Should Christians cancel Netflix if it promotes ungodly content?
Introduction
The rise of streaming services presents a unique challenge to the modern Christian. Never before has entertainment—which often includes content that contradicts biblical morality—been so easily accessible. For a new Christian seeking to live a life of holiness, the question of whether to support a platform like Netflix (or any media company) that produces or promotes "ungodly" content is both practical and spiritual.
The Bible doesn't mention streaming services, but it provides foundational principles for media consumption. The answer is not a single, blanket command for every believer, but a call for individual wisdom and clear conscience guided by three key biblical principles.
Three Principles for Media Discernment
The decision about any media platform is best answered by applying these biblical standards to your own life and household: The Command for Holiness, The Call to Stewardship, and The Sensitivity of Conscience.
1. The Command for Holiness (What Goes In)
The primary biblical instruction for media consumption is the command to fill our minds and hearts with what is pure and true.
Focus on the Pure: The Apostle Paul gives us a famous filter for our thoughts and, by extension, our entertainment: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).
Guarding the Eyes: Jesus taught that sin begins in the heart, often through what we allow our eyes to dwell on (Matthew 5:28). If a platform presents too many temptations that lead to lust, anger, fear, or malice, the command for holiness demands that the Christian put safeguards in place, which may include canceling the subscription. The priority is always spiritual purity, even at the cost of cultural convenience.
2. The Call to Stewardship (Use of Time and Money)
Christians are called to be wise stewards of the resources God entrusts to them, which include both money and time.
Redeeming the Time: A believer should make the most of every opportunity. Paul instructs us to “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). If a subscription leads to hours of mindless consumption, pulling time away from prayer, service, fellowship, or family, it is an unwise use of time, regardless of the content.
Stewardship of Money: The cost of the subscription must be weighed against other godly uses for that money, such as giving to the poor, supporting missions, or saving for one's family. Is the value of the platform's available content worth the financial investment?
3. The Sensitivity of Conscience (Individual Responsibility)
The decision to cancel or keep a subscription often falls into the category of Christian liberty—an area where the Bible does not give a specific rule, and the decision rests on the individual's conscience.
Conscience as Your Guide: If your conscience is troubled by supporting a company whose values conflict with Scripture, or if you feel that the sheer volume of "ungodly" content on the platform makes it a poor choice for your household, you should cancel it. “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Your conscience is your personal guide, and you must follow it.
Do Not Judge Others: Conversely, Christians should not judge other believers whose consciences allow them to retain the service, provided they use discernment and watch only appropriate content. This is a personal decision, not a universal law: “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10).
Conclusion
The decision to support or cancel Netflix is a choice to be made prayerfully, not rashly. Do not ask, "Is Netflix sin?" but ask, "Does this platform help or hinder my pursuit of Christ-likeness?"
The Christian must be intentional. Use the available filters, set firm boundaries, and prioritize the holiness of your mind over the convenience of endless entertainment.
If a platform is a consistent source of temptation or causes you to compromise your commitment to purity, the godly answer is clear: cut it off (Matthew 5:30). Your spiritual health is worth far more than any monthly subscription.
