Through the Eye Gate: Protecting the Heart from Corrupting Influences

Introduction

I want to delve into our relationship with entertainment—its use, misuse, and abuse—paying particular attention to the potentially harmful aspects. Specifically, I aim to address those elements in entertainment that run contrary to our faith and demand our vigilance in guarding against them.

Entertainment in itself is not inherently evil. Yet as believers, we understand that not everything is beneficial. Our Master warned us that the eyes are the gateway to the innermost being. What we choose to watch, read, or listen to inevitably shapes our thoughts, our affections—the orientations of the heart—and ultimately our actions.

In this teaching, we will examine what Scripture says about guarding our eyes, consider the dangers presented by modern entertainment, and reflect on how we as followers of Messiah can cultivate true discernment.

The Eye as the Lamp of the Body

Our Master said the following as recorded in Matthew 6:22-23: 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, all your body shall be enlightened. “But if your eye is evil, all your body shall be darkened. If, then, the light that is within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

This passage from the Gospel of Matthew offers a profound metaphorical reflection on the nature of perception, morality, and even spiritual enlightenment. Let's break it down:

• “The lamp of the body is the eye.” This opening statement establishes a powerful analogy between the function of a lamp illuminating a room and the eye illuminating the body. Lamps—both in ancient times and now—enable people to see and navigate through life. Likewise, the eye is the gateway through which light enters, shaping how we perceive reality and how we respond to it. What we choose to set before our eyes not only colours our understanding of life but also directs our steps. And this truth also holds deep spiritual weight.

• “If therefore your eye is good, all your body shall be enlightened.” Here, the term “good” likely refers clarity of vision, moral integrity, and spiritual purity. When our perception is clear and our intentions are righteous, our whole being is filled with light (This light here likely refers to the primordial light spoken of in Genesis 1:3-4, connected to the “word” in Psalm 119:105, and fully embodied in יהושוע, who declared, “I am the light of the world.” This light is ultimately rooted in the divine reality). Just as a well-functioning lamp spreads light throughout a room, so a virtuous eye brings illumination to the innermost being, shaping both our thoughts and our actions.

• "But if your eye is evil, all your body shall be darkened." Conversely, an "evil" eye symbolises distorted perception, moral corruption, spiritual impurity or even blindness. When our perception is clouded by moral decay and evil, our entire being is enveloped in darkness. This darkness corrupts the heart within and the actions without, obscuring our ability to discern truth and to live with integrity, thus affecting our entire life.

• "If, then, the light that is within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" This concluding statement emphasises the gravity of spiritual darkness. When the divine inner light of wisdom and virtue is extinguished by moral corruption or spiritual neglect, the resulting darkness is profound and pervasive. If what guides us is itself corrupted, we lose all ability to discern truth and righteousness, which leads us further away from יהוה and the path of righteousness.

Overall, our Master's words serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between our perception, morality, and spiritual well-being. Just as a lamp depends on a clear source of light to illuminate its surroundings, our inner light depends on the clarity and purity of our perception. Therefore, it’s imperative that we vigilantly monitor what we allow into our lives, paying particular attention to what we expose our eyes to, knowing that such can affect our entire being. We must safeguard our vision and clarity by being discerning about what we allow to capture our attention. 

A Psalm of Resolve

David gives us a model in his own resolution:

Psalm 101:2-3 - "I act wisely in a perfect way. When do You come to me? I walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart. I set no matter of Beliya‛al before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It does not cleave to me."

Let us heed the wisdom of David, who resolved not to set anything worthless or wicked before his eyes. If the man after Aluhym’s own heart made such a commitment, how much more diligently should we guard our own eyes today?

Why Entertainment Requires Discernment

From a Christian perspective, engaging with modern entertainment can be complex. It requires balancing personal convictions and cultural pressures with spiritual discernment. While not everything in entertainment is inherently bad, much of it contains elements that stand in opposition to biblical values. For this reason, as followers of Messiah, we must exercise caution and discernment in what we choose to consume. What we give our attention to shapes us. Entertainment that celebrates sin, mocks holiness, or normalises immorality does not leave us untouched. With this in mind, let us examine the major issue.

