Entertainment and the Church

[4enlightment]

It appears that the Church was against worldly entertainment in our lives. I don't think the world would have butted heads with them so much if they were only opposed to worldly entertainment in the church buildings.

That in itself has large ramifications. I don't know anyone who doesn't participate in one form or another of worldly entertainment.

There are some Mormon missionaries who I have been evangelizing who say they are not allowed to watch TV. That's, sadly, the best example I have of people I know abstaining from worldly entertainment.

The secular music derived from old slave music, that the slave were singing to God from the heart. The church has gotten upset at Mahalia Jackson for singing secular music with a gospel overtone, and she shouldn't be singing in the secular arena. The church believe that a person shouldn't be pouring out their heart and soul to no man, but God alone.

<strong>[video=youtube_share;ZJg5Op5W7yw]http://youtu.be/ZJg5Op5W7yw[/video]

 

[Crazylove]

What is your view on entertainment and the Church? Should they be completely separated? Is it alright to entertain parishioners or to use entertainment in evangelism or is this abominable? What about entertainment in a Christian's personal free time?

Consider the following quote from A.W. Tozer in 1955:

For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was--a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability. For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers. So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate "producers" peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.

I got saved watching "The Prince of Egypt" DreamWorks animation. So I'm not against entertainment because it assisted in my salvation and hav heard tons of testimonies on "th Passion of Christ." God isn't against entertainment either.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17)

God made and gives many gifts and talents to us (James 1:17) , th world is who has defiled and made ugly th different talents that God intended to bring Him glory.Recreation means to “re-create” or “renew.” God allows us this time to be renewed and to grow in our faith. The only time entertainment in th church is wrong is when it becomes a stumbling block to th church and takes away thanks and glory to God.

So just lik everything it must b done moderately! I do feel many churches r excessive in entertainment and this isn't good for souls, saved or lost. And that th intention of these churches, in my experience, r wrong. But having moderate entertainment in th church can b good for us

 

[Ecclesiastik]

I got saved watching "The Prince of Egypt" DreamWorks animation. So I'm not against entertainment because it assisted in my salvation and hav heard tons of testimonies on "th Passion of Christ." God isn't against entertainment either.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17)

God made and gives many gifts and talents to us (James 1:17) , th world is who has defiled and made ugly th different talents that God intended to bring Him glory.Recreation means to “re-create” or “renew.” God allows us this time to be renewed and to grow in our faith. The only time entertainment in th church is wrong is when it becomes a stumbling block to th church and takes away thanks and glory to God.

So just lik everything it must b done moderately! I do feel many churches r excessive in entertainment and this isn't good for souls, saved or lost. And that th intention of these churches, in my experience, r wrong. But having moderate entertainment in th church can b good for us

Thank you for your contribution to the discussion. You do raise good points.

I noticed that the entertainment that you referred to was entirely religious. What are your views of things that are entirely secular?

 

[Ecclesiastik]

The secular music derived from old slave music, that the slave were singing to God from the heart. The church has gotten upset at Mahalia Jackson for singing secular music with a gospel overtone, and she shouldn't be singing in the secular arena. The church believe that a person shouldn't be pouring out their heart and soul to no man, but God alone.

I have to admit that sometimes I'm confused if you are trying to validate my points or invalidate them.

 

[weakness]

I think that through art, ie literature acting, painting, drama ,sculpture, ect, can be inspired and should convey a message. I think it is up to Christian to convey Godly things in what ever they do. If you look at Gods handiwork, nature ,there are messages and truths from and of God contained in it.and are edifying. If it is pleasing to watch or partake in this does not necessarily make it bad. But I do agree with the general notion that there are many distractions ,whether in entertainment or work or anything else that are used as a pacifier or a distraction not only in the church but in the world in general.

 

[SparkleEyes]

I know some Baptists are against dancing, but the there is dancing in the Bible. I believe there is nothing wrong with singing, dancing, acting for Jesus.
What about the Passion Play which happens every 10 years in Germany?
What about the religious plays that children at out at church?
What about the religious songs and plays that children in VBS and Sunday School do to help them learn the Bible?

How about these 2 songs? If you don't like contemporary music, you won't like them. Don't forget that even hymns written long ago were considered contemporary music and probably reviled by some.

Chris Rice's Dance for Jesus:

chris rice:untitled hymn (come to jesus)-with lyrics - YouTube

Chris Tomlin's God's Great Dance Floor:
Passion - God&#39;s Great Dance Floor (feat. Chris Tomlin) - YouTube

 

[crossnote]

It seems a distinction should be made between our everyday lives and the sole purpose of gathering together as a. Body of believers to worship our God...not to entertain the unbeliever so as to 'lure' him or her into the kingdom.

Acts 2:42, 46-47 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

But in the time outside corporate worship...yes there is much more lee-way.
Hey, after all, I come across lot's of entertainment right here on CC.

 

[notuptome]

Entertainment in the church is a subject I suspected would engender more divergent opinions.

Anything in the church that is bigger than Jesus has no place being there. If the music is bigger than the Jesus the music needs to be changed. If there are rites and or rituals that are bigger than Jesus then they must change.

