Last updated on October 8, 2020
Question:
Hi,
I am eighteen years of age and a member of the Lord’s Church. I first wanted to thank you for the creation and contribution of this website because it has helped me so much on my journey as a Christian, but now I’ve seemed to hit a wall, and I need help getting across it.
I am a freshman in college studying theater performance. I am having trouble trying to figure out the right thing to do in the art of theater that I’m studying at school. There are various plays I would love to be in, but they all contain some type of sinful act within the plot or the characters in the stories are sinful. These things were expected since most, if not all, of the playwrights are sinners. But every time I plan on auditioning or acting the parts, I feel like I am wronging God by willing to play the characters of sinners. I hope to be in major movie pictures and shows, but those productions contain a lot of sin. I want to become a mainstream actor and keep my identity as a Christian, so I can contribute back to the church and contribute to God and His mission of saving souls on earth, but the more I look at it, the idea seems to become more impossible to achieve. I believe acting is a gift given to me by God, and I want to serve Him the best I can by using my gift, so how should I continue down this road of being an actor, while pleasing God? Is it possible? If so, how?
Answer:
There are a number of occupations that are difficult to do and remain true to the teachings of Christ. Since mainstream shows almost always involve sin, you are not likely to find a show where you can be a major character with pretending to be involved in sin. If you love your trade enough that you are willing to settle for minor parts and be picky about what shows you appear in, you might manage to make a living.
You can look into the producers of family-oriented shows, such as Hallmark Theater or the many Christian based films. It is a narrower market, but it would not compromise your beliefs.
The basic rule is that Christ comes first. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). What you might have to give up for him nothing in comparison to what he gave up for you. Stick to your principles, even if it means you have to work a second job in order to make a living.
Question:
Thank you so much for your response! This has made things more clear as I continue down my path with Christ. I think it’ll be better to think about starting my own film production company, where I can direct and write my own material.
I pray that you and the church grow stronger as a community and that the light y’all have draw people closer to Christ. Have a blessed week!
Answer:
I wish you well. The world needs better entertainment.