A lively debate has emerged online after content creator Milly wa Jesus revealed that she cannot bring herself to watch The Polygamist, a popular Netflix series, because her Christian faith is rooted in the belief of monogamous marriage. Her remarks sparked widespread discussion when she also questioned why some Christians, particularly those in their thirties, were enthusiastically following the show.
Not everyone agrees with her perspective. Fellow content creator and close friend Raych, who also identifies as a born-again Christian, offered a different view. According to her, watching a film or television series does not necessarily mean one agrees with its themes. For many people, entertainment is simply that, entertainment.
The exchange has reignited an age-old conversation about faith, values, marriage, and the influence of media. More importantly, it raises questions for parents navigating a world where streaming platforms place countless stories at their children’s fingertips.
Does What We Watch Shape Our Values?
The relationship between media and behaviour has been debated for decades. Some parents believe that repeated exposure to certain ideas can gradually normalise behaviours and lifestyles, especially among young audiences who are still developing their worldview.
Others argue that viewers are capable of separating fiction from reality. They see films and television series as opportunities to explore different cultures, beliefs, and experiences without necessarily adopting them.
The truth may lie somewhere in the middle.
While a single movie is unlikely to change a person’s deeply held beliefs, experts generally agree that the stories we consume can influence how we think about relationships, success, family structures, and morality over time.
Faith and Entertainment: A Personal Choice
For many believers, entertainment choices are an extension of their faith. Just as some Christians choose specific music, books, or social environments that align with their convictions, they may also avoid films whose themes conflict with their understanding of Scripture.
For such viewers, choosing not to watch a programme about polygamy is not necessarily a judgment of those who do watch it. Rather, it is a personal decision to guard values they consider important.
At the same time, other believers feel comfortable engaging with stories that present viewpoints different from their own. They argue that exposure to diverse narratives can encourage critical thinking and meaningful conversations without weakening their faith.
This difference in approach explains why two people with similar religious convictions can arrive at completely different conclusions about the same television show.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
Perhaps the more important question is not whether a particular series should or should not be watched, but how families discuss what they watch.
Children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to complex themes surrounding marriage, relationships, identity, and family structures through films, television, social media, and online influencers. Simply banning content may not always prepare them for the conversations they will inevitably encounter elsewhere.
Instead, parents can use entertainment as a teaching opportunity.
When a programme introduces a controversial topic, parents can ask questions such as:
- What message is this story trying to communicate?
- Do we agree with it?
- How does it compare with our family’s values?
- What are the consequences of the choices being portrayed?
Such conversations help children develop critical thinking skills rather than passively consuming media.
Respecting Different Convictions
The debate between Milly wa Jesus and Raych also highlights an important lesson for families: people can share the same faith and still make different choices.
Some Christians may choose to avoid certain content entirely, while others may engage with it critically. Neither approach automatically determines the strength of one’s faith.
What matters is intentionality, understanding why we make certain choices and ensuring they align with our personal convictions and family values.
Beyond the Screen
Ultimately, films and television often act as mirrors reflecting society’s ongoing conversations. Whether discussing marriage, religion, parenting, or culture, they provide opportunities for dialogue that extends far beyond the screen.
For parents, the goal is not necessarily to control every story their children encounter but to help them develop the wisdom to evaluate those stories thoughtfully. In an age of endless streaming options, that skill may be more valuable than any parental control setting.
As debates about faith, entertainment, and morality continue to unfold online, one thing remains clear: the conversations happening around our screens can be just as influential as the content on them.
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