We are called to live a life of purity and holiness, but daily we conform to the patterns of this world and compromise our faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ to satisfy the desires of our flesh for money, pleasure, acceptance and entertainment. Today’s column will cause us to think about whether we are guilty of the above and will provoke us to respond, either by repentance or disregard.
A friend sent me a podcast from ‘Ask Pastor John’ where it was asked: “Do you believe there is a difference between film nudity and pornography, and what would you say to a Christian who watches the TV show Game Of Thrones? This show is rated MA and has become rather infamous for its explicit nudity and sex scenes and for graphic scenes of rape and sexual violence against women.”
Pastor John Piper immediately responded that the closer he got to death and meeting Jesus face to face, the more sure he was of his resolve never to intentionally look at a TV show or movie or website or magazine where he knows he will see nudity. He sees his decision as a greater purity of heart and mind. He went on to share 12 reasons for his radical abstention from anything he knows would present him with nudity.
1. Christ died to purify his people. He explained that it is a travesty of the cross to believe that Christ died to forgive us from the sin of watching nudity and not to purify us for the power not to watch it. Titus 2:14: “He died to redeem us from all sin and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works.”
2. The Bible gives a radical call for holiness of heart, mind and life. 2 Corinthians 7:1 says: “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
3. Seeing naked women causes men to sin (lust) with their minds, desires and often with their bodies, and vice versa. Matthew 5:28: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
4. Life in Christ isn’t mainly the avoidance of evil, but mainly the passionate pursuit of good (righteousness). Philippians 4:8: “Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue or praise, think on these things.”
5. Watching nudity is a hindrance to the pursuit to see and know God as fully as possible. Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
6. When we pursue or embrace nudity in our entertainment, we are implicitly endorsing the sin of women focusing on the flesh and outward appearance, and displaying their bodies for men to lust after and not being modest. 1 Timothy 2:9-10: “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.
7. Christians are being hypocritical when watching nudity. On one hand they say by their watching it is okay, but on the other they know within their hearts they wouldn’t want their daughter or wife to be playing that role.
8. Nudity is not like violence or murder on the screen; that’s make-believe. But these actresses are really naked and being directed what to do with their legs, breast and so on.
9. A sexual relationship is a sacred and holy act created by God and pronounced good and is not a ‘spectator sport’.
10. There is no great film that needs nudity to add to its greatness. It isn’t art that is driving nudity in film but male sexual appetite.
11. Christians do not watch nudity with a view to maximise holiness.
12. If you doubt, don’t. This would alter the viewing habits of millions. Romans 14:22: “. . . for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Do not miss the message which Pastor John was conveying. This isn’t about Game Of Thrones, but the pursuit of righteousness and holiness by those who profess to be Christians.
Listen to the full audio podcast at www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-christians-watch-game-of-thrones.
Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. Email [email protected].
