Is watching TV a sin?

"Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted." —Titus 1:15 (NLT)

The Bible obviously doesn't talk about TV or streaming services or any kind of entertainment like that. Many Christian households have and use TVs regularly, but there are just as many who prefer to avoid anything from Hollywood. Neither stance is wrong.

In cases where the Bible doesn't give a direct command, we are free to use our own personal convictions—so long as we are "fully convinced" that it's acceptable for us (Romans 14:5).

Forming Convictions

What if you're not really convicted one way or the other? What if you and your parents disagree on whether or not TV is OK?

First of all, if your parents have a conviction against watching TV, then you need to honor their house rules. Even if you don't have the same conviction, you must obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). However, if your parents don't have restrictions on TV, then the decision is one to make between you and God.

As you begin to formulate your own convictions about TV, ask yourself some questions: What are the benefits of watching shows? What are the negatives? Is there anything good that comes from TV for you? Does TV tend to be a mind-sucking, brain-melting glowing thing that promotes procrastination, corrupts your mind, and damages relationships?

Fact #1: TV is Not Inherently Bad

"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is beneficial." —1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)

We want to clarify that TV is not automatically evil. It's just a tool—like the internet, radio, or the library. And, like any tool, it can be used properly or improperly.

TV shows can actually be very useful for some. Many people get their news through their favorite channels. Broadcasting or streaming services can be an efficient way of getting emergency broadcasts to the people who need to prepare for inclement weather. Over the past decades, TV has also become a means of spreading the gospel across the world.

Visual entertainment can be beneficial, depending on the creators and shows we choose. Some highlight positive themes that encourage and uplift. Others are educational, seeking to teach their viewers a new skill or topic.

Fact #2: TV is Not Inherently Good

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." —1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Although TV can have positive aspects, it can also present a minefield of moral obstacles and unhealthy distractions. Many popular TV shows present themes that are contradictory to what the Bible endorses, and, for some Christians, this muddies the boundaries between moral good and outright evil.

Unfortunately, just about anything we read, watch, or listen to (even from "Christian" producers) will likely contain something unbiblical. It's important to be able to separate what is good from what is not—according to the Bible—and to be able to separate heresy from God's truth.

TV or streaming can also become an addictive distraction—just like our phones. It's easy to get wrapped up into a TV show we just discovered had twelve seasons on Netflix, but if that TV show becomes more important to us than God or family or responsibilities, there's a serious problem (Matthew 22:37).

Choosing Good Content

"Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." —1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Does this television show trip you up in your spiritual walk? Is sexual content in your favorite vampire show stirring up any type of lust in your heart? Step away (Matthew 5:28). Are you finding yourself obsessing over new crafting projects from your newfound DIY show? Back up for awhile (1 John 2:15-17). Is an angry character planting seeds of resentment in your heart? Walk the other way (Romans 12:2).

The Holy Spirit is here to help us, so we should not ignore any convictions or anything goes against our conscience (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23) and know how different content affects you personally. Different things will affect different people in different ways. Respect others' convictions, yet hold fast to your own. And if there is any ever question about what to do, ask to God for guidance (Philippians 4:6; James 1:5).

"Dear brothers and sisters... Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." —Philippians 4:8 (NLT)