I'm Catholic. Is it okay for me to watch TV shows where they make fun of Jesus?

Question

I'm a Catholic teen and I always feel bad when i'm watching South Park or some other show and they start making fun of Jesus or representing him the wrong way (like in South Park where he's shooting a machine gun or represented as 'imaginary').
I really enjoy watching these shows, and if it's bad, then everyones gonna be asking me why I can't watch them.

Is it a okay to watch these shows?



[PLEASE only respond if your Catholic/Christian too or you actually know the answer! I don't want ANY haters in here!!!]

Answer 1

There is a difference between observing or hearing such statements and integrating them into your belief statement.
I don't see how watching or listening to these shows could affect the strength of your religious beliefs, unless you allow them to.

Answer 2

Well I'm guessing shows that satirize your savior is a no-no, but shows such as South Park and what not often use Jesus as a medium in getting their message across regarding the fallacies of the Church, or the way some people take the Bible all too literally. So although the image of Jesus maybe disturbing and outright offensive, it gives Christians the opportunity to question their beliefs. And personally I believe that if person never questions their own beliefs then they will never fully understand them.

So my advice would be thus, if it shames you to watch the cartoons then dont watch, but if your willing to keep an open mind and are confident in your religion, watch the show with good humor and try to find the message the writers are trying to convey.

Answer 3

Well, why do you think you feel bad? Obviously it's because the disrespect shown to your God bothers you. So why on earth would you continue to watch the show.

Suppose it was your dad that South Park was spoofing all the time. Would you keep watching it if they made fun of your dad all the time?

There are other shows to watch. If you can't find one that isn't disrespectful to Christ, then rent a movie that doesn't have that problem (there are lots). Or read a book. Or go volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter or something and put your faith into action.

Answer 4

I have noticed the same thing, and honestly, it kind of makes me uncomfortable to see them misrepresent Him and say wrong things about Him. I try to think of it as.....if that was my fiancee or my mother or father that they were making fun of, I wouldn't be laughing along or support a show that did that...so why should I laugh along or support a show that does this exact thing to the One that loves me best?

That's just my opinion about it. Yea, some of these shows can be funny other than the making fun of Jesus part, but I guess it's okay sometimes to sacrifice something small for the One that has sacrificed so much for us.

So basically, when there have been certain movies/shows that I prefer not to see...I just tell people, "you know what, Im just not fully comfortable with everything that's on it." If they don't feel the same way, they are not going to understand and it might sound really weird to them, but that's okay. I too, feel weird sometimes saying this to people but then I have to remind myself that...."I shouldn't be so worried about what other humans think of me as much as I should worry about what God thinks of me."

May God be with you!

Answer 5

I know what you are feeling and my advice to you is to worry more about what Jesus thinks of you, rather, then what your friends think of you. Those programs make a mockery of Christ and by watching those programs you help keep them on the air. Think of it this way: If you were watching that program and Jesus walked into the room, how would you feel? Ashamed? Awkward? Embarrassed?... Why do you think you would feel that way? The point is...Jesus is in that room with you, He is in your heart. And what about the saints dying all over this world for the sake of Jesus' name? Many have given their lives, dying horrible deaths by not renouncing their faith in Christ Jesus. We in America do not know what it is like for many around the world. Many are suffering for their beliefs and we cringe because someone thinks we are weird. Think about it. When Southpark was first televised, I watched it also, but then God started working in my heart, I started finding many things insulting to my beliefs as a Christian. When we are convicted that what we are doing is wrong, our hearts feel heavy, we know deep in our hearts that something is not right. If we continue to do these things, eventually our hearts will become hardened. Our adversary knows the power of Cartoons, Music and Peer Pressure. He knows we are more likely to dismiss a cartoon as harmless so he sends his messages to us there.
If your conscience bothers you, listen to it, it is the voice of God. You sound very sweet and I will pray for you.
God Bless You....Fight The Good Fight.

Answer 6

I understand where you're coming from. There is much of this type of thing on television. For me, I take offense at it, because I love the Lord.

Do you think it's okay for someone (a friend) you love to be made fun of or criticized? A true friend speaks up. Since you can't yell at the television, I'd say the next best thing would be to turn the channel.

Answer 7

Well, first of all, no. Jesus would not watch these shows also is he were here. I can understand that they are funny (i am a teen and i have watched them before, too), but it is horrible to make fun of God or Jesus. If i were you, i would just remember to guard your mind and also to do what you think is right. If you are feeling guilty, then it may be God telling you something.

Answer 8

''Be vigilent!..Be critical! Do not follow the trend produced by this powerfully persuasive media ....Do not be afraid to appear different, or the criticism that you are out of fashion or a loser.

People your age, even adults, all of those who seem far from the mentality of the Gospel values, have a deep seated need to see someone who dares to live acording to the fullness of hunmanity manifested by Jesus Christ.''

-- Benedict 16

Immagine all those poor people who are not so critical but still need someone to pray for them even more because of that. I wish I would pray for others more too.

Answer 9

I've seen those shows before and at first them were funny but I'd ask myself, "If they're making fun of Jesus and disrespecting Him, why would I want to watch that?" So, I don't anymore.

Answer 10

I'm Catholic and i watch those shows too. Its okay to watch them if you know that YOU CANT TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY. I just take those jokes as ignorant banter. I don't let myself get affected by it. Just remember that they are not one of us and they don't understand us. They're the haters. Some people (some writers/creators) just don't have a lot of respect for others.