Should Christians Watch Movies?

Watching movies has been a favorite past time since I was a kid. I remember watching movies late at night with my parents, like Jaws and Killer Rabbits (not official title) and having discussions about what's real and what's not. One of my favorite classes in college was the "Art and History of Film", especially when my homework was to watch movies, holla!
Even though I love watching movies, I love my Lord Jesus Christ most of all! Do movies fit in a life devoted to Christ? Well, I don't remember Jesus going to the cinema and to be honest I don't know if he would go into a theater for the sole purpose of watching a movie. I don't know... Maybe there will be a time where I stop watching movies, I don't know. I do believe that the idea of watching R and even PG-13 movies split Christians and non-Christians alike. Some think it is ok and some don't. In Galations, Paul talks about Freedom in Christ and that we should not use this freedom to indulge in sin. So I believe it comes down to the heart. If watching certain movies causes you to sin, I say don't watch. I know my self there are movies I don't like to watch movies that contain a lot of sexuality, nudity, persistent vulgarities, over indulgent violence, gore, stories about infidelity, demonic and most horror movies. I do like to watch movies about people and issues people deal with on a daily basis. I like stories about redemption and change. God is in the business of changing lives and each unique person has unique baggage that needs to be checked in. I believe that movies reflect the thoughts and points of view of people that I might not have encountered and that leads to learning and understanding.
I watch movies in order to learn. I also watch movies to get out of the house and spend time with my wife. I watch movies because it is something I have been doing for over 20 years. Yet when talking about movies to others, except for this occasion, I am careful of my audience because my tolerance may be different from another and I do not want to offend a Brother or Sister in Christ. In Romans 14, Paul talks about not judging our other brothers and sisters. I should not judge a brother or sister who will not watch a certain movie that I would or vice versa for we will all stand before God to be judged. Paul also talks about some foods that some consider clean and some consider unclean, leading to arguments and judgements. Paul says to not destroy another for your own "eating." Be careful to not offend a weaker brother or sister. I would give up watching a movie if I knew it would offend another.

Watching and discussing movies gives me an opportunity to relate the truths of God to the ideas, values, philosophies that are portrayed in the films. I believe people are searching for truth and movies give us glimpses of what others see as truth. I see it as an access point to the Gospel, the One Truth, found in Christ Jesus. "I am the way, the truth and the light, no one gets to the Father but through me."

Red Box VS Blockbuster

Renting movies is one of my favorite weekend activities with my wife, but not The favorite... Anyway, I am thankful my wife is not a big chick flick fan and usually she will fall asleep half way during the movie, especially if it has a lot of action. So, where do I go to get a DVD that suits my fancy? I used to use Net Flix and quickly switched to Blockbuster online, of course that was before we had kids and more time on our hands. More recently, two kids later, I have been going back and forth between Blockbuster and Red Box. I have decided to DUMP blockbuster and go steady with Red Box.
Here's why:
- Red Box is conveniently located in the grocery store we visit to stock up on milk
- It only costs a $1 a night compared to $2 + $1 each additional night
- I can drop off the movie at any Red Box I might be close to.
- I like to watch new releases and Red Box keeps up with the new releases.

Is Red Box perfect, no!
- My patience is definitely tested when there is a small family scrolling and scrolling and unable to decide which movie to pick.
-Or if there is a long line and all I need to do is return.
- Or if one machine is down and its a Weekend Night

Over all I am a Red Box Fan!

But I must say, Red Box and Blockbuster have great iPhone apps, go iPhone!