Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
L.S. James
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts..
William Shakespeare (excerpt from As You Like It 2/7)
Play-acting pervades all of life. If the question is allowed a broader sense (For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 1 Co 5:21), then 'a career in acting / entertainment' makes for deception and hypocrisy in Christendom. What evidenced as sins in the early Church (Rev 1-4), is now naturalised by a Church presenting a different gospel, a different spirit and another Jesus (2 Co 11:4; Gal 1; Mt 13:25). Blind allegiance aside, the church - individual and corporate - need be scrutinized of its intent, content, means, results and repercussions.
Let's sample these few for a start.
> “Marjoe.” Dir. Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan. Perf. Marjoe Gortner. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 1972. DVD;
> “Secrets of the Vatican” Frontline PBS online 25 Feb 2014. [PG advised]
> Paul Rosenberg, “America's own Taliban. A fast growing right-wing politico-religious presence plans to implement an end-times, Christian theocracy in the US.” America's own Taliban. Opinion. Al Jazeera English. 28 Jul 2011. Web. 1 Mar 2014
> Ruth Moon, “Founder of World's Largest Megachurch Convicted of Embezzling $12 Million.” Gleanings ChristianityToday.com online 24 Feb 2014. [CT & Huffington Post Report on Cho Yonggi scandal]
> [$50m fraud] “Trial of City Harvest Church leaders resumes” The Straits Times. Online 13 Jan 2014. http://www.straitstimes.com/chc_funds_case
> Celebrity pastors are selling their pulpits for commercial gain http://www.pajamapages.com/celebrity-pastors-are-selling-their-pulpits-for-commercial-gain/
> Christian Healing Certification Program (Total cost $5,100) http://globalawakening.com/schools/chcp
> JohnTheBaptistTV “False spirits invade the church: Kundalini Warning by Andrew Strom. Part 1” YouTube. Uploaded 5 Jul 2010. Web. 22 Jan 2012.
> Religious leaders highlight significance of water at WCC assembly — World Council of Churches. November 2013 A symbolic act of pouring water into one common vessel, carried out by religious leaders representing Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist faiths, marked the significance of water in various religious traditions. This action took place at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly.. Http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/religious-leaders-highlight-significance-of-water-at-wcc-assembly;
The irony here is that the deception is real sans play-acting. It also need be known that Scripture itself sets the premise to expose deceitful workers by name.
Paul in guarding His flock with godly jealousy exposed the charlatans of his day. Eph 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting 2 Co 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!..12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Read Ezek 34, Jude
So 'Can a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment - in Church?'
Lena Wms
I have a unique view. First, I took drama in middle school and fell in love with the stage! I was fortunate enough to have a Pastor who saw this passion and workèd with other youth until the spark in me became a blazing fire in our church. We formed a theatrical troupe and began to write, produce, and perform plays. We received our ideas from current or slightly past sermons. We were asked to perform in many churches in a 200 mile area.
Years past, I moved, life has it's twist and turns. I'm much older now but I still love the stage and every Resurrection day or Christmas program I am first volunteer to work on the team!
My Godson is now 18, he has been in school drama for 6 years. He has such a driving passion for it he has decided to become a drama teacher. Yes, he has his professional profile together and has attended a couple auditions for parts he would participate in. As a Christian he has made his choice. He will be so choosy about which part he plays he will be forced to teach. Best thing, he will be teaching young people the love of the stage and be working with our church on our performances.
Am I proud of him? Pride is a sin, but you bet! Do I support him? At almost every performance unless it interferes with church. Jealous and envious of his first students.. they will have the very best... because I know when he is on stage he gives it his all.
Be Blessed
Lena