Should Christians watch television?

1. Defining the Issue: Entertainment and Stewardship

Television can serve as a vessel for learning, relaxation, and cultural engagement. Yet believers often wrestle with whether such viewing aligns with the call to live a life that honors God. While Scripture does not reference the modern invention of television specifically, its principles point to the importance of careful discernment. These principles, preserved in thousands of consistent manuscripts and supported by archaeological discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (which affirm the reliability of Isaiah, among other books), hold timeless relevance.

God, as the eternal Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1), is concerned with how people manage their time and shape their minds. Therefore, one’s use of television, like any other resource, should be guided by biblical principles of stewardship.

2. Biblical Foundations for Discernment

Even though television technology was unknown in ancient times, Scripture offers directives on where to set our attention. Prayers and admonitions throughout the New Testament underscore the believer’s unique position in the world:

• Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation guides all life choices, including entertainment.

• Psalm 101:3: “I will not set before my eyes anything vile. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” Seek content that does not degrade moral character.

• Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” This criteria helps evaluate whether a show is beneficial or harmful.

These texts stress that believers are to bear witness to Christ’s resurrection power (as documented by eyewitness testimonies consistent across multiple New Testament manuscripts) by living in a way that glorifies God. Television, then, should be filtered through the lens of faith and prayerful reflection.

3. Potential Pitfalls and Spiritual Dangers

Television presents a wide spectrum of content, from educational documentaries to immoral imagery. Below are some hazards that can arise without careful oversight:

1. Normalization of Worldly Values: Shows that celebrate ungodly behavior or scoff at biblical truth can gradually desensitize viewers. Behavioral science research points to how repeated exposure to certain ideas influences attitudes and behavior. This effect mirrors the scriptural warning in 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

2. Time Consumption and Idolatry: Hours lost to mindless entertainment can edge out prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Ephesians 5:15–16 cautions believers to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

3. Emotional and Moral Impact: Content featuring excessive violence, explicit language, or sexual impurity can negatively affect the heart. Jesus teaches in Luke 6:45: “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Prolonged viewing of immoral content shapes internal attitudes, sometimes surfacing in speech and actions.

4. Distortion of Truth: Some media ridicules biblical teachings, undermines the reality of the resurrection (a historically defensible event, as documented by multiple early sources, discussed thoroughly by evidence-based researchers like Gary Habermas), or denies intelligent design. Such content can sow seeds of doubt when believers do not prepare themselves with prayer or study.

4. Biblical Examples of Mindful Engagement

While ancient believers did not face television, they grappled with cultural influences. For example:

• Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1–6): Though Daniel was immersed in Babylonian culture, he maintained his devotion to God, selectively participating in aspects of that culture that did not conflict with the law of God.

• Paul’s Ministry in Athens (Acts 17): Paul traversed a strong philosophical climate, even quoting pagan poets to make his case. Yet his central message—Christ crucified and risen—remained unaltered. This teaches that engaging culture can be done without compromising truth.

These narratives show that exposure to broader culture can serve a redemptive purpose if navigated with steadfast faith. Similarly, one can watch select television shows or news broadcasts, but must hold firm to Scripture’s authority.

5. Advantages of Selective Viewing

Despite dangers, television can be harnessed in ways that align with a biblical worldview:

• Educational Content: Documentaries or historical programs can reinforce the reality of Scripture’s reliability. Archaeological documentaries, for instance, frequently highlight discoveries verifying events in places like Capernaum, Corinth, or Jerusalem, supporting the scriptural narrative. These affirm the Bible’s historical consistency—an important aspect of apologetics emphasized in numerous scholarly works, including those by Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel.

• Family Bonding: Watching wholesome family shows together can be a means of fellowship, leading to discussions about Christian virtues. The shared experience can become a gateway to teaching biblical truths to younger family members, echoing Deuteronomy 6:7.

• Encouragement and Testimonies: Modern Christian broadcasts, missionary updates, or testimonies can strengthen faith and inspire service. Just as science can reveal the grandeur of creation (with scholars like Stephen Meyer discussing intelligent design), media can help highlight God’s handiwork in individual lives.

• Evangelistic Outreach: Certain documentaries or films effectively communicate the gospel, providing an entry point for sharing faith. Ray Comfort and others have used media creatively to present biblical truths, reflecting the command to “proclaim the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

6. Establishing Guidelines for Viewing

To enjoy potential benefits without succumbing to moral compromise, believers can adopt practical boundaries:

1. Prayer and Discernment: Before beginning a show or movie, ask for godly wisdom (James 1:5). If conviction arises over certain content, it is important to stop watching.

2. Content Ratings and Reviews: Utilize available reviews and Christian discernment resources that outline explicit content. This helps avoid surprises and ensures programming is constructive rather than harmful.

3. Set Time Limits: Monitor hours spent in front of the screen. Ensure time with God, family, and church is prioritized. The use of scheduling can keep media in its proper place.

4. Group Accountability: Watching in family or community settings makes it easier to discuss questionable topics and fosters mutual support. A spouse, friend, or mentor can provide a safeguard, much like the early church’s pattern of communal encouragement in Acts 2:42–47.

5. Focus on Edification: Evaluate how specific programs encourage love for God and neighbor. If a show consistently erodes moral sensitivity, it may be best to discontinue it. As 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 exhorts: “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

7. Concluding Perspective

Television itself is neither inherently righteous nor inherently evil. It is a platform. The real issue is how one responds to the content. Believers are called to stand upon the unchanging truth of Scripture—truth verified by significant manuscript evidence and attested by archaeology. The same God who upholds and created the world, who raised Christ from the dead in verifiable historical reality, calls His people to be holy (1 Peter 1:15–16).

When watching television, a heart aligned with God’s Word will evaluate each program through prayer, biblical principle, and wise counsel. In this way, television can be used judiciously, fostering knowledge, encouragement, and outreach, while safeguarding the mind and heart from corruptive influences. It is not about blanket prohibition, but about devotion to glorifying God in all spheres of life—including the living room screen.