Toxic House Guests

In the last reading (C. S. Lewis is Waiting), I talked about how we can spend time with C. S. Lewis through the pages of his books. He’s a good person to invite into our homes for this purpose.

But there are many writers, filmmakers, and music artists I won’t allow in my home. Because their ideas don’t draw me closer to God…but actively oppose his ways. By the way, this happens in G-rated children’s shows as much as in R-rated films (just in different ways).

I refuse to knowingly engage in entertainment from creators that (due to their worldview) demeans God, mocks Christians, features gratuitous violence, or includes sexually explicit content. Sadly, many believers don’t seem to mind. They justify their choices with rationalizations like:

“I agree it’s a bit edgy for most Christians, but I can handle it.” 

“Art isn’t really good or bad—but neutral. It’s all how the viewer interprets it.” 

“But it’s my favorite actor, franchise, or artist. I just overlook the bad parts.”

“Everybody’s talking about it. I want to see it to engage in the conversation.”

“Oh, come on. It’s just entertainment. Don’t overthink it.”

I don’t buy those excuses. They’re all based in self-desire, pleasure, ignorance, or fear of being left out. God’s wisdom doesn’t factor into any of those reasons. 

You wouldn’t have guests in your home to act out gratuitously violent or sexual scenes or sing perverted lyrics, right? So why is it okay to watch those very things through your screens? When you do, you are “voting” for it—through your money, view, and time—and telling that creator you want more of it.

So be careful who you invite into your home and your mind. Toxic house guests impact your heart and your art in deeply profound ways—for better or worse.

You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8 MSG)

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

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