Hey All,
Riven, as you can see, there is a difference of opinions on this subject among believers. I can respect the differences. This is a textbook Romans 14 situation.
Romans 14:13-15 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
There is nothing unclean of itself.
But not everything is beneficial. Many horror movies have gratuitous nudity and violence (often being gory), vulgarity, as well as sometimes including the demonic, do they not? Did Christ die so that we could sit around and fill our heads with the evil in horror movies (and much of what passes for entertainment)?
Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2 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. (ESV)
Php 4:8 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.
Php 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV)
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
Tit 2:12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Tit 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Tit 2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (ESV)
Where do horror movies fit into the above passages?
Horror movies are fictional, not real, and are not sinful of themselves. But some Christians believe they are sinful. So to those believers, horror movies are sinful. We don't want our talk of enjoying them to be a stumbling block, or occasion to fall, to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The questions are: What is the motivation for watching them? What edification is there for the believer? Does watching them help a believer grow in sanctification? How does watching them glorify God? What does light have to do with darkness? Who would want to sit there with Jesus and watch them? (Who would sit with Jesus and watch most of what we watch in the West?)
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
And, yet, should we not exhort believers to do better?
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
I get very concerned for those in the Western Church who try to find all manner of justification for things that likely would have appalled the early church, and do appall those in the persecuted church (not necessarily speaking of horror movies).
Just some things to think about (and, yes, I am including myself).