The pulpit ministry of the church ought to be the center of the service. The church is a place of discipleship not a place to go to kill time and hang out with religious folks.

If preaching is entertaining then entertain away. If the entertainment is a rock band or an opera singer time to re-evaluate.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[blueorchidjd]

But how can church be dry if people are preaching the word of God? Isn't this exactly the mentality that leads to entertainment infiltrating the church? That is--the mentality that we need to update our methodology in order to not be perceived as boring.

If we live holy lives, preach the word of God, and give our all to Him, isn't the Lord Himself going to add to our numbers?

Alright, I'll elaborate. I understand what you are saying, but I feel that at times if people are being led without interaction or the use of these gifts that God has given them what is the point of the Lord giving people these spiritual gifts? I think there has to be a middle ground somewhere. I don't feel that the church should feel the need to immediately adapt or in fact resemble anything that looks like the world, but I feel that since man have developed these resources in technology, we can use them to inform people in a greater way- all to the ends of the earth even. But I do not feel that it should take place of the doctrine in the church. And I understand what you are saying about leading holy lives, but I think a person can be creative while living a holy life. Imagine Christian screenwriters they write stories for their people to see and they give it to the director and they make a film. I think that's what the church can be like, still while having a holy life. Just not focused on the glitz, but to use technology. Know what I'm sayin?

 

[Ecclesiastik]

Alright, I'll elaborate. I understand what you are saying, but I feel that at times if people are being led without interaction or the use of these gifts that God has given them what is the point of the Lord giving people these spiritual gifts? I think there has to be a middle ground somewhere. I don't feel that the church should feel the need to immediately adapt or in fact resemble anything that looks like the world, but I feel that since man have developed these resources in technology, we can use them to inform people in a greater way- all to the ends of the earth even. But I do not feel that it should take place of the doctrine in the church. And I understand what you are saying about leading holy lives, but I think a person can be creative while living a holy life. Imagine Christian screenwriters they write stories for their people to see and they give it to the director and they make a film. I think that's what the church can be like, still while having a holy life. Just not focused on the glitz, but to use technology. Know what I'm sayin?

Yes I do. That there are gifts that can be used besides preaching. Technically even music is a form a gift that is used to praise the Lord. You are simply saying that there are other gifts that can be used and that we need to be careful how we use them so that they center on God. I agree.

 

[blueorchidjd]

Noo. Both can be incorporated.

 

[dcontroversal]

What is your view on entertainment and the Church? Should they be completely separated? Is it alright to entertain parishioners or to use entertainment in evangelism or is this abominable? What about entertainment in a Christian's personal free time?

Consider the following quote from A.W. Tozer in 1955:

For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was--a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability. For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers. So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate "producers" peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.

The bible teaches to preach the word and let it fall where it falls...if you want entertainment go buy a movie ticket.

 

[blueorchidjd]

that's not very loving

 

[dcontroversal]

that's not very loving

First, of all you have no ability to judge my heart and or my motive.
Second, it is the truth, and if you love someone you will tell them the truth
Third, Jesus loved all, yet called people hypocrites, white washed coffins, blind as well as many other truthful things.
Fourth, I had no ill will, nor anger, nor mouthy heat behind my post
Fifth, was just making a truthful observation.

 

[blueorchidjd]

Okay, you win.

 

[dcontroversal]

Okay, you win.

sorry if that seemed mouthy I wasn't

 

[Ecclesiastik]

I agree that the time is too short to be playing games in church service and evangelism. I question whether it is too short to be playing games outside of church service as well.

To give an example of in church service- Once I went to a Methodist church (go figure, I know) as a first time visitor and the ENTIRE service was kids singing, doing little skits, and music videos with kids singing children songs about boats and non-sense. In the apostle Paul's words: Don't we have houses for this stuff? I left that service without a tiny bit of edification.

An example in evangelism, I'm now in Italy and have been affiliated in the past with a group who does religious skits to get people's attention. Puppets and mimes usually. The mimes usually have a religious context to them and the puppets do sometimes. They also do balloon animals as well for the kids. They will hand them a balloon as well as a tract.

I think the problem with the whole thing is that they have made fleshly desires a part of their ministry. I realize they don't do it to the degree that a lot of folks do but it is, afterall, a slipperly slope. If you think you have to entertain folks to get them to stop and look at you then you really must be leaving the Lord out of your calculations IMO.

An example of outside of the church walls- I recently gave up playing a popular video game because I felt like it was a weight in my life. I evangelized when I got on there but the games would last for 30-40 minutes each and required intense concentration. Is that really a justifiable use of the time that God has given me?

 

[p_rehbein]

Here ya go..................no distractions here!

 

[thecreationtutor]

[SUP]Ephesians 4:14 [/SUP]so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by crafty deceitful schemes

2 Corinthians 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

 

[chubbena]

I'm all for entertainment.
God alone couldn't draw people efficiently to Yeshua and They need our help.
For the movie crowd give them movies.
For the rock n roll crowd give them rock n roll.
For the WWE crowd give them WWE.
For the ___ crowd give them ____.
Soon, if not already, the whole world will be churchified.