Negative Influences and the Glorification of Sin: 

Much of modern entertainment glorifies sin or presents it in ways that normalise immoral behaviour, promoting values that stand in direct opposition to the Christian faith. Themes of violence, promiscuity, substance abuse, and moral relativism are not only common but often celebrated. Regular exposure to such content can gradually desensitise us, dulling our moral sensitivity and pulling us away from a life that reflects biblical principles.

As believers, we are commanded to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Messiah” (2 Corinthians 10:5). When entertainment celebrates sin—or even simply gives it a platform—it can blur our ability to clearly discern between what is good and what is evil in יהוה’s eyes.

With this in mind, let us now examine some of the ways in which entertainment can have this effect.

1. Desensitisation to Violence and Aggression

Many movies, TV shows, and video games depict violence as a legitimate or entertaining way to resolve conflict. When audiences are repeatedly exposed to graphic violence, it can numb them to the real-world consequences and ethical weight and implications of aggression and violence. This desensitisation can lead to a blurring of moral boundaries and can foster an increased tolerance for aggression and violence in society.

Scripture is clear:

Psalm 11:5 - "יהוה tries the righteous, but His being shall hate the wrong and the one who loves violence."

Proverbs 29:22 - "A man of displeasure stirs up strife, and a master of rage has many a transgression."

Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they shall be called sons of Aluhym.”

James 1:19-20 - "So then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of Aluhym."

Violence may entertain the flesh and be glorified by the world, but it is condemned by the Word. It is not the way of those who are called to be peacemakers. As followers of Messiah, we are not to celebrate or feed on aggression, nor to practice violence, but to walk instead in the path of peace and righteousness.

A prime example in today’s culture is the popular series Squid Game. Its very premise revolves around murder—killing others in order to win. For a believer, to accept such entertainment as harmless is to ignore the seriousness of what it portrays. Not only does it glorify violence and aggression, but it also normalises murder itself.

2. Promotion of Sexual Promiscuity

Modern entertainment often portrays casual sex as the norm, without emphasising the emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences of such behaviour. Characters on screen often engage in sexual encounters with multiple partners without regard for commitment or fidelity, sending the message that sex is merely a recreational activity devoid of deeper meaning or responsibility. This normalisation of sexual promiscuity can erode traditional values of chastity, fidelity, and respect for the sanctity of marriage—values that Scripture calls us to uphold.

Let’s consider what is often regarded as one of the most popular television shows of all time: Friends. To illustrate the message it conveys, here is the plot summary of its very first episode (sourced from Wikipedia):

“At the Central Perk coffee shop, Monica Geller is teased by her friends, Phoebe Buffay, Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani, about going out with someone and claiming it is not a date. Ross Geller, Monica's older brother, arrives at the coffee shop, upset that his lesbian ex-wife has moved out of their apartment to begin a new relationship with her partner. A young woman suddenly arrives wearing a wet wedding dress, whom Monica recognizes as her high-school best friend, Rachel Green. Monica introduces her to the others as Rachel reveals she left her fiancé at the altar, realizing that she does not love him. After Rachel's father cuts her off financially over the phone, Monica reluctantly takes Rachel in as a new roommate.

Meanwhile, Joey and Chandler console Ross while helping him assemble new furniture. Ross begins to wonder if any woman would be "the right one" for him. Monica goes on her first date with Paul the "wine guy", who confides in her that he has not been able to perform sexually since his wife left him. Monica is touched by his admission, and they sleep together. The next day, however, she learns from a coworker that Paul's story about his ex-wife is just a ruse to bed women. After her attempts to get a job are unsuccessful, Rachel ends up buying a new pair of boots with one of her credit cards, which she admits her father pays for. Egged on by the group, Rachel reluctantly cuts up her credit cards to announce her independence.

That night, Ross and Rachel talk and he confesses that he once was infatuated with her during high school; she admits that she knew. He asks if he can ask her out sometime, and she says yes. Ross leaves the apartment feeling newfound hope. In the final scene, the entire group is in Central Perk having coffee with Rachel, who begins a new career as a coffee shop waitress.”

