Should Christians Watch Horror?

[@NipanArts]

My name is Nipan (from Nipan Studio), I am a Christian Thai movie director. I do made horror film as well, but I also do put a deep theological (Chrsitian) and good message in to the writting of the story as I'm also directed it. Or even on the process of film editing I'm always try to put a very subtle message to it, even though people might not see it that clearly, but subconsciously they will. All and all, I think as a Christian film maker we should do our best to make people be aware and notice at the bad/evil that are elements of the horror film, and at the same time show the audience the way out/ solution/ the Light to get out from the darkness that the film present. So I think Christian should watch a "Good" horror film (even though "good" is subjective thing), cuz there are things that can always teaches/ tell us something about things that people mgiht be afraid of and find the way to help those who scared. And YES, also stay way from a bad/ depressing/disturbing only horror fim cuz they will drained our life and spiritual.

[@PolterGibbst]

Great Conversation! Thank yall for making this.

[@oekmama]

Last year, I was reading Brian Godawa‘s essay An Apologetic of Horror on exactly this topic. A great discussion. Absolutely.

[@hmmokay.4807]

Thank you. Agree horror may not be for all people. But excluding exploitation nonsense of all kinds and films that are wantingly sacrilegious. I have found horror and thriller films that have evoked feels of deep sympathy and love as protagonist overcome and sacrifice for love. Completely agree though it can be confronting for those who have not been exposed to horror or dread filled content.

[@wibblesmcscribbles3018]

No horrors, fictional or not can surpass the protection of Gods eternal love.

[@aleahlarson9881]

Just found this channel, can't wait to go through some of the other videos but as someone who loves story telling and finding common connections throughout mankind's history of stories, fables, and mythologies that (to me) irrefutably point to a common origin, I can't wait to go through the rest of the channel and podcasts (and I'll definitely check out your guests too!) I used to feel like a weirdo being both a Christian and a horror movie fan so I definitely appreciate this video and for the most part agree with your commentators. I do feel obligated to point out some of my thoughts on this topic as I've wrestled with some of these questions. We (as Christians) do need to be aware that the Enemy is in all aspects of our lives and I've been noticing a disturbing pattern in horror lately to effectively paint a (false) picture that Christianity is powerless to overcome evil. A lot of supernatural and religious horror lately, for example Midnight Mass, has tried to portray "religion" as empty and ineffective. As I firmly believe that art imitates life, I see these kinds of efforts as a reflection of empty faith believers who don't have a strong, true understanding of the REAL power of God, but to non-believers or even those who aren't deeply rooted, these kinds of showings may end up doing the bidding of the Enemy to turn people away from God. As you guys have pointed out though, I think we, as believers who watch these kinds of things, can use these as opportunities to witness and present the truth. I find a lot of the demonic movies the most terrifying (and shy away from them) because I do believe in that supernatural powers and here is another caution- I think the enemy is trying to use these to desensitize people to the truth, to hide in plain sight, make it seem like just a fantasy. I'm surprised neither commentator mentioned the movie Nefarious, which was a very well done movie that does Christian "horror" right. To Toby- if you're ever looking for movie ideas, I've always thought that C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy has some fantastic horror elements in them, especially "That Hideous Strength". Thanks guys, keep on the Good Work!

[@oekmama]

Same.

[@markpolo97]

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." - H.P. Lovecraft

[@aerialpunk]

Good point about the crucifixion. I've seen some horror movies that really got under my skin, but there was only one movie that hit so hard that me and my friends left the theatre and sat down in the hallway outside just staring into space for a few minutes cos it was so intense and horrifying... That was the Passion of Christ. Imo it's worth watching because man, does it drive home what Jesus suffered in a way most sermons don't, but it impacted me harder than any horror movie I've seen - yet seeing it would be seen as unequivocally good by other Christians. I think I agree with you guys on this, especially the one guy who said it kinda depends on the content. Some horror is just gratuitous or so negative it's probably best avoided. But others can make you think, and let you explore things in a relatively harmless way. I really enjoy Lovecraft stories, for example, in part because seeing a world where there is no God, almost taking atheism to a very logical conclusion in this setting, it is a world I'd rather not live in. It ends up making me appreciate God at the end of most of the stories, haha. It's also a good warning about taking scientific exploration to extremes. I'm not sure you can even have a cautionary moral story without it being at least partially a horror, now that I think about it.

