Christians, Horror Movies and A Double Standard

Horror Movie Icons Throughout the years include Freddy Kruegar, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Pennywise, Chucky  and more.

Finally my brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things
Philippians 4:8

The Exorcist is often regarded as the
scariest movie of all time.

Oh boy, this is a rough one. For decades viewers have been treated to horror films and their evolution. From the very 1st horror film Le Manoir du Diablo in 1896 to Frankenstein in 1910. From the Wolfman in 1935 to what many call the scariest movie of all time; The Exorcist in 1973. Personally, certain horror films I have no issue watching. "Jaws" is considered a horror film and I have no problems watching it at all. I may not want to go to a beach anytime soon but I can watch the film fine. What about the more darker films? What about the Jason Voorhees movies? or the Freddy Krueger films? This is where many, many, MANY believers will slam the brakes. Now I've seen a lot of horror films. Some were nowhere near as bad as the others and some where more terrifying than others. My sister knows that one particular trope in horror films I refuse to mess with is anything involving demons or demon possessions. Why? Because while for millions of people it's just entertainment, for us (the believers) it's an all to real reality. I cannot even watch 45 seconds of the Exorcist without getting a heavy feeling in my chest. Also, a quick google search will show you that those who worked on the film also experienced strange & supernatural behaviors. 

2017's "It" is the highest grossing horror film
of all time.

Oddly enough though I never have that heaviness when watching a Chucky film or a Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie. Now let me say this, I don't run to horror movies often. I'd much rather watch an animated film (I love cartoons) or a comedy before a horror. It all depends on what the film is. The last horror movie I seen was 2017's "It." I went to that movie thinking it wasn't going to be scary because I thought the new Pennywise design wasn't scary itself. I jumped too many times to count and to top it all off I don't like clowns. Before going to that movie I had a brother from church try to discourage me from watching the movie calling the clown a demon. Now,  I know he didn't read the book so I tried to explain that Pennywise was actually an alien but only to have him counter with "an alien can't be a demon?" So I left it alone. Like I said any movie glorifying a demon or demonic possession I will not watch. 

An artist's illustration of Jesus casting the legion of demons in
a man as told in the gospels. 

I know many will ask "would you take Jesus to a horror movie?" and the obvious answer should be no. However I believe Jesus lived a life that the things he's seen would put any horror film to shame. A man infested with legions of demons (Mark 5:1-11), a man rising from his grave (John 11:38-44) and of course meeting the devil face to face (Matt 4:1-11). I'm not saying this justifies watching horror films because it doesn't. Some watch for the thrill and adrenaline rush. Others because they're genuinely interested in the story. I know some people who even pray BEFORE watching a horror film. If you have to pray before watching a movie...maybe you shouldn't go at all. Movies set an atmosphere and none more so than horror/thriller films. You get anxious, think somethings in the house with you, every little noise throws you off, etc. Why? Because the atmosphere the film sets. We must consider our spiritual lives when watching these films especially if it's based on something that believers genuinely encounter. Sure, there's no real Jason Voorheese, Killer Klowns from Outer Space or Leprechaun but there are demons, demon possessions and malevolent spirits that we honestly should not entertain or invite to our homes. 

Deadpool is known for the violent action just
as much for it's comedy and 4th wall breaks.

There is an issue I have though. As many times as I've been warned about horror films why aren't there any warnings about other violent action films like Rambo, Mad Max, Hellboy and more? As a matter of fact aren't the actions in action movies more realistic to perform than horror movies. I can't haunt a persons dreams in a boiler room but I can be an assassin like John Wick and shoot people from afar. I can't die and come back to life multiple times like Jason but if I'm an impressionable child (or really naive) I can think I'm a superhero like in the movie "KickA**" and use real weapons (guns, knives and swords) to take down criminals. Speaking of superhero films, what about movies like "Deadpool" or any of the newer Batman films that hosts violent behavior? You'll see believers flock to the theaters to see these films and no one bats an eye (no pun intended). Are we holding a double standard with believers and movie going? Should we be just as strong in preaching against violent action films as we do horror? Let me know your opinion!

Should believers watch ANY horror movie whether it's Jaws, Gremlins, Freddy or Saw?

Should believers watch any violent film whether it's horror, action or even comedy?

If we should avoid violent films, should we avoid Passion of the Christ? It's the only Christian film

with an R rating.

- William

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