I think that we can see some problems already and this is just the first of 236 episodes. 

Part of the original pitch from the creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman includes the following (sourced from Wikipedia): 

"It's about sex, love, relationships, careers, a time in your life when everything's possible. And it's about friendship because when you're single and in the city, your friends are your family.”

As we can see, the theme here is centred on sex—portrayed as casual and consequence-free. While intimacy itself is not sinful when expressed within the covenant of marriage, even in the very first episode we encounter an example of promiscuity: one of the main characters engages in sex outside of wedlock.

Sha’ul exhorts us plainly: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). In Ephesians 5:3–4, he takes this even further, insisting that such behaviour should not even be spoken of among the set-apart ones:

“But whoring and all uncleanness, or greed of gain, let it not even be named among you, as is proper among set-apart ones—neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.”

Speaking from personal experience, exposure to such sexual content significantly impacted influenced my mindset and, consequently, my behaviour. The prevalence of casual sexual interactions in contemporary media undermines the value and beauty of serious, committed (covenantal), and loving relationships where intimacy is reserved for marriage between a husband and a wife.

Another widely acclaimed sitcom is The Office. While I have not personally watched it, a Christian youth pastor offered this reflection (sourced from Robby Reed’s blog):

“Did I feel a twinge of guilt when someone would curse or use the Lord’s name in vain? Ill-at-ease when the professing Christian on the show was mocked, or when the show made light of Meredith’s alcoholism or Kevin’s addiction to porn, or Creed… well… just being Creed? Was I uncomfortable when Stanley’s affair was covered up by Jim and Pam’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy, or when Angela was sleeping with Dwight and Andy at the same time? What about Michael and Jan, or Michael and Holly, or Michael and Pam’s Mom, or Michael and Concierge Marie?! Did I have a queasy feeling in my stomach when Oscar’s homosexuality was applauded or when he had a gay affair with Angela’s husband the Senator? Yesh. But the moment passes, Jim pranks Dwight, I’d laugh it off, and say to myself, ‘This isn’t as bad as most shows on TV.’”

From his testimony, we see that The Office—like many sitcoms—contains not only humour, but also a steady stream of sexual immorality, coarse joking, and mockery of sin. At times, the humour itself is built upon these very things. While entertaining on the surface, these elements make it spiritually problematic and unfit for believers who are called to holiness.

There are, of course, further issues that could be addressed regarding sexual immorality in media—such as masturbation, homosexuality, transgenderism, and the sexualization of both men and women through immodest attire and objectification. However, I will not explore these in detail at this time. For now, let us move on to the next concern.

3. Glamorisation of Substance Abuse

In much of modern entertainment, drug and alcohol use are portrayed as glamorous, harmless, or socially acceptable. Characters are often depicted as cool, sophisticated, or enviable for indulging in substance abuse, with little or no regard for the destructive consequences on health, relationships, and society. This normalisation can easily lead viewers—especially impressionable young people—toward experimentation and even addiction.

Yet Scripture speaks with unmistakable clarity:

Isaiah 5:11 – “Woe to those who rise early in the morning pursuing strong drink, who stay up late at night—wine inflames them!”

Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a scoffer, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is loose behaviour, but be filled with the Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 – “Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the reign of Aluhym? Do not be deceived. Neither those who whore, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor greedy of gain, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers shall inherit the reign of Aluhym. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were set apart, but you were declared right in the Name of the Master יהושוע and by the Spirit of our Aluhym.”

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, watch, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The Word leaves no room for compromise: intoxication dulls the spirit, opens the door to sin, and makes one vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. Rather than being numbed by substances, believers are called to sobriety, vigilance, and fullness of the Spirit.

4. Glorification of Condemned Practices, such as Witchcraft

Scripture is unmistakably clear in its denunciation of witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and all related practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10–12 we read:

“Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these are an abomination to יהוה …”

Other passages echo this warning, such as Galatians 5:19–21, which lists sorcery among the works of the flesh, and Revelation 21:8, which declares that sorcerers will share in the second death.

