Can Christians Watch Secular Movies?

Can Christians Watch Secular Movies?

Focused: Christian and secular media

As Christians, we’re often caught in a tension between enjoying the world around us and living a life set apart for Christ. One question that keeps popping up, especially among younger believers, is: Can Christians watch secular movies?

Let’s explore this together not with a list of dos and don’ts, but with honest reflection, biblical insight, and practical wisdom for navigating the world of entertainment.

What Do We Mean by “Secular Movies”?

When we say “secular movies,” we’re referring to films that are not made by or for Christians and that don’t necessarily promote biblical values. Think Marvel movies, romantic comedies, thrillers, or indie dramas that explore human stories but don't mention God.

Some may include profanity, sexual content, violence, or worldviews that don’t align with Scripture. Others may be clean but still considered “secular” because they focus on worldly themes. So the real question becomes: is watching secular content harmful to our walk with Christ?

Biblical Discernment vs. Legalism

The Bible doesn’t give a list of approved movies. But it offers principles:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely... think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

This verse encourages us to filter our thoughts. Watching a secular movie isn’t automatically sinful, but it should never dull our sensitivity to God’s truth. We must walk in discernment, not in legalism or careless freedom.

How Media Shapes Us

Whether we notice or not, movies shape how we see the world. They can stir compassion or normalize sin. Repeated exposure to content that mocks God, glorifies sin, or celebrates rebellion slowly shifts our spiritual sensitivity.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

This doesn’t mean we avoid all secular content, but we must guard our eyes and be honest about how media affects our spirit.

Is There Value in Secular Stories?

Yes! Some secular movies carry deep truth about love, forgiveness, justice, or redemption. Films like The Pursuit of Happyness or Les Misérables powerfully echo Gospel truths.

As Paul quoted Greek poets in Acts 17, we too can recognize God’s fingerprints in secular stories. Truth is truth even when it comes from unexpected places.

The Danger of Normalizing Sin

That said, not all secular media is safe. Some content glorifies evil and desensitizes us to what grieves God’s heart. If we consume this regularly, we risk compromising our convictions and growing spiritually numb.

This is why discernment matters. Just because a movie is popular doesn’t mean it’s edifying.

5 Questions to Ask Before Watching

• Does this glorify sin or celebrate evil?
• Will it help or hinder my walk with God?
• Would I watch this with Jesus beside me?
• Is this feeding my flesh or my spirit?
• Am I watching this out of boredom—or with purpose?

Freedom in Christ—With Boundaries

We are saved by grace, not by what we watch. But our choices matter. 1 Corinthians 10:23 says:

“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.”

Christians have freedom but also responsibility. Watching secular movies isn’t about rules; it’s about honoring our relationship with Jesus.

Practical Tips for Navigating Secular Media

• Use filters: tools like VidAngel can skip bad content.
• Read reviews: use PluggedIn or Common Sense Media.
• Watch in community: with family or Christian friends.
• Balance your media: mix in sermons, Christian content, worship music.
• Pray before watching: ask God for wisdom and discernment.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Rules It’s About Relationship

So, can Christians watch secular movies? It depends on the movie, your maturity, and your heart posture.

Jesus calls us to be set apart—not by hiding from culture, but by approaching it with discernment. Let’s not be legalistic or careless. Let’s be led by the Spirit in everything even what we watch for entertainment.

What About You?

Do you struggle with your entertainment choices? How do you decide what’s appropriate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tags: Christian and secular media, can Christians watch secular movies, Christian entertainment choices, faith and movies, Christian discernment