Barna: Evangelical movie-going habits surprisingly high

Although there is certainly idolatry with regard to celebrities and performers in film, I think I would classify that kind of devotion as idolatry in the broad sense, just as many things can become idols if we give them too much of our devotion and prioritize them above serving the Lord. In this broad sense, following baseball could become an idol, but I don’t think baseball, and honoring favorite athletes, is inherently idolatrous. I wouldn’t call Dodger Stadium a temple of idolatry because some fans make the game an idol. For many people, sport is recreation and they keep it in perspective. I don’t think the Lord objects to that. Scripture doesn’t.

In the same way, I’m not sure it’s fair to call the “movie house” an idol’s temple. There is a danger of idolatry in the performing arts, and there is a greater moral dimension to theater than baseball, but I don’t think we can say plays and film are inherently idolatrous. (Of course, some people, we know all too well, can make idols out of preachers!)

Art certainly has power, and I believe for the most part, Hollywood today uses that power to serve Satanic ends. But I don’t think idolatry is inherent in the dramatic arts. I have certainly had positive spiritual experiences in the “movie house.” We were privileged to see Ben Hur last year on the big screen. I was most certainly edified. I also caught the wonderful theatrical version of The Screwtape Letters last year — excellent, uplifting content, and great theater.

Good men have certainly condemned theater and film over the years. Spurgeon was adamantly anti-theater, just as our Fundamentalist fathers were anti-film. I have considered their arguments carefully, and I really don’t think they hold up biblically or rationally…except for one. I remain pestered by their claim that Christians are simply too undiscerning to choose entertainment wisely. Once they start going, the lure and power of theatrical arts will capture them and render them insensible to evil shows. While some are discerning, like brother Dan above, I am afraid many, far too many, are not. Is that a problem with film, or a problem with leadership and training? I want to believe it’s the latter.

It is interesting that the Bible forbids neither sports nor theater. The Roman culture certainly had them both. There are clear Scriptures insisting that we practice discernment about what we see and what we think about. These apply powerfully to visual arts. Yet the thing itself (whether sport or theater) is not condemned, though Paul easily could have done so. That makes me think the theater arts can be redeemed, and be a blessing. Maybe the movie house can even be a temple of virtue.