Despite such clear prohibitions, one of the most popular film series of the last few decades—Harry Potter—centres its entire storyline on the practice of magic. Magic in this series is presented as something natural, learned through study and practice, and even celebrated. The central character, Harry Potter, is portrayed as the “good” wizard, making sorcery appear not only acceptable but even heroic.

For Christians, this poses a serious problem: what יהוה calls an abomination, the world packages as entertainment. By presenting witchcraft and sorcery as harmless or even virtuous, such media normalises what Scripture explicitly condemns.

Another very popular film series is The Lord of the Rings. And while I acknowledge that it was written by a professing Christian, this does not change the fact that sorcery—and even references to other gods—are woven throughout and remain prevalent within its storyline. 

Consider what is said of the wizard Gandalf on Wikipedia:

“Tolkien once described Gandalf as an angel incarnate; later, both he and other scholars have likened Gandalf to the Norse god Odin in his ‘Wanderer’ guise. Others have described Gandalf as a guide-figure who assists the protagonists, comparable to the Cumaean Sibyl who assisted Aeneas in Virgil's The Aeneid, or to Virgil himself in Dante's Inferno. Scholars have likened his return in white to the transfiguration of Christ; he is further described as a prophet, representing one element of Christ's threefold office of prophet, priest, and king, where the other two roles are taken by Frodo and Aragorn.” (Wikipedia)

Is this really the direction we want to take—that a wizard, styled after the Norse god Odin, should be likened to our Messiah? Yet many will insist that this film, and others like it, are “good.” Some Christians even defend them because of these religious motifs.

I do not raise this to sound like a bore, a stickler, or a killjoy. Rather, it is a call to seriously consider whether our entertainment choices align with our faith. The warning of Isaiah 5:20 rings true: 

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Such portrayals of sorcery—however clothed in noble themes—can desensitise us to what Aluhym calls abomination and normalise occult practices, which Scripture explicitly condemns.

Then, of course, we see the rise in popularity of Marvel superheroes, many of whose creators have drawn inspiration from the occult, satanism, and mythological traditions, filling their stories with gods, demigods, and supernatural beings. Marvel films frequently feature themes of magic, sorcery, and occult power—elements that directly conflict with Scriptural teaching about the true source of spiritual power and the dangers of dabbling in the occult.

Even more concerning is how the role of deliverance is shifted. Rather than reliance upon Aluhym to save and protect, salvation is handed over to superheroes—figures who outwardly appear good, but are not always what they seem. For example, Batman often operates in a morally grey space between good and evil, embodying what might be called a “dark good.” Yet we are warned in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

There is much more that could be said on this subject. For further study, I recommend exploring resources such as Good Fight Ministries, along with doing additional research into the origins and underlying messages of superhero culture.

There are also other issues within modern entertainment that I will only touch on briefly:

The Glorification of Materialism and Consumerism

Advertising and product placement in entertainment media often promote a culture of materialism and consumerism, equating happiness and fulfilment with the acquisition of material possessions. Characters are portrayed as successful, attractive, and desirable based on their wealth and possessions, leading audiences to equate material wealth with personal worth and happiness. This normalisation of materialism can foster discontentment, greed, and financial irresponsibility among viewers. 

But Scripture warns us otherwise. Luke 12:15 declares: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” In one sentence, יהושוע dismantles the lie that our value or happiness is measured by our wealth.

The Validation of Narcissistic Behaviour 

Many shows and films also glorify narcissistic traits such as vanity, self-centredness, and manipulation. Characters who elevate their own desires above all else are often depicted as charismatic, successful, or even admirable, while empathy, humility, and selflessness are dismissed as weaknesses. This subtle shaping of values contributes to a culture of selfishness, shallow relationships, and moral compromise.

Yet Scripture gives us a radically different standard. Philippians 2:3–4 instructs: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This cuts directly against the cultural validation of self-centredness, calling us instead to the way of humility and self-giving love.

