Where is the line?

It’s time for me to be unpopular yet again.  It’s not a difficult thing for me to do, but this time the topic has me completely confused.  I have spent most of my life being just fine with the world thinking my beliefs or choices were unpopular.  What surprises me is that recently it seems that few fellow Christians agree to stand with me.  There are many areas this post could take off on, but the main area for discussion here is Christians and entertainment choices.  I’m writing this now because it is a topic my family and I talk about often, and we are perplexed just how many Christians are into all of the newest shows and movies without the first thought for content. 

Now, before I write any further, I am not a prude or legalistic at all.  If you know me, you know that.  I’m also not an expert or a theologian.  I am a concerned father and someone who feels bound to the teachings of the Bible.  I am not writing this to try and sway anyone, but I am willing to offer an opinion that differs among the very loud and popular opinion I hear daily.  I’m not here to judge anyone and  I’m also very open to hearing your opinion.

Even though this discussion could cross over to many shows and movies, I want to focus on the movie American Sniper.  Now, before you ever start, I am one of the most patriotic guys you will ever meet.  I am very thankful for all service members and veterans and truly appreciate all they do and go through for our country.  When I first heard about the movie, I was overwhelmingly excited to see it.  I was also apprehensive for what Hollywood would do with the story.  When I finally saw reviews and looked deeper into the movie, it was immediately clear to me that I would not be going to see the movie.  I was disappointed, but felt strongly that I didn’t need to load my mind down with the content I was hearing about.  The language alone was enough for me.  I read that the F word is used over 100 times, God’s name is taken in vain about a dozen, and that is just a part of it.  Add the sexual content, and I’m out for sure.  I just don’t need that content to be stuck in my head.  It is clear to me as a Christian that I am to fill my head and heart with God and his word. 

So, as I talk with my Christian friends who have seen the film, I hear the same thing over and over.  I hear that I must understand what those soldiers go through.  I hear that if I was in their shoes, the same words would come out. I hear that I need to look past the words and other content, and look for the real message.  I agree with the first 2 points.  I can’t even imagine what those situations would be like and I’m sure I’d be saying all kinds of things if I was there.  I feel for those guys.  But the third statement is where it goes sideways for me.  Just because it happened, just because they went through something horrific, doesn't mean I am immune from my moral compass.  I’m not being forced to watch the movie and I’m not being shot at for my country.  It makes no sense to say that something is real life as an excuse to justify content we would otherwise avoid due to our beliefs.  What gets me the most is that most Christians whom I've spoken to talk about the language like they hardly noticed it. 

 I can say for certain that sitting in this movie would have bothered me and I’d have left.  I can say this because I've been there before. When the movie Forrest Gump came out, many Christian friends recommended it and it was all the buzz as well.  So, my wife and I went to see it in the theater.  When it came to the part with Lieutenant Dan taking God’s name in vain over and over, I felt very uncomfortable.  I looked over at my wife and she clearly felt the same way, so we got up and left and never finished the movie.  I didn't see Saving Private Ryan till it came out on TV, and even then I fast forwarded through part of the beginning.  None of this is meant to say look at me.  Trust me; I’ll get a lot of flak for this post.  I’m only saying all this to ask again, what are we standing up for?  There is no wonder there are so few wholesome entertainment choices if Christians are just going to support whatever.

So, please someone explain where I am wrong and how we as Christians can just “overlook the bad parts”.  God has made it clear that I am a temple for the Holy Spirit, and he makes me feel uncomfortable when I’m in situations where I shouldn't be.  Maybe I’m wired differently, but I just can’t get that stuff out of my mind once it’s there.  So, as with any moral dilemma, I ask myself: “at what cost”.  In this case, the cost is too high for the entertainment or even for the impact of such a powerful story.

The question is......Where's the line?

That's my 2 cents......fire away.