In a world of ever-growing streaming possibilities, it’s easy for one to get caught up in whatever new movie just topped Netflix’s Top 10 list or consumed binging that new show on AppleTV, but Christians are called to stand out from the crowd, not be part of it. So, does this mean Christians are supposed to abstain from every and all piece of media produced by or featuring someone who is not a Christian? Pfft, no.

I grew up attending a Southern Baptist church where most of the Sunday school teachers were older or elderly people, something I’m sure many in the Southern Baptist sphere of influence can empathize with. While I loved a lot of the wisdom spoken into me by these people, as I grew older, I noticed how often their opinions would get mixed in with the lesson being taught. One lesson, and the reason I even reminisce on this, was about how young men should guard our hearts by guarding our eyes from evil things.

The teacher spoke on topics like porn and real violent content that could be found on the internet, but then drifted to speak on how he would never allow his children to watch the Harry Potter franchise because of the negative influence the depiction of witchcraft would have on his kids, then proceeded to kindly scold us for watching the same movies. That’s where he lost me.

I remember being so confused about how fictional wizard kids being chased around by another fictional wizard with a raspy voice and no nose was going to make me waver in my faith. I still have the same confusion when it comes to some Christians refusing to watch certain movies or shows.

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely something to be said about being careful about the content you consume and certainly about how much you consume, BUT not all “secular” media is evil or sinful to watch.

Humans are image bearers. We bear the image of whatever we consume the most of. If one spends all their time watching a certain genre or franchise, odds are they’ll judge everything else according to those films. If one spends more time reading scripture, praying and being around other Christians at church and in smaller groups, then they’ll compare the media they consume against their faith.

Something I learned my sophomore year through Civ is how all art gives the audience perspective to the world through the eyes of its creator. Film does this exactly. It’s not uncommon for me to hear about Christians turning their noses up at film or show because it’s “too liberal” or “pushing an agenda on me.” When instead it can be taken as a chance to gain anew perspective on the world. There won’t be a film or show you don’t make that lines up 100 percent with your ideals.

In the same breath, it is completely okay to abstain from watching something you disagree with or that makes you comfortable, but it is not okay to be judgmental of someone who watches it. My biggest pet peeve around this is many Christians’ views on Game of Thrones. I am unashamedly a big fan of GOT and am currently watching House of the Dragon.

When I think about GOT, I think mostly of probably the greatest battle scene I have ever seen or Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister being an absolute troll to everyone all the time. But the number one response I have received when asking someone if they have watched Game of Thrones is, “No, I’d rather not watch porn” and always delivered with a judgmental smirk and a look in their eyes that communicates that they truly believe they’re the first person ever to makethat remark to a GOT fan. I promise you that being hateful to someone who enjoys watching Game of Thrones will not grant you a seat closer to God in Heaven.

I understand how certain scenes featuring nudity and sexual acts may be difficult for some people to watch for a whole slew of reasons. There’s no shame in obstructing your view of those scenes or fast forwarding, but there is in talking down on those who do not struggle to watch those scenes. If watching those make you more likely to fall to sin, you struggle with then don’t watch it but remember that not everyone struggles in the same ways you do. So just don’t be a jerk to people who enjoy watching content you may not enjoy.