Can Jehovah’s Witnesses Watch TV? (Is Entertainment Allowed for Jehovah’s Witness Believers?)

In theology school, we regularly got exchange students from different denominations, and one time, we had a Jehovah’s Witness.

As his assigned helper, I got to learn firsthand just how normal Witnesses can be. What shocked me the most was how he enjoyed watching the same movies and TV shows as me.

During my 3-month stay with him, he taught me Jehovah’s Witness doctrine concerning leisure and entertainment, which opened my mind to things I didn’t know before.

I was so fascinated that I decided to write this article and address the burning question, “Can Jehovah’s Witnesses watch TV?”

Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses can watch TV and enjoy other entertainment like cinemas and movies. They also are at liberty to choose what they watch, so long as it aligns with their moral compass, and they use discernment to know what is displeasing to Jehovah (1 Corinthians 10:31).

In this article, expect to learn about Jehovah’s Witnesses’ thoughts about TV, movies, and other leisure content. Read until the end because this piece has all the information you need.

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses ban certain entertainment?

No, collectively, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not review and ban entertainment. According to Jehovah’s Witness teachings, members should be able to discern what is wrong from what is right.

Therefore, they are given autonomy over what they enjoy as entertainment during their leisure time. Only the heads of households can make decisions about what books, movies, and music the family will enjoy.

Can Jehovah’s Witness watch TV?

The Jehovah’s Witness denomination recognizes human beings need to relax, so yes, members can watch TV so long as they do not violate their moral principles.

Several leisure activities, including watching TV, are allowed, according to the Watchtower Society. It, however, insists that believers should refrain from pastimes that can lead to misconduct.

This is according to the teachings of Apostle Paul in Romans 14:21: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

Can Jehovah’s Witnesses go to a cinema?

Is Entertainment Allowed for Jehovah’s Witness Believers?
Can Jehovah’s Witnesses go to a cinema? Image source: Pixabay

Yes, they can because cinemas are not off-limits for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Members of the congregation also have the liberty to choose what content they view in cinemas so long as it is right with their religion.

As a guide, Witnesses are encouraged to study the Bible and its word. For instance, they can consult the teachings of Paul.

The Watchtower Society says that God created all the beautiful things in the world for our enjoyment, but within the bounds, He has set (1 Timothy 4:4), including experiencing cinemas.

Can Jehovah’s Witness watch a movie?

Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses can watch movies, but as with many Christian churches, watching explicit or violent material is frowned upon. It is also best that they avoid movies with spiritualism or content that may affect their faith negatively.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in engaging with movies that honor Jehovah, as is stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says whether eating, drinking, or doing anything else, it should be for God’s glory: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

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