Miming, or silent acting out of events or stories through gestures and bodily movements, is not directly addressed in the Bible. However, there are a few principles and passages from Scripture that can provide insight into how mime relates to Christian faith and practice.
1. The Purpose of Miming
Miming is a creative art form that can be used for entertainment, communication, and education. From a Christian perspective, these purposes are not inherently wrong, but their moral value depends on the specific content and motives involved. As with all creative arts, miming should seek to honor God and serve others in a positive way (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2. Deceitfulness of Miming
Because miming involves acting out fictional events, it could potentially be associated with falsehood and deceit. The Bible strongly warns against deceit, dishonesty and telling lies (Proverbs 12:22, Colossians 3:9-10). However, when done for legitimate purposes like storytelling or humor, and without intent to mislead, miming does not necessarily constitute lying.
3. Distinction from Magic and Occult Practices
In some cultural contexts, miming has been linked with magic, mysticism, and occult practices. The Bible clearly forbids all occult practices and witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). However, miming in itself does not involve any supernatural powers or invocation of spiritual forces. When practiced simply as acting without occult associations, it does not conflict with biblical principles.
4. Appropriateness of Content and Setting
As with all forms of creative expression for Christians, discernment is needed regarding mime content and setting. Any displays of immorality, vulgarity or otherwise inappropriate content would be unwise and unbiblical (Ephesians 5:3-4). Performing mime in places closely associated with immorality or false worship could also be problematic (1 Corinthians 10:14-22).
5. Miming for God
Miming does not necessarily have to be worldly entertainment. Some Christian performing artists use mime specifically for worship, teaching biblical truths, and sharing the gospel. This is appropriate as long as the content brings glory to God and aligns with Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 28:19-20).
6. Issue of Silence
Because miming involves silence, some question if it conflicts with using our voices and words to praise God (Psalm 63:5, 71:8). However, Scripture does not forbid silence entirely, and miming is a way to artistically communicate without speaking. As long as it is not a replacement for verbal praise and proclamation of God’s truth, mime can potentially be an expression of Christian faith.
7. Moderation and Self-Control
As with many creative pursuits, mime could potentially be taken to excess or become idolatrous. Christians should exercise moderation and self-control (1 Corinthians 9:27, Titus 1:8), keeping mime and all hobbies in their proper place without letting them displace God as first priority.
8. Motivations and Attitudes
More important than mime itself are the heart motivations behind it. Whether miming, acting, singing, painting or any creative endeavor, Christians should evaluate their motivations based on biblical principles (Matthew 6:21, 22:37-38). A right heart attitude pleases God far more than outward behaviors alone.
In summary, the Bible does not directly address miming but provides principles and examples to guide discernment about it. Miming is neither universally condemned nor condoned. With wisdom, moderation, and careful biblical examination of its purposes and contents, miming could potentially be used for God’s glory as a creative expression of Christian faith.
The Bible passage most relevant to mime and acting is Jeremiah 10:2-5 (ESV):
Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”
This shows that acting and performance art have been around since ancient times for both true and false worship. The context here is condemning idolatry, but the passage also implicitly acknowledges drama and mime as creative endeavors separate from occult practices. This gives biblical precedent for using the arts – including mime and acting – for righteous purposes that align with Christian values.
Some other biblical principles applicable to mime and performing arts include:
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
But I say to you that every idle word that men speak, they will render an account for it in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
In conclusion, a balanced biblical approach to mime and performing arts avoids the extremes of complete avoidance or unrestrained participation. With wisdom, discretion, and pure motivations, miming can potentially be used for God’s glory, but should still be kept in moderation to avoid idolatry. The principles of Christian liberty, good stewardship, and bringing honor to God should guide the use of mime and all creative expressions by believers.