All of this in turn can have a negative influence on who we are as people, as the characters and storylines portrayed in modern entertainment can shape our worldview and influence our character. If we consistently consume media that celebrates selfishness, materialism, and instant gratification, it can gradually erode our commitment to virtues like humility, selflessness, and patience.

The Descent of Modern Media

The world and its media are progressively descending into darkness. What is considered comedy or entertainment today would have been unthinkable or condemned decades ago. When topics like masturbation, promiscuity, homosexuality, and other sins—condemned by the Word of Aluhym—are accepted and joked about, it indicates a troubling shift. 

I've witnessed individuals who claim to be Christians who regularly engage with material that is antithetical to their faith. These matters are not taken lightly in Scripture. Yet the boundaries between right and wrong are becoming increasingly blurred in the lives of believers. While some may argue that there are redeeming qualities or positive messages within such content, it's essential to acknowledge the dual nature of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Within any narrative, there can be elements of both good and evil, making it nuanced. Whilst it would be misleading to claim that everything in a film or series is entirely evil, there may be positive aspects such as the plot or outcome. Yet there are often elements within that are morally objectionable. Not to mention that there are instances where content is plainly and unambiguously evil. As Christians, we must recognise such content as morally corrupt and refrain from consuming it, as exposure to it can warp our minds and lead us to become desensitised to evil, even rationalising it as good. This gradual acceptance of darkness can lead to spiritual apathy and lukewarmness. (Whenever I’ve engaged with entertainment I knew I shouldn’t, I noticed how quickly I began to justify the evil it contained. Over time, I even found myself developing a subtle attachment to it—an affinity for something I knew was filled with things I should not have been exposing myself to. I would make excuses to myself, saying things like, ‘Well, it’s quite funny,’ or, ‘At least it cheers me up,’ and so on.)

Not all forms of entertainment are made equal! It’s easy to be unaware, naïve, or ignorant of the fact that we might be indulging in something morally questionable. I’m not saying this to judge anyone; I’ve found myself in similar situations and continue to face the same dilemmas about what is appropriate to watch. This is simply a reminder for those who may not have considered the importance of being discerning in what we allow into our lives. We must remain vigilant in protecting our mental and spiritual gateways.

The Words of Messiah

We must remember the words of our Master in Matthew 18:7 and 9:

“Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! For it is necessary that stumbling-blocks come, but woe to that man by whom the stumbling-block comes! … And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be thrown into the fire of Gehenna.”

This verse, found in Matthew 18:9, is part of a larger discourse where יהושוע addresses his disciples about the seriousness of causing others to stumble and the importance of dealing decisively with sin. Let's unpack its meaning:

• "And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you." יהושוע employs vivid and hyperbolic imagery to underscore the seriousness of sin and the urgent need to confront it decisively. Here, the eye represents the source of temptation or sinful desire. If what we see or long for draws us into sin, יהושוע calls us to take uncompromising action to remove it from our lives. The command to “pluck out the eye” symbolises the drastic, even painful, measures required to eliminate sin at its root—even if it touches something as central as our perception or deepest desires.

• "It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be thrown into the fire of Gehenna." יהושוע contrasts the temporary discomfort of self-denial with the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin. He emphasises that it's better to sacrifice something valuable in this life, even as significant as one's eyesight or desires, than to face the eternal consequences of sin. Gehenna, often translated as "hell," was a valley near Jerusalem associated with fire and destruction, serving as a symbol of divine judgment.

In essence, this verse underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for radical self-discipline in dealing with it. While יהושוע doesn't advocate literal self-mutilation, he uses hyperbolic language to stress the urgency of addressing sin and the willingness to make sacrifices to avoid spiritual destruction. It's a call to prioritise the eternal well-being of the soul over temporary worldly comforts or desires. Additionally, it highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to guard against temptation and live lives that honour Aluhym.

It is vital to remove every form of evil and temptation from our lives. If we neglect to deal with them completely—choosing instead to tolerate or excuse certain things—they will inevitably resurface and grow stronger. What we once recognised as evil can slowly infiltrate our hearts, gaining a foothold until it becomes a fixture. It is like leaving a door slightly ajar, saying to ourselves, “I’ll just indulge this once.” Yet that small opening is an invitation for greater intrusion. Rarely does it stop at just one compromise—and even if it did, we must ask: is even a single intrusion necessary, beneficial, or in any way conducive to righteousness and our calling?

