Expert: Phillip Senn - 5/26/2006

Question
Recently I was listening to Bible study, and a caller asked if it was 'wrong' to watch movies, listen to secular music, and watch sports on television.

The response was that these activities were of the world, and that true Christians should really not want any part of them.

I understand that music and movies are generally sinful, and I usually avoid them. But it frustrated me when the guy made it sound like enjoying sports on television was something that made God angry. I try to leave Sunday for God, but I'm really puzzled why watching sports during the week is sinful. He quoted Psalm 119 where it says we'll meditate on the Word of God, and so on, but is it really wrong to watch sports? I think it's a ridiculous idea that other than work the only activities that God is ok with is when we're reading the Bible or praying.

(Sorry for the long question. I'm very frustrated because I enjoy following a certain baseball team. I guess I'll give up every single hobby I have.)

Answer
John,

Thank you for your thoughtful question concerning certain types of entertainment. I hope to be just as thoughtful in my answer.

I can certainly sense your frustration. Apparently someone is seeking to place you under a law that "neither we nor our fathers are able to bear." Certainly no one is able to have fellowship with God if it is based upon the law. We all fall short of the glory of God when submitted to the law of God.

Paul said that, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." It is lawful to see a movie, listen to music and follow sports. The big question is, "does it edify?" Sometimes it does, sometimes it does not. Rather we should seek ways to be edified through other things in life, without neglecting the prayer, Bible study, corporate worship opportuinities, witnessing, etc. We should never place those things above the Lord, who is the King of Kings.

I think you are correct to think it a ridiculous idea that all that we can do, apart from work, is pray and study the Bible. Peter, in addressing the issue of circumcision before the brethren said, "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

It appears that someone is seeking to place a yoke of the law upon your neck. Our hearts are purified by faith, not by obeying the law.

Honor Him, Worship Him, and glorify His name. And whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of the Lord Jesus.

I am hopeful that this has helped to answer your question. I also apologize for making the answer longer that I expected. If I may be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to post a follow-up on allexperts.com when given the opportunity.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn