Have you ever considered how ratings are established for movies?
According to the Motion Picture Association of America, this responsibility has been given to an independent board of parents with no past affiliation to the movie business. Their job description: “To rate each film as they believe most American parents would rate it.”
Should Christian parents rely on a standard created for the majority of Americans to follow?
It’s in life situations such as this, that God instructs believers to follow His standard rather than the standards created by the world (John 17:15-17). God does not ask us to isolate ourselves by refusing to watch movies. He is instructing us to be mindful of His will concerning our choices throughout each day because these choices can negatively influence our spiritual well-being and the well-being of our children.
Movie ratings, prepared by the MPAA also include an explanation for each rating such as sexual content, violence, language, and nudity. However, what one person may consider to be violent may not be considered so by others on the same panel. God’s Word helps parents to better evaluate movies. For example, Philippians 4:8 says: . . .Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—think about such things.
One way to “think about such things” is to ask yourself questions before viewing a film.
Is the movie you are considering pleasing to Christ?
Does this movie promote purity of heart, mind, body, and soul?
Does fast-forwarding unacceptable portions of a movie make it acceptable?
Could this movie help my children understand the world we live in from a Christian perspective?
Could watching this movie and discussing its content together strengthen their faith?
Keeping in mind that it is difficult for many people, especially children, to unsee an impressionable image, godly parents should carefully consider the movies their children are exposed to.
There are websites available to help parents determine whether or not a movie should be viewed by children (CovenantEyes.com, Pluggedin.com, Movieguide.org, and FilmRatings.com) However, parents should ultimately follow God’s standard throughout the decision-making process, knowing they are teaching their children to do likewise.