Should Christians Judge and Censor What They Watch and Read?

This was inspired by reading a content producer's work on a subject that I have come up against many times in my life. If any readers know or are a Christian then this will be familiar to you. There is that constant burden of - should I be doing this? Would Jesus approve - or more honestly - my pastor, mother, etc? Christians wrangle with their conscience at the video hire shop, the library, the cinema queue, the theatre brochure. Would God want me to see this? Some even have wrist bands to remind them of their dilemma: 'what would Jesus do?' The slogans on these believer's accessories ask their wearer: is this film/book glorying to God? Am I witnessing by entering this pub or club, or leading a weaker believer into sin? Will I hear things which are against my beliefs, such as propounding atheism or other religions? Will God's name be taken in vain? Will I hear profanities, or see pornographic images? Will this sympathise with those who break God's commandments (that was a quote from a Christian website whether users have to rate movies by their 'Biblical morality'.)

What a busy and anxious mind such Christians have. No wonder that other spiritualities are popular - ones which free from such constant onerous ponderings. Eastern meditational writers have much to say on being unnecessary slaves to our thoughts! No wonder that many Christians huddle together socially. I have heard of Christians asking for prayer about their new NON BELIEVING friend who they must witness to and bring to a saving knowledge of their Lord. I know many of the more conservative Christians who struggle to make meaningful relationships with those outside of their faith. In my former evangelical days, I was asked "Am I your token non religious friend?" I could truly say no - that I chose my friends because I liked them, not because I had some Outsiders to Bring to the Fold quota to fill; but some Christians do seem to have this need. Because so many things offend them, or they just feel uncomfortable, I have met many Christians who don't really know how to be out with people not of their faith. There's that nagging of conscience and anxiety which makes socialising hard - what if they get drink? Should I be around these people who swear so much? Should I tell them that I don't like their language? What if they choose a film that I can't agree with, or a pub that looks 'worldly'?

Comments I've heard about Christians at work are that they seem nice but other. Christians might be pleased to think that their aspired-to difference has been noticed. But actually what comes across to colleagues is someone that you can't really get to know, someone whose faith draws a veil over them; someone who will say no to so many things that it's hard to think of something to do with them. Colleagues may also feel judged by Christians, and that conversations are always being twisted to turn into the much sought 'opportunity' to introduce them to Jesus.

It's not that differences and values are not respected. It's not that I am saying that no-one has the right to different standards or to be offended or uncomfortable, and should not say so. But Christians seem to be offended so easily and unnecessary that it must be a bind to them. And instead of the desired reaching out to others, all it does is prevent real relationships and a creation of outsiders.

It can be worse if one professes to a more evangelical Christian that you too have faith which you call Christian. Instead of converting you, they now wish to have fellowship; to compare notes on their Walk [with God - ie spiritual journey] and how to witness in this increasingly debauched and Godless world. Some Christians seem very afraid of diversity, particularly in their own ranks, and unable to accept someone who has not got their moral foibles. They assume that you share their ethics and theology, and question your integrity as a real Born Again Christian if you do not.

I've had a Christian friend chide me for suggesting watching an 18 cert film [for US readers, that's a high end R or even NC-17]. I explained that the UK system of classification (as I had had just been told on a film course at the time) allegedly makes a film an 18 cert because of three or more thrusts in a sex scene! There was an article written in a British film magazine at its 1999 UK release about the absurdity of this rating; co-star Julianne Moore said that she would rather be in a film about sex which we all have and is natural, than horror and violence. The End of The Affair is a tasteful, intelligent film where the sexual scenes are part of the story. And as I wryly pointed out, both of us are aged well over 18! The British Board of Film Classification website no longer carries details of its decision to give the film an 18 rating, only saying it has mild horror (which I can't recall), infrequent but strong sex, and under other/themes: 'drama and passion'.