Lesson 53 Explore 1: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Ban Certain Entertainment?
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Ban Certain Movies, Books, or Songs?
No. Our organization doesn’t review specific movies, books, or songs so as to rule on what individuals should avoid. Why not?
The Bible encourages each individual to train his “perceptive powers” to discern right and wrong.-
(Hebrews 5.14: But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.)
The Scriptures set forth basic principles that a Christian can weigh when selecting entertainment. As with all areas of life, our goal is to “keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.”-
(Ephesians 5.10: Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord;)
The Bible teaches that family heads have a measure of authority, so they may choose not to allow certain entertainment among members of their household.
(1 Corinthians 11.3: But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is the man; in turn, the head of the Christ is God.)
(Ephesians 6.1-4: Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. “Honor your father and your mother” is the first command with a promise: “That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.” And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.)
Outside the family, however, no one is authorized to ban specific films, songs, or artists as being unacceptable for Witnesses in general.-
(Galatians 6.5: For each one will carry his own load.)
[End of article.]