We must carefully reflect on our purpose. Is it simply to pursue entertainment and enjoyment? While there may be space for such things, they must never dominate or define our lives. Our calling is far higher than mere indulgence, and for that reason these pursuits cannot be central or integral to who we are. Sha’ul reminds us in Romans 13:14 to “put on the Master יהושוע Messiah, and make no provision for the lusts of the flesh.” Likewise, he instructs us in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not accomplish the lust of the flesh.”

We are not our own once we have committed ourselves to the living Aluhym. His Spirit dwells within us, and when we subject ourselves to ungodly things, His Spirit is grieved. If we persist, He will withdraw His presence from us. Knowledge of the truth demands a change in conduct; we cannot continue as we once did. As Sha’ul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Master. Walk as children of light.”

Our flesh may crave such things, but we are not to obey its desires. We are called to be transformed, to be disciplined, and to take this walk with utmost seriousness. Without such resolve, we will inevitably succumb to the pull of the flesh. Why would we even want to return to what once enslaved us? We are meant to be free from it. True discipleship requires that we submit ourselves wholly to the Master. Submission and sanctification are not always easy—they are often a process—but they demand our firm and unwavering commitment.

Sha’ul further exhorts us in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Aluhym.” Likewise, we are warned in 1 John 2:15–17:

“Do not love the world nor that which is in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Because all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but the one doing the desire of Aluhym remains forever.”

The Concern for Children’s Entertainment

Children's entertainment, though often presented as innocent, is not exempt from these concerns. While it may not always display the more overt themes previously discussed, it can still glorify bad behaviour and sinful actions—often cloaked under the guise of humour, goodness, or fantasy. What appears harmless on the surface can subtly shape young minds toward attitudes and behaviours that are contrary to righteousness.

Because of this, it is essential that we take to heart the Scriptural instructions concerning how we raise our children and guard what influences shape them:

Genesis 18:19 (Speaking of Abraham) - “For I have known him, so that he commands his children and his household after him, to guard the way of יהוה, to do righteousness and right-ruling, so that יהוה brings to Aḇraham what He has spoken to him.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-8 - “And you shall love יהוה your Aluhym with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might. “And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart, and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up, and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”

Proverbs 22:6 - “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he turns not away from it.”

Ephesians 6:4 - “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the instruction and admonition of the Master.”

The Despicable Me Franchise

I will not spend too much time discussing the genre of children’s film, nor delve into the darker issues surrounding Disney and similar companies—please do your own research on that. However, I will briefly touch on the multi-billion-dollar Despicable Me franchise. Though I have not personally seen the films, I have read their plots and will share some reviews from viewers to illustrate the concerns. 

Review 1 (Jared from the USA):

“Despicable Me is a big hilarious hit, but what is the spiritual undertone? What lessons is it teaching our youth? Many good movies are some version of the savior protagonist with easy parallels to Christ. Unfortunately, this movie is not one of them.

Instead of a positive protagonist, the main character Gru is a depiction of a very dark but likable person ‘who delights in all things wicked.’ He controls a simple minded, immortal, non-human army to more easily justify his dominating and evil treatment of them. They are even called Minions. The core message is the same as Luciferianism whose actual symbols can be found throughout this movie if you look for them. These lessons are: parents are bad, your knowledge is all you need, love thy neighbor is a joke, and ultimately single parents can be controlled by their kids. Please be wary of anything ‘Illuminate Entertainment’ puts out if you care about how your kids think about Christianity and evil.”

Source: Christian Answers

Review 2 (Beth Patch, The Christian Broadcasting Network):

“As the ending credits rolled, I left the theater saddened by the sin-glorifying messages in Despicable Me. With all the commercial hype comically depicting the giggling yellow minions who co-star in this animated film, I was looking forward to light slap-stick, witty humor. Cleverness and laughter abound, but far too often it’s cloaked in darkness. Overall, the theme repeats that being bad is not so bad. Stealing, lying, and being sneaky are never identified as wrong. Being cruel to children is the only offense that’s depicted as truly evil.”

