Judging Art

Now that I have decided writing will be my profession, I need to set some guidelines. Today’s entertainment culture is drenched in immorality and satanic influences. I am struggling to define what is acceptable and what is irreverent.

Recently, a friend rebuked me for reading and watching the Twilight series. Before Twilight, I encountered numerous Christian who disapproved of the Harry Potter series. I love both of these series, and I respect these writers for their creativity and talent. These books and movies are poetic and powerful pieces of fiction.

I am also moved by art that may show nudity. I realize some of the art is simply pornographic and detestable. However, there are artists who use nudity effectively and create masterpieces.

I realize I must show proper restraint. There is no need to use profanity and overtly sexual imagery in my writing. But, I think for any book to be effective, it must have a dash of reality. The days of the Beavers and Lassie are over. Some of the most powerful art is the art that accurately portrays the human condition.

I personally don’t think the Harry Potter series or the Twilight series are demonic. I think they are make-believe. I know many people who refuse to watch Harry Potter, and yet they have no problem watching shows with murder and theft. Ocean’s Eleven is a perfect example. It is a popular show with Christians, yet it is main premise is theft.

I am not here to judge anyone. If you believe something is immoral, don't watch it! You know when you are being tempted. You know what leads you astray. There is NOTHING wrong with guarding your heart!.

I simply want people to recognize that God is an artist and an author. In His own holy word, the Bible, He shares the stories of sin and failure. There are graphic stories in the Bible, but no one would accuse God of writing smut. Why? The motivation behind sharing those stories is the motivation of love. God shares those stories to protect others from making the same mistakes. Reality is an effective tool against sin.

As an artist I want to hit people where they live. I don’t want a “moral” movie that fails to minister to anyone. People are hurting, sinful, and lost. As an artist, I don’t want to ignore that fact. I love this scripture. Titus 1:15-16

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.”

If my heart is pure, I will be able to approach everything with a proper guard. If I am corrupt, I will find pleasure in immorality and sin. Feel free to comment.