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’?