I have always enjoyed the writings of A.W. Tozer, a godly man who I admire in many ways. I've provided a link to an article he wrote back in 1955 titled, "The Great God Entertainment." It's interesting to look back and wonder what he would have thought about the current focus on "seeker services" in many churches where there is a large entertainment component.
It's easy to dismiss such writings as "out of touch" or "old fashioned," as if they spring from an earlier time when just going to a movie was considered sinful by many church goers. Yet, such a condemnation from a man I have come to see as a mature and wise follower of Jesus is not easily shrugged away.
Tozer writes: "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...For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world...She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him."
I stumbled across references to Tozer's article in a piece by John MacArthur that looks at the same issue from a more modern perspective.
"Some will maintain that if biblical principles are presented, the medium doesn't matter. That is nonsense. If an entertaining medium is the key to winning people, why not go all out? Why not have a real carnival? A tattooed acrobat on a high wire could juggle chain saws and shout Bible verses while a trained dog balanced on his head. That would draw a crowd. And the content of the message would be thoroughly biblical. It's a bizarre scenario, but one that illustrates how the medium can cheapen and corrupt the message."
Interesting reading, if nothing else. The depth and variety of opinions I have found regarding Christian filmmaking and Christian entertainment is fascinating. Just answering the question, "what is Christian film?" is proving to be a challenge.
The Great God Entertainment - A.W. Tozer
But Does It Work? - John MacArthur
