Should Catholics/Christians really watch supernatural-themed television shows?

[Keras]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

 

[aguyoverthere]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

I’d say, stick to things like call of the wild man, finding bigfoot, american ninja warrior, you know, things that aren’t sexual (i say this because i believe the show you mentioned does have that in it, not sure). Also supernatural shows, like ghost hunter shows and stuff, are probably quite dangerous, after all they aren’t talking to ghosts.

 

[andrewstx]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

Catholics ARE Christian so there is no reason to use two words.

I watch True Blood regularly, and as long as it’s watched as the fantasy it is and not taken seriously there in nothing wrong with it IMHO.

 

[Keras]

Also supernatural shows, like ghost hunter shows and stuff, are probably quite dangerous, after all they aren’t talking to ghosts.

I’m sorry, what do you mean, exactly, they’re not “talking to ghosts”? You, mean, like, in real life? But how is that dangerous, then?

 

[aguyoverthere]

I’m sorry, what do you mean, exactly, they’re not “talking to ghosts”? You, mean, like, in real life? But how is that dangerous, then?

Yes, I mean the real life people who think they are talking to ghosts, but they are really talking to demons(I’m sure they don’t know that themselves, most anyway), I found that out from reading/hearing what a Exorcist had to say about it, it was something along the lines of, There are only 2 things that you will find in the world(in regards to what is known as ghosts) 1 is a angelic presence, or a demonic one, and it is usually a demonic one

 

[Keras]

Yes, I mean the real life people who think they are talking to ghosts, but they are really talking to demons(I’m sure they don’t know that themselves, most anyway), I found that out from reading/hearing what a Exorcist had to say about it, it was something along the lines of, There are only 2 things that you will find in the world(in regards to what is known as ghosts) 1 is a angelic presence, or a demonic one, and it is usually a demonic one

I see. Maybe you have a point there…

 

[MaryT777]

Catholics ARE Christian so there is no reason to use two words.

I watch True Blood regularly, and as long as it’s watched as the fantasy it is and not taken seriously there in nothing wrong with it IMHO.

I agree.

 

[L_Marshall]

When it comes to occult themes on television, I think it depends on the person.

If someone is well-catechized, confident, and accepts that the shows are purely fantasy, go ahead.

If someone is running into the sacristy every week asking if Father can exorcise their house (and I know a few of these), it’s probably not for the best.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

Catholics are Christians.

I don’t think it would be wise for young children or those who are easily influenced to watch those type show.

Fictional shows are make-believe. I think a lot a people need to remember that.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

I’ve watched some of the Supernatural series on Netflix. I think it is ok for an adult to watch if they are firm in their Christian beliefs. Then it is just entertainment. Kids might get the wrong idea and get interested in the occult from it since the heroes are not Christian in their behavior. Whether it is right or wrong to view depends on how it affects you, but I think it is wrong for young kids to watch.

 

[Cath4life]

Supernatural shows are very tempting and attractive and that is the way it pulls people in.

The question is really why bother. There are other shows that are entertaining and don’t lead people to doubt their faith and/or believe demons are just friendly ghosts.

Here are some spiritual warfare quotes from Pope Benedict XVI
Quotes from Pope Benedict XVI

“Whatever the less discerning theologians may say, the devil, as far as Christian belief is concerned, is a puzzling but real, personal and not merely symbolical presence.”……

……”The more one understands the holiness of God, the more one understands the opposite of what is holy, namely, the deceptive masks of the devil”

catholicwarfare.com

 

[Keras]

Supernatural shows are very tempting and attractive and that is the way it pulls people in.

The question is really why bother. There are other shows that are entertaining and don’t lead people to doubt their faith and/or believe demons are just friendly ghosts.

Here are some spiritual warfare quotes from Pope Benedict XVI
Quotes from Pope Benedict XVI

“Whatever the less discerning theologians may say, the devil, as far as Christian belief is concerned, is a puzzling but real, personal and not merely symbolical presence.”……

……”The more one understands the holiness of God, the more one understands the opposite of what is holy, namely, the deceptive masks of the devil”

catholicwarfare.com

I mean, I did think of this at first…but, like, if pretty much everyone is watching these shows, what’s the harm? Whether or not one personally approves, millions of teenagers are still going to watch these shows, there’s just no changing that, it’s just the reality.

But I have to say, as a society, it is amazing to see how we’ve changed so shortly. Fifteen years ago, I think these kinds of shows barely existed, and now they seem to be among the most popular shows on television in America. I still remember when parents from all over the nation would be upset by children and teenagers reading the Harry Potter books, which were also works of fiction, and now, we hardly bat an eye at the occult-based content about demons, vampires, and spirits that comes every week from Hollywood and from TV.

 

[CorieDreams]

I grew up with Harry Potter, the Worst WItch, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, Buffy, Supernatural…it gave me a rich, vivid imagination and fantasy-mind, and I played a lot of magical make-believe, but I knew it wasn’t real. THAT’S the thign. As an adult, you are free to use your own prudence in regards to what you watch, but with kids, just be sure they can understand that6’s it’s just for fun.

