While growing in the Lord, we all get tied up and confused by some questions, you are not alone struggling with questions like this. People ask questions because it shows they are curious and want to change, and to be a better child of God. Now, whether a child of God should watch horror and scary movies that contain violence, gore, demonic graphics, exorcisms, and many more or not, it’s complete wisdom from God.
I can give you a straightforward answer and say yes or no based on my experiences and knowledge but I would like to use Biblical perspective because, in the end, the Word of God is what we should always rely on.
HORROR MOVIES IN THE BIBLE
The Bible doesn’t directly talk about horror movies or a few things that we face in our time. There are some issues that we are dealing with, in this era which are not mentioned specifically in the same words as we acknowledge them today. for example – masturbation, Pornography, etc. If something is not mentioned in the Bible in the same wording, it doesn’t mean that’s fine or okay. When we read the Bible, we must read it to understand God’s will, intention, and His heart through those chapters and verses for today’s time. In the end, we should always meditate on this verse for every modern problem –
All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. (1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP)
DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF WATCHING HORROR MOVIES
God wants His children to have peace, joy, love, and faith which are His blessings to us. He wants us to rest in His mighty hands but when you watch scary and bloody movies does it help you maintain God-given blessings or disturb your peace and inner joy?
A lot of people watching horror movies with friends find it entertaining and fun but among them after watching horror movies can’t even sleep or focus, and have also experienced scary dreams at night. Instead of trusting and resting in God’s power, you are checking shower curtains and behind the doors. It happens because that movie has played its part.
You may not experience it right away like others but trust me sooner or later enemy will work out his evil plan over your life if you are not alert. The Bible says the enemy is like a lion ready to devour someone who gives him the opportunity. There are many videos on YouTube explaining the side effects of horror movies on kids and on adults. Please do check them to gain more knowledge on this topic.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Watching horror movies bring fear in your heart and the Bible says the spirit of fear is not from the Lord. Fear is the greatest weapon of the Devil. Fear will make you forget the authority that Jesus gave you over the enemy. Fear will make you doubt the promises of God and His unlimited power and love. God wants us to rejoice and not be afraid of anything but fear will cause us to be less focused and scared and expecting something bad.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY
According to the Bible, we are at war not against humans, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Jesus has given us authority over the enemy and the enemy can’t harm us Luke 10:19. The enemy knows that you hold a power over him and you are a problem to his dark world therefore, he tries to make you weak through evil ways. We need to be alert when it comes to something that is evil. The devil is smart, if he can’t take us away from the will of God then he will plant his evil seed which will make you less effective. He can do anything to stop you from being the person that God desires. The Bible says don’t give any opportunity to the devil.
“Give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)
know your authority in the Lord. You are not of the world but of heaven. You are children of God, them walk like one. You have authority over the enemy.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. (Matthew 10:8)
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)
The Bible says our battle is not against the blood and flesh meaning humans but against unseen evil rulers and dark powers. Which clearly indicates we as children of God, are in the war against the evil kingdom. having said that, I don’t think it’s a good idea to be a part of something which is demonic and evil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
REJECT EVERY FORM OF EVIL
I want you to understand that Satan used to be one of the powerful angels of God. Therefore, He is still powerful but his powers can’t be used against us as long as we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. We humans are less powerful compared to the enemy but since the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we become more powerful. However, we must be aware that we would not open any door for the devil to work in our lives. That’s why staying away from every kind of evil is crucial.
Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
We can’t be of the world and of heaven at the same time. Day and night, light and darkness, Godliness and evil can’t go together. Now we are of God, let’s stay away from something that robs the peace which God gave us.
God gave us this life to enjoy and bring light to the world through Christ. Jesus says we are the light of the world. Then how come light can enjoy something that belongs to darkness?
God wants us to enjoy our lives trusting in His power and fulfilling His will. Let‘s live a life that pleases God.
