How about the Bible and entertainment?
Introduction. While "all work and no play will make Johnny a dull boy" is not scripture, the expression does have some merit. The wise man wrote, "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh" (Eccl. 12: 12). Man needs relaxation and entertainment. In a book that stressed seriousness and service to God, you would perhaps not expect to read thus: "There is nothing better for man, than he should eat and drink, and he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor..." (Eccl. 2: 24, cp. 3: 12, 13).
Americans have become obsessed with entertainment. We have embraced the philosophy "if it is not fun, I can not do it." We just about have to make everything appear to be fun and entertainment for anyone to be interested. Alas, religion in order to attract people has, in many cases, become entertainment. Clown ministries, comedians in the pulpits, and bands and quartets have replaced the simple preaching of the word. We do not want to hear about sin and salvation, we must be made to laugh and feel good! (See public worship: Acts 2: 42, Eph. 5: 19, 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2).
Rules to help us judge entertainment. As seen, there is a place and time for entertainment, but even then, entertainment should meet certain criteria. In what kind of climate am I placed, am I adversely affected, what kind of dress is required, how much time do I spend, how expensive is it, and what kind of impression am I making on others by participating in it are some questions to ask ourselves (Phili. 4: 8; 1 Tim. 2: 9; Eph. 5: 16; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; Rom. 14: 16).
Conclusion. God and the Bible are certainly not against entertainment, of the right type, in its proper place, and commensurate with duties we have. However, many today are like the Jews, "The people sat down to eat...and rose up to play" (1 Cor. 10: 7).
Americans have become obsessed with entertainment. We have embraced the philosophy "if it is not fun, I can not do it." We just about have to make everything appear to be fun and entertainment for anyone to be interested. Alas, religion in order to attract people has, in many cases, become entertainment. Clown ministries, comedians in the pulpits, and bands and quartets have replaced the simple preaching of the word. We do not want to hear about sin and salvation, we must be made to laugh and feel good! (See public worship: Acts 2: 42, Eph. 5: 19, 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2).
Rules to help us judge entertainment. As seen, there is a place and time for entertainment, but even then, entertainment should meet certain criteria. In what kind of climate am I placed, am I adversely affected, what kind of dress is required, how much time do I spend, how expensive is it, and what kind of impression am I making on others by participating in it are some questions to ask ourselves (Phili. 4: 8; 1 Tim. 2: 9; Eph. 5: 16; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; Rom. 14: 16).
Conclusion. God and the Bible are certainly not against entertainment, of the right type, in its proper place, and commensurate with duties we have. However, many today are like the Jews, "The people sat down to eat...and rose up to play" (1 Cor. 10: 7).