Netflix’s five-part sci-fi series “Stranger Things” — a twisted tale of undercover government experiments, evil supernatural creatures, and a sinister parallel dimension — is one of the streaming service’s most successful and profitable shows in its history.
Despite its heavy supernatural horror elements, occult-adjacent references, and gory violence, “Stranger Things” has been popular among some Christian audiences that appreciate its spiritual warfare parallels, good vs. evil themes, and subtle nods to biblical concepts like sacrifice and resurrection.
But are these Christians just inventing a loophole to participate in sinful entertainment?
On this episode of “Strange Encounters,” BlazeTV host Rick Burgess addresses this controversial subject.
The answer to whether Christians should watch “Stranger Things” is a complicated one.
“Is the show satanic or demonic? Not really, because the separation of good and evil seems to be there pretty clear,” Rick says, “but it can be troubling because there are some scary things in it.”
Additionally, the show includes profanity and language that takes the Lord’s name in vain.
“But do they mock Jesus? Not really,” Rick says. “There’s actually an episode when they discuss getting the church involved against this evil force that they’re fighting against.”
But even if the show leans more into sci-fi than true paranormal horror and uses secular language without overtly blaspheming Christ, does that mean Christians should watch it?
For younger kids, Rick’s answer is no.
“If the kid is younger than 15, probably not,” he states.
For one, the show features characters and concepts that could be deeply unsettling and terrifying to a younger audience — “monsters … that could cause nightmares,” he warns.
Second, there are LGBTQ+ themes, as two of the main characters are homosexual and embraced for their lifestyles.
Third, “astral projection” — the occult belief that a person’s consciousness or spirit can intentionally separate from their physical body and travel through an astral plane or other dimensions — is part of the “Stranger Things” plot line.
For these reasons, younger audiences are better off keeping their distance from the show, according to Rick.
But what about older kids and adults? Can they watch this popular series without opening themselves up to demonic forces?
“I would say it should be under a yellow flag caution more than a red flag,” Rick says, suggesting that participation or avoidance should be determined by personal conviction.
Citing Brent Crowe’s book “Chasing Elephants,” he says, “When dealing with what entertainment we allow in our lives from a spiritual standpoint, there’s questions to ask,” the most important being: “Does it have any redeeming quality?”
“You have to be careful being really legalistic about, ‘If it’s R, I’m not watching it.’ Well, then you wouldn’t have watched ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Why is it rated R would be kind of the road you would go down,” he advises.
To hear more of Rick’s biblical wisdom regarding what kinds of entertainment Christians should and should not partake in, watch the full episode above.
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