For some believers, Christian entertainment is a controversial source of debate and division. Productions like Jesus Revolution, Southern Gospel, The Chosen, and even The Nativity a few years ago receive a negative backlash from some Christians. The main complaints are two-fold. First, these shows lack theological depth or biblical accuracy. Second, the lifestyles of some of the people involved in their creation don’t align with Christian values. Both complaints have some validity and its fair to point out those discrepancies.

The larger questions, however, are what are you really expecting from Christian entertainment and how much do these issues matter? Movies, concerts, and other productions are primarily entertainment, not Bible studies or theology lectures. They are someone’s artistic impression about and expression of past events. They are, of course, shaped by the character, imagination, and capacities of the creatives who produce them. Since all people are sinful, everything they create has flaws. Flawed doesn’t necessarily mean evil—just imperfect. And even then, these productions are significantly more uplifting than most of what is available through other media sources.

Given the panoramic wasteland of entertainment options promoted today, it seems we should be celebrating almost any attempt at wholesome alternatives. Most secular entertainment offers a steady stream of profanity, nudity, immorality, and woke-agenda content that contradicts everything Christians stand for. While Christian entertainers—including actors, comedians, and musicians, and other creatives—are far from perfect, their attempts to produce something which a family can enjoy together should be celebrated, not denigrated.

Christian entertainment is entertainment.  Keep that in mind as you evaluate and comment on these media. Their purpose is artistic expression, not replacing sound teaching you receive through your church. Seminary classrooms and church pulpits are places where serious Bible teaching takes place. Regal Cinemas and Prime Video are not. Clarifying those expectations will help you enjoy Christian entertainment and benefit from the positive contribution it makes today.


Read More

Seeing the Unseen

CSBC Women’s Ministry Director Cathie Smith shares how the church can serve the marginalized in its community.

Cathie Smith
CSBC Women’s Ministry Director
Cathie Smith serves as the California Southern Baptist Convention Women’s Ministry Director. She has a passion for teaching God’s word, serving the marginalized, and reaching the unreached. 

Excerpt — The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller Volume 10: Apologetic Works

In Dr. Chris Chun’s newest publication, he provides commentary for The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller Volume 10: Apologetic Works.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Listen

The Study Podcast
April 1, 2025

Historical Books | Samuel Part 1

Dr. Wegner begins this multi-episode coverage of 1 and 2 Samuel by telling us the story of Samuel’s conception, his life as a prophet and the last judge of Israel, and the transition to the kingdom of Israel.

The Study Podcast
March 25, 2025

Historical Books | Ruth

Want to find out how to be the best in-law in history? Unfortunately, we don’t have a podcast for that HOWEVER in this episode of The Study Podcast, Dr. Wegner covers the book of Ruth and the many wonderful examples of “hesed” or “loving-kindness” on display from beli


Watch

Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival

Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun

Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Get updates on new content!