Christian Perspective on Entertainment and Modesty in Media
Christian perspectives on entertainment and modesty in media are often rooted in broader theological concepts such as contentment, meekness, and the pursuit of righteousness. While specific media forms are not directly addressed in biblical texts, principles derived from scripture guide believers in their engagement with culture.
The concept of "modesty" itself can be understood in various ways. In a literal sense, "media" can refer to a "covering" [3]. More broadly, Christian thought emphasizes an inward disposition that shapes outward conduct. For instance, contentment is described as a state of mind where desires are confined to one's lot, opposing envy, avarice, and anxiety [1]. This internal state, arising from humility and an intelligent consideration of divine providence, influences how one views and consumes entertainment [1]. Similarly, meekness, exemplified by Christ, is a fruit of the Spirit that saints are encouraged to cultivate and exhibit in their conduct [2]. This includes receiving the word of God with meekness and showing it to all people [2].
The apostle Paul's teaching in Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," provides a framework for evaluating activities, including entertainment [4]. This verse suggests that true Christian living is characterized by rectitude towards God, peace with neighbors, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than external practices like eating and drinking [4]. This principle can be extended to media consumption, implying that entertainment should align with these core values.
Furthermore, the idea of "moderation" or "reasonableness of dealing" is highlighted in Philippians 4:5 [5]. This involves not insisting on one's own rights to the utmost but rather showing considerateness for others, a quality that includes candor and kindliness [5]. This moderation can inform choices about the content and quantity of media consumed. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, emphasizes that a "lowly man" (meek person) is pleasing to all, dwells in continual peace, and avoids contention, bearing insults meekly [7]. This internal peace, he argues, is aligned with God's commandments to be at peace with men, leading to a prosperous life [7].
The Puritan tradition, as seen in Matthew Henry's commentary on 1 Timothy 6:6, connects contentment with the excellency of Christianity, noting that while some might view religion as a means to secular advantage, true Christianity offers a deeper, more enduring satisfaction [6]. This perspective suggests that entertainment should not become a source of discontent or covetousness. The exhortation to "gird up the loins of your mind" in 1 Peter 1:13 encourages believers to be sober and holy, preparing for a spiritual journey, race, and warfare [8]. This implies a disciplined approach to all aspects of life, including media engagement, to maintain spiritual focus.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Contentment — A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Media — measure; habit; covering”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 14:17: For the kingdom of God--or, as we should say, Religion; that is, the proper business and blessedness for which Christians are formed into a community of renewed men in thorough subjection to God (compare Co1 4:20). is not meat and drink--"eating and drinking" but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost--a beautiful and comprehensive division of living Christianity. The first--"righteousness"--has respect to God, denoting here "rectitude," in its widest sense (as in Mat 6:33); the second--"peace"--has respect to our neighbors, denoting ”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:5: moderation--from a Greek root, "to yield," whence yieldingness [TRENCH]; or from a root, "it is fitting," whence "reasonableness of dealing" [ALFORD], that considerateness for others, not urging one's own rights to the uttermost, but waiving a part, and thereby rectifying the injustices of justice. The archetype of this grace is God, who presses not the strictness of His law against us as we deserve (Psa 130:3-4); though having exacted the fullest payment for us from our Divine Surety. There are included in "moderation," candor and kindliness. Joy ”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 6:6: From the mention of the abuse which some put upon religion, making it to serve their secular advantages, the apostle, I. Takes occasion to show the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness. 1. The excellency of contentment, Ti1 6:6-8. Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of it, merely to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed, and fi”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: unto the righteousness of God.” The lowly man of whom I am speaking, is pleasing and delightful to all men, and dwells in continual peace, and hath in him no ground for contentions. For though you insult him, though you abuse him, whatsoever you say, he will be silent and will bear it meekly, and will have so great peace towards all men as one cannot even describe. Yea, and with God also. For the commandments of God are to be at peace with men: and thus our whole life is made prosperous, through peace one with another. For no man can injure God: ”
- 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 1:13: Here the apostle begins his exhortations to those whose glorious state he had before described, thereby instructing us that Christianity is a doctrine according to godliness, designed to make us not only wiser, but better. I. He exhorts them to sobriety and holiness. 1. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, etc., Pe1 1:13. As if he had said, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the”