Watching South Park as a Christian: Examining the Biblical Perspective

As a Christian, I’ve often enjoyed the clever satire and biting social commentary of the popular animated series, South Park. However, I’ve also found myself questioning whether the show’s crude humor, vulgar language, and irreverent treatment of faith truly align with my values as a follower of Christ. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what the Bible has to say about the types of language and entertainment we expose ourselves to, and consider how these principles might apply to shows like South Park.

The Allure and Concerns of South Park: Why South Park is Popular

There’s no denying that South Park has a unique appeal. The show is known for its incisive wit, fearless tackling of controversial issues, and pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable on television. It’s the kind of program that makes you think while also making you laugh, and that combination is undeniably compelling.

Concerns for Christians At the same time, South Park’s content raises some red flags from a Christian perspective. The constant profanity, crude sexual humor, and mockery of religion can be off-putting and even offensive to believers. The show’s characters regularly engage in behavior and speech that stand in stark contrast to biblical standards of purity and righteousness.

Biblical Principles on Language and Speech: Avoiding Godless Chatter (2 Timothy 2:16)

The apostle Paul warned his protégé Timothy to “avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” When we apply this principle to our entertainment choices, it’s worth asking if shows like South Park that frequently mock faith and make light of sinful behavior could subtly influence our own attitudes over time.

Accounting for Our Words (Matthew 12:36)

Jesus himself cautioned that “everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” While the vulgar language and harsh insults used by South Park’s characters are presented as comedy, we have to consider if laughing along with these types of words is something we’ll feel good about in the light of eternity.

The Mouth Reveals the Heart (Matthew 15:11)

Christ also taught that “what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” In other words, the things we consume – whether food or media – don’t make us unclean in themselves. But if we’re constantly filling our minds with profanity, crude jokes, and mockery, it will inevitably shape our thinking and come out in our speech and behavior.

Wholesome Talk that Builds Up (Ephesians 4:29)

Paul’s instruction to the Ephesians provides a helpful grid for evaluating our entertainment choices: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Much of South Park’s humor would have to be characterized as “unwholesome.” Even if we’re not directly quoting the show, laughing along with its jokes and references is more likely to tear others down than to build them up.

Avoiding Crude Joking and Impurity (Ephesians 5:1-33)

Scripture is clear that “among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity… Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking.” Shows like South Park that constantly make light of sexual sin and normalize crude humor desensitize us to things that God calls us to avoid. Instead of immersing ourselves in these attitudes and behaviors, we’re called to pursue purity and give thanks.

Discerning the Gray Areas: Christian Liberty and Conscience

Ultimately, watching a show like South Park is not inherently sinful in itself. There’s no explicit command in Scripture that says “thou shalt not watch adult cartoons.” As believers, we have liberty in Christ to make choices about gray areas like entertainment. However, just because something is permissible doesn’t always mean it’s beneficial. We each have to prayerfully consider if a show like South Park hinders or helps our walk with God.

Guarding Our Hearts and Minds As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be intentional about what we allow to influence our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.” While South Park might occasionally have some admirable qualities like clever satire, much of its content fails to meet this criteria. As we make choices about media consumption, we have to honestly evaluate if it’s helping us move closer to God’s standards or further away.

To Watch, or Not To Watch

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether Christians should watch shows like South Park. We each have to weigh the principles of Scripture against our own convictions and contexts. But as we do, we should remember that our words and what we laugh at matter to God. They both reflect and shape our character. Aiming for a higher standard in our entertainment choices, one that prioritizes purity and edification, can help us stay aligned with God’s best for us. So let’s keep seeking his wisdom as we navigate the gray areas and strive to use our words and choices to bring him glory.