MICHAEL SPOTTS:.

Movies That Take God’s Name in Vain

How should we respond when movies take God’s name in vain? The following is a letter I wrote in response to a friend who asked. Perhaps it will be of use to you.

Hello, ____________. I appreciate your consideration of my opinion, and that you have been patient to wait for it. 

Your concerns are ones which I share and, might I add, I hope all Christians, too. The instinct to cringe or even feel anger when we hear God’s name misused indicates a healthy sensitivity regarding the Lord’s honor. To take God’s name in vain is a cardinal offense, one which, in the Mosaic economy, warranted the most severe civil punishments. The unfathomable sacredness of God’s name lies in that it represents his whole character and authority. Respecting it is therefore placed above virtually every other moral question in scripture.

No doubt, there is great difficulty escaping those who misuse, and even abuse the dignity of God’s honor. Whether they do so by flippantly speaking divine names, spurning his moral laws, or mocking the sacraments, such present a grieving, almost constant display of filth before our eyes and ears. What should we do then, to ease our consciences? Sail to the middlemost ocean and hope never to encounter sinners again? I confess, I have felt that way, and had I the boat and skills, perhaps I would have given it a second thought. But the apostle Paul counsels,

“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” [1 Cor. 5:9-10]

The principle is plain, that for as long as we live in this fallen world we will be surrounded by unregenerate sinners who, not surprisingly, live sinful lives. If we go to the store, they are in the aisles and at the checkout. At our jobs they are our coworkers, clients, and managers. If we consume any type of media, they are most likely involved in producing it. As such, we are not entirely stunned when their ungodly beliefs and values spill over into our sight. 

Take, for instance, a pagan farmer who does otherwise honest business, but who swears terribly each time he sells his produce. May we purchase from such a man? I believe in such cases, we ought not approve of particular sins, but at the same time we may thankfully acknowledge the Lord’s gifts wherever they are found. We may take God’s carrots, and leave man’s curses. Abraham participated in realty and warfare alongside unbelievers. Daniel served in the political arena of idolatrous Babylon. Many of Caesar’s house were converted and continued in some capacity there. These sorts of common-kingdom activities are shared by believers and unbelievers alike, activities such as music, art, agriculture, metallurgy, military and civilian posts, etc. In each, there is opportunity to receive the benefits which God provides, while rejecting that which is unholy. In this way, we avoid stiff-arming the whole enterprise of existence among non-believers, as if we expected them to live in the power of the Spirit.

The matter of entertainment raises slightly different issues. First, I must ask myself whether I am consuming certain media with the specific intent of observing and appreciating sin. If so, I must avoid it at all costs. However, supposing my intent is only to appreciate good things wherever they are found, then I must inquire whether there is some positive benefit to be gained from the particular medium in question, whether a show or game, etc. Benefits may include information, inspiration, or simply an opportunity to relax and refresh one’s mind and body. If in the course of entertainment the content becomes significantly tempting, or if one feels burdened by the sins depicted or described, it is probably best to find another source of pleasure.

I happen to enjoy documentaries, particularly political ones. The notion that viewing them offers me a more accurate conception of the world attracts me to a wide variety of films on themes ranging from voting fraud to blood diamonds. Unfortunately, these films often portray the real and sinful state of the world, including graphic language and scenes of violence. I find these images and words, matters of fact that they are, still difficult to bear. While I do not feel guilty for, or necessarily polluted by the sins of others, I may nevertheless become grieved to the point that I simply turn off the program. At that point the information and education are not worth it to me. The words of Peter concerning Lot come to mind,

“[God] rescued righteous Lot, [who was] greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)” [2 Peter 2:7-8]

I do not doubt that in the artistic and practical creations of the world, there is much which God approves, mixed with what he condemns. There is a degree of truth, beauty, and goodness preserved in the common kingdom, as well as a torrent of temptations and needless burdens to be avoided. My desire is, like the bee, to extract the sweet and fly away. At all times, I want to remember the words of Peter, “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.” [Phil. 4:8] 

I hope these thoughts are of some use to you, but above all, that my continued prayers will in God’s hands redound to your blessing and growth. May Christ Jesus be ever more radiant in your sight, and ever more welcoming to your soul,

Your brother and friend,

— Michael Spotts:.