One of the questions was whether I felt religious movies would include instructional movies which have the intent of teaching history or business or the like? I don't think I would include preaching or teaching videos in the genre of what Tozer was addressing.
The question was asked about the Jesus film and others that are used in outreach. That isn't something I have spent much time studying in Scripture. I can say that I, for one, wouldn't ever feel comfortable being an actor and playing "Jesus". I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Does the end justify the means? Obviously, we would all agree "not". I'm not saying I disagree with the "Jesus" film used as an outreach - I am saying that religious movies are sweeping the nation and drawing many Christians away from what they should be doing (something BiblicalFirst resoundingly agreed with).
I think there is something to be said for the written word -- which is the primary way God choose to communicate with us. If God would have wanted us to visually see Jesus’ ministry from when He was here on earth: it would not have been hard for God to have allowed technology to have advanced to the point where His ministry could have been recorded for us to see. Instead, God chose the written word, and, truly, the spoken word in sharing.
I would liken the parables that Jesus shared as being along those same lines. Many of His parables were based on real life, but, the ones that weren't - I believe He shared as a parable, and didn't act out (with the disciples helping) in a sort of theater-type production.
Moving on from movies - I know there are many Christians that religiously watch the news in order to keep informed of worldly events. I've found two very interesting Scriptures that seem to address the news.
I will include some context, but will bold the particularly applicable sections.
Isaiah 33:14-16 (KJV)I wonder if it is possible to watch the news these days and not hear of bloodshed and to avoid seeing evil?
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? 15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; 16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Ephesians 5:10-12 (KJV)If it's a shame to speak of the sinful things that are done in darkness, it would also be wrong to listen to those things being shared about.
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
