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22 answers

It really depends. I love most of it. Something certainly doesn't have to be religious to appeal to me.

But I was flipping channels one Friday night and came across BET and some rap videos. I thought we were somehow picking up a porn channel. I don't care for that. And I don't think it's even because I'm a Christian. I just think that equating sex and money - and reducing women to simply sexual objects for men to toy with - are objectionable to me because I am a woman and I like sex with a real man who appreciates my heart, mind and soul as well as my body.

Okay, that was my rant for today....

But simply secular without degrading anybody? Perfectly fine with me.

2007-06-20 06:04:35 · answer #1 · answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7 · 0 1

I know I'm coming a bit late to the party but I saw this question up yesterday and couldn't answer because I had already reached my daily limit.

I can't imagine how dull and unimaginative my life would be if I avoided art, music, and literature that has a secular theme. Throughout history Christians have produced some amazing music, beautiful art, and thoughtful literature, and this I enjoy. These days however is a different story. For the most part, today's Christian subculture fails miserably to create meaningful art (using the term to encompass all the categories you listed).

As a Christian I should be able to use my brain and the critical thinking skills that God has given me and discern what is just merely fiction, and enjoy it as thus. I should enjoy the beauty of all creation, even that done by man....even that done by (gasp!) secular man.

And I do. I love classical literature, Thomas Hardy is one of my favorite novelists and he’s anything but a Christian author. I love some contemporary literature, I’ve mentioned before what a big Steven King fan I am...although he probably falls somewhere between the two camps. I love art and music of all types, as long as its done well, despite the basic “message” it may send across.

I’m not a big fan of labeling such things “secular” or “Christian” either. A book is a book, it doesn’t have a soul, it’s not good or evil. There are books written by Christians (which may or may not have a Christian theme) and books written by non-Christians, some are good and some are bad but it’s all literature.

2007-06-20 01:45:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

There is no restriction on entertainment with a secular theme in most sects of Christianity.. To make a sweeping generalization would not be fair. Just as there are sects in most other major religions Islam, Hindu, Buddhism, etc that each have slightly different accepted practices, Christianity is no different. There are a few, and most very minor, that do not support or even disallow secular aimed entertainment.
However, the vast majority of sects make it a personal choice on what the individual feels comfortable with and feels that will bring him a better relationship with him/herself, their God, and the rest of humanity..

2007-06-19 11:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by ALittleAboutALot 2 · 1 1

I'm certainly able, and even willing, and do. My bookshelves are quite a mix; for example, St. Augustine and St. Therese of Lisieux have been sitting next to Diana Gabaldon's novels for quite some time and they seem to get along well. When I read for pleasure, I appreciate a great story. Same for movies.

That said, I'm selective about my leisure reading and movie-watching. I'm not fond of gratuitous over-use of the f-word, excessive blood/gore/violence, or in-your-face "shock" stuff in any medium. For that matter, mindless drivel is also a waste of time that could be better spent doing something else. (Yikes, I just realized this could apply to YA ... I may have to eat my own words.)

A bit of entertainment now and then with a really good movie or book, secular or otherwise? It's my favorite way to spend an evening if I've taken care of that day's higher priorities and want to relax.

2007-06-19 11:38:58 · answer #4 · answered by Clare † 5 · 2 1

Depends on if it violates or disrespects my faith. Yes, Christians enjoy many forms of non-offensive secular entertainment. A Christian should always keep in mind what would Jesus do? This applies to everything in a Christian's daily walk with God.

2007-06-19 11:25:31 · answer #5 · answered by The New King David 1 · 2 1

Of course! We have liberties in Jesus Christ. We should not partake in activities that will cause us to stumble or others, some new to Christianity might not understand your appreciation of the artist formally known as "Prince" so you listen in private, enjoy the beat and move on. We can be of the world but not in the world. All types of negative media will be around us a testing of our faith will produce reliance on God.

2007-06-19 11:24:27 · answer #6 · answered by churchofchrist 1 · 2 2

Of course. What a question. You thought,let us say,a Catholic couldn't enjoy a movie if it wasn't on a religious theme? Or a novel? Or anything? You sound like you've had one heck of a narrow range of experience of life. Never gone to a movie with anyone with a religious affiliation, really? I find that hard to believe.

2007-06-19 11:23:26 · answer #7 · answered by Galahad 7 · 2 2

Art and literature yes. Music- sometimes. I like musical movie soundtracks, and Josh Groban.

2007-06-19 11:23:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3 2

Yes of course. I wouldn't want to watch/read/listen to something that was particularly immoral, but I find most secular media perfectly enjoyable.

2007-06-19 11:22:48 · answer #9 · answered by JFinlay925 2 · 2 2

I've loved J.S. Bach since I was a schoolgirl - best religious music ever written ,and a lot of it has no meaningless lyrics to spoil the enjoyment.

2007-06-19 11:30:32 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 2 2

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