What does the Bible say about entertainment?

Okay, here’s the expanded question: The Bible addresses many aspects of life, from morality and relationships to work and worship. Given this, what specific guidance, principles, or narratives does the Bible offer regarding entertainment? I’m interested in both direct statements about entertainment and broader principles that can be applied to our choices regarding movies, music, games, literature, and other forms of recreation. Does the Bible explicitly condemn certain types of entertainment, or does it offer a more nuanced approach? Are there examples of entertainment within biblical stories themselves, and what can we learn from them? How does the Bible’s emphasis on things like stewardship, righteousness, and love impact how Christians should view and engage with entertainment options in the modern world, considering the sheer volume and accessibility of entertainment available today? Finally, are there specific warnings about the potential dangers or temptations associated with entertainment, and how can believers maintain discernment in this area?

Answer

The Bible does not offer a single, explicit prohibition or endorsement of "entertainment" as a whole. Its teachings on the subject are more nuanced and address principles that can be applied to various forms of entertainment. These principles revolve around themes of glorifying God, avoiding sin, and focusing on what is good, true, and beneficial.

Potential Dangers of Entertainment:

• Idolatry: Entertainment can become an idol if it consumes excessive time, energy, and resources, taking priority over God and spiritual matters. The Bible warns against placing anything before God (Exodus 20:3).

• Temptation: Some forms of entertainment can expose individuals to immoral or ungodly content, leading to temptation and sin. Jesus warned about lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28), and Paul urged believers to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

• Worldliness: Over-identification with worldly entertainment can lead to a focus on worldly values and a detachment from God’s perspective. 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world and its fleeting desires.

• Neglect of Duty: Excessive entertainment can lead to the neglect of important responsibilities, such as family, work, and service to others. Proverbs encourages diligence and responsible living.

• Negative Influence: Certain forms of entertainment may promote violence, greed, or other harmful behaviors, negatively impacting individuals and society. Philippians 4:8 encourages focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Positive Aspects of Entertainment (Inferred):

• Recreation and Rest: The Bible recognizes the need for rest and recreation. God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2), and Jesus encouraged his disciples to withdraw for rest (Mark 6:31). Entertainment, when used appropriately, can provide refreshment and renewal.

• Celebration and Joy: The Bible contains accounts of celebrations and joyful gatherings, often involving music, dancing, and feasting. These celebrations often marked significant events or expressed gratitude to God.

• Artistic Expression: The Bible contains examples of artistic expression, such as music (Psalms), poetry (Song of Solomon), and craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1-11). These forms of expression can be used to glorify God and communicate truth.

• Edification and Instruction: Entertainment can be used to teach valuable lessons and promote positive values. Parables, stories, and dramas can effectively communicate moral principles and inspire good behavior.

Relevant Biblical Principles:

• Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

• 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

• 1 Corinthians 6:12: "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything."

• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

• Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

• Psalm 101:3: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless."

Conclusion:

The Bible doesn’t provide a rigid list of acceptable or unacceptable entertainment. Instead, it offers guiding principles that encourage believers to make wise and discerning choices. The key is to evaluate entertainment based on its potential to glorify God, promote good values, avoid sin, and contribute to overall well-being. Individual Christians are called to seek God’s guidance and exercise personal responsibility in their entertainment choices.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before you seeking wisdom and guidance on a topic that often swirls around us: entertainment. We know that the world offers a constant stream of diversions, a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds designed to capture our attention. But we long to align our lives with your will, and so we ask: What does the Bible say about entertainment?

Lord, help us to be discerning. Help us to understand the difference between wholesome recreation that refreshes our souls and empty distractions that steal our time and lead us away from you. May we not be consumed by the fleeting pleasures of this world, but rather seek those things that are eternal and true.

Remind us, Father, that our minds are temples, and we must be vigilant about what we allow to enter them. Help us to choose entertainment that uplifts, that inspires, that points us toward your goodness and truth. Guard us from that which is harmful, that which glorifies sin, that which diminishes our relationship with you.

Grant us the strength to resist the allure of worldly entertainment when it conflicts with your teachings. Give us courage to be different, to stand apart from the crowd if necessary, and to prioritize your word above the fleeting trends of the day.

Help us to use our leisure time wisely, not just for our own amusement, but also for your glory. May we find ways to serve others, to share our gifts, and to reflect your light in all that we do, even in our moments of relaxation.

We pray for your guidance in every decision we make regarding entertainment. Lead us towards that which is pleasing to you, that which nourishes our souls, and that which strengthens our walk with you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.