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.


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Christmas Music

Dr. Iorg emphasizes the importance of Christmas music in his own life and encourages others to make the most of this Christmas season.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

People Who Believed in Me – Part Two

Dr. Iorg reflects on the humble families who made his seminary education possible.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

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Study Isaiah
December 4, 2023

Creation Days – Genesis 1 & 2

Dr. Wegner and Tyler are back at it again! This time they are talking about biblical issues within the book of Genesis. In the first episode of season two, they cover chapters one and two of Genesis and go over several theories about the days of Creation.


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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).

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