I think it’s stupid to say they shoudln’t be watched because it will cause people to “doubt the faith.” I’m pretty sure shows dealing with demons, angels, ghosts, spirits, possession, and paranormal creatures encourages thoughts about spirituality and religion a LOT more than a soap opera. If a FICTIONAL TV SHOW with ACTORS, a fake script, fake sets and fake scenes is going to make you question God, then YOU have an issue

 

[CorieDreams]

Yes, I mean the real life people who think they are talking to ghosts, but they are really talking to demons(I’m sure they don’t know that themselves, most anyway), I found that out from reading/hearing what a Exorcist had to say about it, it was something along the lines of, There are only 2 things that you will find in the world(in regards to what is known as ghosts) 1 is a angelic presence, or a demonic one, and it is usually a demonic one

Not true

The Catholic Church allows for the possibility of ghosts. ACTUAL ghosts. Not demons, not Angels, but ghosts. Peter Kreeft has written about them, Michael VOris has spoken about them, as has Jimmy Akin

 

[Dorothy]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

Shows like that are not good for children or even some adults. Children can become enthralled with them and led away from what really counts…focusing on our Lord Jesus Christ instead of the dark side.

 

[Zachary]

I’m browsing through this section of the forum, and it seems that there are lots of topics on whether what we do is right or wrong in everyday life.

I’m just curious on what people here think - there are quite a lot of movies and television shows airing today, that seem to have considerable graphic violence and what is more, very strong occult themes, that seem to appeal greatly to young people in particular. Like, I don’t know if you may have heard of it or not, but there’s this one show that’s really popular now, I watched several episodes myself, it’s actually called “Supernatural”, something based on the Apocalypse and demonic warfare, and personally, I’m not too sure about the show myself.

Do you think we should really encourage or allow our children to watch these shows? And do you think Catholics in general should watch them, like, on a frequent or casual basis?

My wife and I watched the entire series of Supernatural. Once it got to the spiritual wars, I thought it was cool that a show would get into real theology. Then it became obvious that the writers had no clue. However, it gave me a good perspective in what people think. It also gave me a chance to “correct” their terrible theology and help educate my wife on the reality of Angels and demons. We kinda got bored of it near the end as the plot continually circled the drain. Was a huge Dean fan until he continually got at “messiah” on the Angels.

Anyway, make lemonade.

Watching Dexter doesn’t mean you support vigilante killing or poor policing.

I’d be more worried about reality junk like big brother. Yuk!! Real people vs. scripted…

 

[LegoGE1947]

I grew up with Harry Potter, the Worst WItch, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, Buffy, Supernatural…it gave me a rich, vivid imagination and fantasy-mind, and I played a lot of magical make-believe, but I knew it wasn’t real. THAT’S the thign. As an adult, you are free to use your own prudence in regards to what you watch, but with kids, just be sure they can understand that6’s it’s just for fun.

I think it’s stupid to say they shoudln’t be watched because it will cause people to “doubt the faith.” I’m pretty sure shows dealing with demons, angels, ghosts, spirits, possession, and paranormal creatures encourages thoughts about spirituality and religion a LOT more than a soap opera. If a FICTIONAL TV SHOW with ACTORS, a fake script, fake sets and fake scenes is going to make you question God, then YOU have an issue

As a child one of my favorite tv shows was “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling.

 

[andrewstx]

I see. Maybe you have a point there…

I think the ghost hunter shows are out and out fakes. They just use fancy electrical devises to fool the public like EMF readers and “voice detectors” I never hear anything and I think it takes a “true believer” to think they hear something. All I hear is static.

 

[andrewstx]

I grew up with Harry Potter, the Worst WItch, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, Buffy, Supernatural…it gave me a rich, vivid imagination and fantasy-mind, and I played a lot of magical make-believe, but I knew it wasn’t real. THAT’S the thign. As an adult, you are free to use your own prudence in regards to what you watch, but with kids, just be sure they can understand that6’s it’s just for fun.

I think it’s stupid to say they shoudln’t be watched because it will cause people to “doubt the faith.” I’m pretty sure shows dealing with demons, angels, ghosts, spirits, possession, and paranormal creatures encourages thoughts about spirituality and religion a LOT more than a soap opera. If a FICTIONAL TV SHOW with ACTORS, a fake script, fake sets and fake scenes is going to make you question God, then YOU have an issue

I am older and I grew up with the original Scooby Doo lol. The difference is that back then we all knew it was fake. When I was barely old enough I saw the Exorcist and I was so scared I had my rosary in my hands all the way through. A few years later I saw Poltergiest. n That too scared me.

Now things like that are old hat, and we have become so jaded nothing scares us anymore.

 

[Keras]

My wife and I watched the entire series of Supernatural. Once it got to the spiritual wars, I thought it was cool that a show would get into real theology. Then it became obvious that the writers had no clue. However, it gave me a good perspective in what people think. It also gave me a chance to “correct” their terrible theology and help educate my wife on the reality of Angels and demons. We kinda got bored of it near the end as the plot continually circled the drain. Was a huge Dean fan until he continually got at “messiah” on the Angels.

Anyway, make lemonade.

Watching Dexter doesn’t mean you support vigilante killing or poor policing.

I’d be more worried about reality junk like big brother. Yuk!! Real people vs. scripted…

Well, personally, regarding that particular show, while I’m not the best expert on it, I think they would have made a far better series if they had dealt with purely American urban legends, as they originally intended to do, like they did with the first few seasons, instead of trying to focus on pseudo-religious themes. It was intended to be a horror show, and when it introduced concepts like God, I think it had to continue to find a way to inspire that same horror with the added new concepts.

Reality, crime or comedy shows, I personally don’t mind and I take no offense whatsoever, I’ve on occasion watched them as well in the past when I’ve had time, but I think when movies or shows try to mix in and portray God or angels or anything religious so irreverently, and in such a casual manner, that’s when I have a problem. Most of the films and shows today are far more extreme than the old “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” or “The Twilight Zone” you guys have mentioned, and they deal with God, Christianity and almost anything remotely related very harshly and in many cases negatively.