will be distant from a twisted heart and ignorant of evil.
5. We are the world’s light.
Every Christian needs to shine for the world. Jesus Christ, or Yahshua, informed us:
“You are the world’s light.” It is impossible to hide a city perched on a hill. Additionally, they light a lamp on a lampstand to shine on everyone within the house rather than put it beneath a basket.
Let your light shine so that people may see your good deeds and give thanks to your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:14-16).
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We must move away from everything concerning the dark side as we draw nearer to God. God despises Satan and the evil he brought into the world. As a result, we need to work especially hard to resist Satan’s seduction, which includes watching scary movies.
When we watch horror films or even urge others to do the same, can we truly argue that we are changing the world for the better? Are we exalting God or Satan when we watch scary movies with other people? Which side you choose to stand on is up to you.
7. We are neither inspired nor edified by the film’s conclusion
We have to use the limited time that God has given us wisely. With the little time we have left, we must manage it well. Having pleasure and getting additional benefits that enhance our lives is better than viewing scary movies.