Source: CBN – Despicable Me Movie Review

Review 3 (Josie Demarco, USA, on Minions):

“There is nothing holy about this movie. It teaches children to glorify the pursuit of evil. The movie starts out describing a long quest through history where the Minions seek to find an evil leader. That was their goal, and they stuck to it to the very end of the movie. The whole entire Minion society wanted an evil leader to guide them. When the Minions finally reach 1968 they attend a large evil conference hoping to find the most evil leader of all. The attendees of the conference supported and cheered the evil guest speaker, a woman. The Minions loved her. One Minion even briefly fantasized about her. In one scene you see a Minion revealing his rear end in a thong, and in another scene you see guards hypnotized into dancing, where they are told to remove their clothes and dance in their underwear.

The lead Minion characters agree to steal in exchange for the promise of becoming a henchman (i.e. a subordinate) to the evil ruler Scarlet. Scarlet of course turns on them and locks them in a torture chamber where Scarlet’s husband attempts to torture them. The animation was mesmerizing, but the content, in my opinion, is to desensitize children into believing it’s normal and admirable to seek out and glorify evil.

The movie also teaches that it’s okay doing whatever you want, with no consequences or remorse for engaging in theft, violence, bank robbery, and shooting at the police.”

Source: Christian Answers – Minions (2015) Review

Review 4 (Ashley, USA, on Minions):

“We walked out of the Minions movie today about ¾ of the way through. Just couldn’t sit there and let my kids watch that junk. I should have looked up reviews on it before we even went, but it just wasn’t appropriate for our kids, in my opinion. The very first thing that bothered me incredibly was this family in a car with the Minions, that all put on ski masks and had hand guns and robbed a bank… even the children did so. Then as the police were chasing them, they got out more weapons and blew the police up.

Some of the other major things were that they had three guards (that were human) strip down to their boxers and dance together, and even make thrusting motions.

The third thing, that may be me looking into things too much, but the Minions made fun of this elderly man who was blind, and he asked if that is how they treat their elders, and they laughed and said, “yes.” Does that not send a message to our children that it is funny to respond to elders in this manner? It reminded me of a rude teenager saying that.

The fourth out of five things, was that the female villain in the movie came back home to her husband and their sexual actions kept progressing to the point where I didn’t know how far they would take it… It’s hard to explain, but I know it made me very uncomfortable to sit there and let my children watch any further. The fourth and final part that made me get up and walk out is that the Minions walked down to a dungeon… which would have been fine, except the writers made it a torture chamber. They didn’t stop there, they put the Minions in a torture device to stretch their bodies. And they did so. The other weapons were dangerous and spiky and sharp and looked like actual torture weapons and my children are not ready to be exposed to what happens to people in a torture chamber… let alone all of the other 3- and 4-year-olds around us watching the movie.

The Minions were chased down the street by people wanting to murder them, holding a chain saw, and whipping a spiked ball, and bombs were thrown at them. In what world is this a children’s movie??? I am disgusted and appalled that this is entertainment for children these days. Just wanted to share my opinion to other parents out there in case you are going to go see that.

Keep in mind my children are 6 years old and this is why my opinions are as such. It would be different if they were teenagers, but this movie is directed at young children, and it is NOT a movie for young children.”

Review 5 (Paul, USA, agreeing with Ashley, on Minions):

“Thank you Ashley, age 27 (USA), for your comments. You summed up this horrible and violent movie perfectly—I don’t need to add any more gory details that you thankfully pointed out—please read her comments if you haven’t. How anyone, let alone a Christian, could find anything morally acceptable in the trash of a movie is beyond me. My wife and I went to this movie by ourselves expecting fun, light entertainment. It was fun and light for the first ten minutes and then turned into one of the most disturbing children’s movies I have ever seen, and I’ve taken my children to dozens of them.

