Should we as Christians watch television (TV)?
Television has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. For Christians, deciding whether or not to watch TV can be a complex issue. On one hand, television offers entertainment, information, education, and connection. However, much TV content contains violence, sexuality, coarse language, and unbiblical worldviews that contradict Christian values. How should Christians approach this popular medium?
The Bible does not explicitly mention television, as the technology did not exist at the time. However, there are some biblical principles that can guide believers in evaluating TV viewership. Ultimately, mature Christians can prayerfully make their own decisions about appropriate media choices. But all believers should thoughtfully consider both benefits and potential pitfalls.
Benefits of Watching TV
Television can have positive impacts when viewed discerningly. Some of the potential benefits include:
Entertainment and Relaxation – Watching television can be an enjoyable way to relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). As long as it does not become excessive, TV can provide lighthearted entertainment.
Connection and Community – Many people enjoy watching television together with family or friends. Shared interests in certain shows can foster meaningful connection. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). TV viewing can sometimes facilitate positive relationships.
Education and Information – Television provides convenient access to documentaries, educational shows, and news. Being informed about current events can help Christians engage thoughtfully with the world. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 27:12). Wise believers seek knowledge.
Exposure to New People and Cultures – Through travel shows, reality TV, and more, television can increase understanding of the incredible diversity among God’s people. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes…” (Revelation 7:9). TV can build empathy.
Potential Dangers of Watching TV
However, television also carries risks and temptations of which Christians should be aware:
Time Wasting and Addiction – Excessive television viewing can easily become a mindless habit and distraction from more important priorities. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). TV must not take priority over godly living.
Exposure to Immorality – Much mainstream programming contains offensive levels of violence, sexuality, profanity, and other unbiblical content. “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes…” (Psalm 101:3a). Even morally neutral shows can desensitize viewers to sinful patterns.
False Ideologies and Worldviews – Secular television espouses humanistic philosophies and values that contradict a biblical worldview. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition…” (Colossians 2:8). Christians must discern ungodly messages.
Passivity and Lack of Interaction – Watching television can become a passive activity that discourages active engagement, relationships, service, and Christian ministry. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24). Excess TV can discourage godly priorities.
Idolizing Fame, Fortune, Beauty – Reality shows, Hollywood and celebrity culture promote dangerous aspirations like money, power, popularity and status. “Do not love the world or the things in the world…” (1 John 2:15). Media must not distort Christian values.
Time Displacement – The time spent watching TV substitutes for other more active and meaningful pursuits like Bible reading, prayer, service, real-life interactions, enjoying nature, and using gifts productively. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Television competes for finite time.
Biblical Principles for Discerning TV Viewership
Given TV’s mixed impact, how should Christians decide what television to watch and how much? Here are some key biblical principles that can provide guidance:
Hold loosely earthly entertainment – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2). Entertainment cannot be our priority.
Fill the mind with truth – “Finally, brothers, 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). Does the TV program encourage godly thinking?
Guard your heart – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23). Does this show tempt or desensitize me to sin?
Be in the world, not of it – “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14). Is the worldview depicted on this program biblical?
Avoid even a hint of evil – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11). Could an outside observe even question whether this content aligns with Scripture?
Consider your conscience – “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5b). Does the Holy Spirit within me signal any unease?
Will it master me? – “Everything is permissible for me–but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me–but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Is this show becoming addictive?
Does it cause others to stumble? – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” (Romans 14:21). Might my viewership normalize sin for more vulnerable Christians?
Seeking righteousness, not condemnation – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1). My standing with God does not depend on perfectly rigid standards.
Christian Liberty in the Holy Spirit
Within these biblical principles, specific decisions about appropriate television choices require prayerful wisdom. Mature Christians filled with the Holy Spirit have liberty in Christ to follow their conscience after diligent reflection.
Younger or struggling Christians may need to entirely abstain from secular media exposure to avoid temptation. Those more established in their faith can engage thoughtfully, aware of personal weaknesses and mindful that their media decisions also impact others.
Some considerations when evaluating specific programs may include:
– Profanity/Coarse Language: Is it excessive, gratuitous, or mocking of what is holy?
– Sexual Content/Nudity: Is it graphic, lustful, objectifying, or promoted as normal outside marriage?
– Violence: Is it gory, sadistic, glamorized or severing empathy?
– Worldview/Ideology: Does it implicitly or explicitly conflict with biblical truths?
– Time Displacement: Does this steal time from kingdom priorities and relationships?
– Addictive Draw: Does this foster binge-watching or escapism from real-world duties?
– Motives: Am I watching from wholesome motives or solely escapism?
– Legalism: Is my conscience wrongly condemning morally neutral content?
– Love: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10). Does this show foster love?
Wise viewers can develop personal boundaries around language, content, time limits, etc. that uphold their convictions. But legalistic rules often backfire, while grace and moderation guided by the Spirit prove more sustainable.
Accountability from other mature believers provides important guidance when making wise media choices. Christians sinfully indulging in entertainment justify their viewing by the immaturity of weaker believers. Meanwhile, weaker Christians self-righteously judge those with different standards. Loving accountability fosters humility, empathy and wisdom for all.
Ultimately all media choices for Christians must flow out of a passionate love for the Lord. Our identity is found in Christ alone. Seeking righteousness through disciplined abstinence alone leads to pride. But viewing any entertainment that competes with one’s love for Jesus fosters idolatry. Sincere affection for God guides the redeemed heart away from empty indulgences toward eternal priorities.
Conclusion
Television poses both benefits and dangers for Christians seeking biblical wisdom. Mature believers can develop personal convictions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and biblical principles. But all Christians should be wary of entertainment choices that may desensitize to sin, foster ungodly thinking, waste time, or distract from kingdom priorities. Loving accountability and sincere affection for Christ, rather than mere rules, will lead each individual to make wise and righteous media choices that honor the Lord.