Horror movies

Group, Jul/Aug 1998 by Belknap, Bryan

Scream 2 recently hit video shelves, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer enters multiplexes this fall, and dozens of teen slasher films are quickly following. The content of these films is objectionable (sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll in spades), but if your kids are already viewing them, the following discussion can help to plant spiritual seeds.

Ask: What's the scariest movie you've ever seen? Who's the scariest movie character? Why are scary movies so popular? How do scary movies aimed at teenagers differ from those aimed at adults?

Have kids form small groups. Have them discuss: Is there a scary movie you wish you hadn't seen? What's one real-life thing that scares you? Have each group read aloud Joshua 1:6-9 and list God's promises. Then read aloud Psalm 27:1, and encourage kids to read it any time they're frightened.

Go deeper by creating studies based on the underlying themes of these films: sin causes death (Romans 6:23) or unconfessed sin causes misery (Psalm 32:1-5). You don't want to encourage watching these films. You do, however, want to open kids' eyes to spiritual truth and equip them for opportunities to share that truth with non-Christian friends when they talk about these movies.