Is it appropriate for Christians to watch ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix?

Exploring the Controversy Around “Stranger Things”

Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things” weaves a complex narrative filled with secretive government experiments and eerie supernatural entities. It’s one of the platform’s biggest successes, gaining massive popularity among viewers.

Interestingly, despite its heavy horror elements, some Christian audiences resonate with the show due to its exploration of themes like good versus evil and spiritual battles. Additionally, there are occasional references to concepts found in the Bible, such as sacrifice.

This raises a question: are viewers justifying their choices to engage with potentially sinful content?

Rick Burgess from Blaze TV dives into this conversation, discussing whether Christians should watch “Stranger Things.”

His perspective on this issue isn’t straightforward. He mentions, “The show isn’t outright satanic or demonic; it clearly illustrates a battle between good and evil. But there are certainly frightening elements that could be unsettling.”

Moreover, the series does include profanity and takes the name of the Lord in vain. Yet, Rick argues, “They’re not mocking Jesus. In fact, there’s an episode where they discuss involving the church to combat evil.” This adds another layer to the debate.

So, should Christians engage with this show? For young children, Rick’s answer is a firm no. “If your child is under 15, it’s better to hold off,” he advises. He cites the unsettling characters and storylines as potential sources of nightmares.

Further complicating matters are LGBTQ+ themes, as a couple of main characters are openly gay, which might challenge certain traditional views. The plot also includes elements of “astral projection,” a belief linked to the occult.

Due to these factors, Rick suggests that younger audiences should steer clear of this series.

But what about older teens and adults? Are they safe to watch without risking exposure to negative influences? “I think we should approach it with caution,” Rick states, indicating that individual beliefs should guide the viewing decision.

He references Brent Crowe’s book, “Chasing Elephants,” pointing out that viewers should ask themselves if the content has redeeming qualities. A bit of flexibility is necessary, as Rick notes, “If you strictly avoid R-rated films, you might miss valuable stories like *The Passion of the Christ*.”