[@Quality_Sts]

Life’s good when we have 3 videos in a week

[@JensenScherer]

You guys are reallly making some good points, I love the position of freedom you are taking. I love the connection back to Christ. My first feature might be a horror film you never know ;)

[@its-obi-one]

Such a great video, thank you so much! I was always drawn to horror films before God saved me, after that I just avoided horror films altogether because people told me christians should not watch them. But there was still the aspect of evil lurking around in my life, something that should not come in (a serpent/sin), something that should be killed and destroyed forever (a dragon). Now I identify myself with some pretty good horror movies and stories, because those stories reflect the war Christ won on the Cross and the battles we fight each day with ourselves and the world through the strenght of Jesus. God bless you, keep up the good work!

[@matteahart]

Very interesting discussion. Not sure I agree with everything said, but I definitely understand what you're getting at. I will say that I am very glad that media consumption is optional!

[@aerialpunk]

Yeah, I think there might be some value in the idea that if someone can handle a spicy curry that they should try it, haha. Well, "should" is a pretty strong word, maybe "coyld0 would be better. It's so them no harm to, if they wanted to, and they might get something worthwhile out of the experience. Me, I have health issues so I need the mild korma for the time being, but that aside I'm definitely a mild-to-medium person lol. Besides, I think it is true that horror can say things other genres can't. Many moral cautionary stories have horror elements in them that wouldn't work without that (eg The Picture of Dorian Gray, stories by Lovecraft that make one think about the potential threats of pursuing scientific progress).

[@TaedynBrinkman]

Just found your channel with your twilight of the Gods, very interesting content with these videos. Thank you for asking these questions!

[@krinkrin5982]

Yes, yes they should.

[@davidthepolitepaladin1195]

New favorite channel!

[@kongatron2983]

(hey new guy who found your channel) If you are looking for ideas for videos, I would be interested on your take on the Netflix series Daredevil. (Also your thoughts on super hero films and Christ.) There's also over the garden wall which got lots of symbolisms going on. Halloween special too.

[@HearGodsWord]

I didn't know Thomas had his own channel ☺️

[@LeoChaseTheMythMaster]

Love the channel. I'm writing a book about teenage superheroes and the main character is a Christian. Being a superhero, he beats up villains, etc, and I'm kind of asking what are your opinions on Christian superheroes if you get my meaning because being a superhero in fiction often comes with lying, violence, etc.

[@aerialpunk]

Violence yes, lying no... I can't think of a time when Superman or Captain America lied, and neither did the Batman or Spiderman that I grew up with (though they did maybe trick bad guys sometimes I suppose). I guess God himself allowed violence in te pursuit of higher things, maybe it would be okay in that light.

[@LeoChaseTheMythMaster]

@@aerialpunk the lying is more about to family and friends about identity. And thanks for your thoughts.

[@aerialpunk]

@@LeoChaseTheMythMaster Oh I see. Well, I guess to be fair, the thing the Bible really says is not to bear false witness. And we all know superheroes lie in order to protect their families and friends from the harm that comes with knowing them, not to mention to protect themselves. I don't think that's immoral.

[@wolfin22]

So fighting villains is ok but do try to remember that some people, creatures or even machines just need help. There's an antagonist in Spider-Man named Mindworm who can't help the powers he was born with and really just needs help. Peter laughs at him and beats him up like he did a bunch of villains. But years later he realized he made a mistake he teased and beat up someone who needed help and that bothered him and made him reflect on life.

[@LeoChaseTheMythMaster]

@@wolfin22 I remember hearing about him. Thank you.

[@christopherflux6254]

I enjoy some movies and tv shows with horror elements, but I find the horror genre in general to be very boring and I felt that way even before I was a Christian. I don’t normally like Zombie things, but I love The Last Of Us because of the central father-daughter dynamic. I quite enjoyed Birdbox and The Blair Witch Project. But I think it was more about the suspense.

[@daniellyons6269]

I think you should consider covering a Christian worldview on Halloween.

[@julietcoles6245]

I second that

[@julietcoles6245]

​@NickGagnon-u1v It's obvious why people would not celebrate as christians, but I am curious what those who do celebrate see as the praiseworthy fruit of that being. How does this glorify God? Genuine question.