Let’s stop saying “cartoon violence.” Violence is violence whether it is film, CGI, or cartoon. Our culture has reached a new low. This glorification of violence is now infecting our children at the youngest ages. If, as an adult, you sat through this movie and were not thoroughly disgusted by its violence and glorification of immoral behavior, it says a lot about you. You are numb to this ‘violence for entertainment culture.’ You are part of the problem.

God forgives the innocent—not those who expose insidious and evil content to children disguised as “entertainment.””

Source: Christian Answers – Minions (2015) Review

I have included these reviews to show just how harmful and corrupt these so-called “children’s movies” can be. It certainly appears that this franchise glorifies evil, and parents should be extremely cautious about allowing their children to watch it—or anything like it. Many people, even Christians, are calling such things “good.” Yet we must remember the sobering warning in Isaiah 5:20:

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Alternatives to Modern Entertainment: Fixing Our Eyes on What Is Good

So, what should our eyes be on?

David says in Psalm 119:18:

“Open my eyes, that I might see wonders from Your Torah (Law).”

The author of Hebrews exhorts us in Hebrews 12:1–2:

“We too, then, having so great a cloud of witnesses all around us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to the Princely Leader and Perfecter of our belief, יהושוע, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the stake, having despised the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of Aluhym.”

And Sha’ul says in Philippians 4:8:

“For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is righteous, whatever is clean, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any uprightness and if there is any praise – think on these.”

Rather than consuming modern entertainment exclusively, believers can seek alternatives that are uplifting, edifying, and aligned with biblical values—directing our focus to those things that honour and exalt Aluhym. This could include reading Scripture and sound Christian literature, watching clean and inspirational films, listening to uplifting music, or engaging in wholesome recreational activities with family and friends.

Many, including Christians, dismiss Christian movies as “boring” because they lack the worldly themes of darkness, edginess, violence, and explicit content that often make secular films captivating. But this reveals something deeper: when we yield to the lusts of the flesh, we are drawn to what is morally wrong, seeking out vulgarity that gratifies our base instincts.

It’s a struggle the apostle Sha’ul himself acknowledged in Romans 7:19:

“For the good that I wish to do, I do not do; but the evil I do not wish to do, this I practise.”

Yet these are precisely the things Christians are called to avoid and distance themselves from. Finding pleasure in such themes contradicts our faith and the values we claim to uphold. We are warned not to misuse our freedom for evil.

I know this from experience. Without discernment, I once accepted secular society’s behaviours as “normal,” assuming they were acceptable simply because they were widespread. Today, it is easy to rationalise behaviours—dismissing explicit content in media as “just a joke.” But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We must resist conforming to the patterns of this world, remembering what John says in 1 John 2:16:

“All that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to engage with modern entertainment should be guided by conviction, prayer, and Scriptural wisdom. While it is crucial to remain mindful of the negative influences present in much of today’s media—and to exercise discernment so that what we consume honours Aluhym and strengthens our faith—we must also remember that the chief aim of our lives is not to be entertained. Entertainment, if unchecked, can become one of the greatest distractions from our true calling.

Instead, we are to follow יהוה wholeheartedly, allowing Him to transform us so that we no longer chase after the things we once did. Our purpose is higher: to walk faithfully with our Aluhym and to fulfil the spiritual mission He has placed before us.

Let us take to heart the words of Proverbs 4:20–27:

“My son, listen to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Let them not depart from your eyes;

Guard them in the midst of your heart;

For they are life to those who find them,

And healing to all their flesh.

Watch over your heart with all diligence,

For out of it are the sources of life.

Turn away from you a crooked mouth,

And put perverse lips far from you.

Let your eyes look forward,

And your eyelids look straight before you.

Consider the path of your feet,

And all your ways are established.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

Turn your foot away from evil.”

As believers, we are entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding our eyes. What we allow before them will shape our hearts and our walk. Let us therefore choose with holy fear and reverence, setting our gaze only on what is pure and true, that we may walk as children of light and remain unwavering in our devotion to יהוה.

May יהוה be with you and bless you.