The Importance Of Entertainment

Even before technology allowed for the spectacles of modern entertainment media--long prior to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and televisions--entertainment held a status of great importance in human life.  Entertainment has evolved, but its importance has remained largely static.  Modern technology only amplifies what was already present.  It is, in many cases, a large part of Western life, as the massive profitability of video games, movies, television shows, books, and music evidences.

People look to stories for casual conversation starters and serious contemplation alike.  Though the exact motives for engaging with it can differ from person to person, entertainment is far from an insignificant force.  This alone is reason for Christians to take it seriously.  It is the responsibility of Christians to acknowledge and engage with every aspect of human life, since there is not a single aspect of human existence that Christianity does not pertain to.

Entertainment is an area where the multifaceted nature of human expression is made visible: many people look to it for intellectual and emotional stimulation, escape, and pleasure.  As such, there is a great deal for Christians to interact with when they partake in the consumption of entertainment.  And there is a massive need for honest, helpful interaction with anything that is a large component of human life.

It is not a sign of spirituality to trivialize entertainment and its cultural impact, nor it is a sign of spirituality to treat it with suspicion.  Ignoring it was certainly never a legitimate option for Christians at any point in history.  These are the most moronic responses that a Christian could offer.  If a thing is of great importance in human life, a Christian should neither act as if it does not exist nor demonize it without reason.  Instead, there is need to comprehend and appreciate it.

The church is in need of people who understand entertainment and know how to interact with it without fear.  After all, the exploration of cinema, gaming, and literature can be one of the best ways to measure the intellectual, and moral status of a generation.  When the church disregards entertainment or keeps it at a distance, Christians are more likely to view it as an enemy or rival--though there is no conflict between loving entertainment and loving God, as many Christians have discovered.  Entertainment is nothing to fear.  It is nothing to worship.  Instead, it is something to be understood.