Lukas,18, Czech Republic: I think there is always conscience. And of course EGW literature for youth!
Diana, 18, Texas, United States: If you feel bad watching it and know it’s against the Bible AND you wouldn’t tell your mom you watched it, it’s bad. The Holy Spirit aka our conscience tells us what’s appropriate and what’s not. So, if your conscience makes you feel wrong with a certain entertainment, it’s not appropriate.
Chibuzo, 28, Riverstate, Nigeria: Well, let me start by saying that what is worth well is worth doing well. That is again in activities that will glorify God, ones that will make me go astray from my creator…like gambling, ect.
Irene, 20, Romania: We can decide what is or isn’t appropriate only when we consult the Bible or we ask God. Those are our only sources. Put God on the first place in you life and you won’t have any trouble deciding!
Cherilyn, 14, Maryland, United States: I think young people can know what is and is not appropriate entertainment by asking themselves if Jesus would do this kind of activity and also if it brings you closer to God.
Dan, 25, West Midlands, United Kingdom: It really depends on where your emphasis and focus is. Is the entertainment getting in the way of your relationship with God and others? Or is it a way of breaking down barriers, making friends and potentially bringing people to Christ. Inviting friends round for a movie is a great way of maintaining contact and building relationships.
As for music there is so much quality music that reflects God's glory out there you needn't buy secular again...come on guys dig a little deeper. In England, we have this band called Delirious. Their messages are of hope, of salvation and of making a difference to the people around you. And they really can Rock!! I listen to them and I am fired up for Jesus!! Or maybe it's just me.....By shunning all entertainment you could be losing out on opportunities to mix with the people who need you the most, who really need the Lord in their life......lets not hide away in shells where we can't make that difference....be strong and be that light!
Soriggi, 26, Tanzania: By following what is instructed in the Bible.
Lubabalo Mrwetyana, 19, Khayelitsha, South Africa: Let us follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said He has food to eat that man know not of - and He spent His time in prayer and in the Word of God. It's refreshing, revitalizing, sanctifying and very very much entertaining. Try it out and you won't want to miss it!!!!
Sandra, 29, New York, United States: By listening to words. Some songs don't promote love but sex and violence. We must not allow the popular culture to pull us in!
John, 25, Baguio City, Philippines: For me, young people like me could easily distinguish an entertainment whether it's appropriate or not by asking the question, "If Jesus is with me, will He like (listen, watch) this entertainment?" With this, I could be reminded of God's will to my life.
Nancy Machuki, 17, Texas, United States: Deciding what's right and wrong can be difficult especially in this ungodly generation. But the psalmist says that "Your word i hid in my heart so I can sin not against you”. The Bible is full of wisdom so we should read it and find new insights in discovering the truth. As Adventists we should be picky on our music selection, let in everything word of talk or action be acceptable to God. Just imagine God sitting near you and ask yourself, would I be comfortable listening to this music with God. Let's not conform but in every way acknowledge our Lord in our Music and be careful.
Randelle, 18, St. Kitts: Well, the best way I think is in everything to first think, “What would Jesus do?” “Would Jesus enjoy/be comfortable doing/listening to/watching this? Is it something He would be happy to join me in?” If the answer to any of these questions is no, then I think you have your answer.
Mukumbi, 20, Lusaka, Zambia: One way an Adventist can decide on what kind of entertainment to choose, is to consider that when Christ came, he did not only come to take our places on the cross, but he also came to show us how to live. Hence we should put Him in our shoes and ask ones-self this question “Would Christ Jesus be doing what I am about to do?” Then follow his example. This would help us choose what kind of entertainment we should engage in as Adventists.
Teklay, 21, Texas, United States: If it doesn't conflict with the concept and spiritual value of the Bible I think it is appropriate. For example instead of just driving to watch a movie, it would be appropriate to see the rating of the movie and make decision. For me personally I would like to hang out with people who share my ideas and beliefs. Instead of going to clubs, I go to Starbucks almost every day. I go there because most people who hang out there are students and it reminds me my school time and gives me time to do my assignments on the way. Even though I don't have many biblical movies I like to watch biblical movies. The nature of my job has taken me to different places and at times, like that my Christian songs are my pillars to my belief. Trips with church members are excellent too. Besides that question is still my question and I would like to learn more.
Rachel, 17, British Columbia, Canada: Hey hey! Ok, I have three standards here, as to how I judge what is worthy for entertainment for me as a Christian. The first is does it glorify God? If you are sitting there with one of your secular friends, will it leave them thinking about you and God, wanting to know more, or will it leave them thinking 'I thought he was a Christian, what's he doing watching this when later he'll be talking about how bad it is?' The second standard I use is would Jesus enjoy it? Would Jesus go to a horror movie, or a thriller, or a rock or punk concert? Its not that he wouldn't love everyone, its that he wouldn't enjoy it. He wouldn't be there unless it was for the purpose of reaching out to others. My third standard is research. Find out what rock does to your emotions, find out where drums came from, find out what rap does to your mind. If its bad, then don't listen to it for enjoyment. For me, as an example, I don't listen to a lot of drums. Its not that I don't like drums in moderation, its that I don't like music that capitalizes on drums and drum solos. I know how it affects my emotions and it’s just not right. Hope that helps.