Our culture saturates itself with entertainment that hardly gives a passing thought to God. Should Christians consume such media? Is it sinful to watch sin on a screen? This is a huge discussion, ignited by a very specific question from a young man, a regular podcast listener. “Hello, Pastor John. I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My question is about the sin of taking God’s name in vain — of saying ‘OMG,’ but really saying it. Interpreting and applying the third commandment brought a lot of conflict to my childhood with my father. “He and I both agreed it is always sinful for each of us to take the Lord’s name in vain. Where we disagreed, and still do, is whether or not the taking of the Lord’s name in vain disqualifies a movie, television show, music track, or any other entertainment from the diet of a Christian. This would of course have major ramifications. As a teen I often said my father was being legalistic here on his wide application of the third commandment to media. I have said the display of this sin was not an endorsement of it by the viewer. This remains a sore spot in our relationship today. So, my question is, Do you think it is sinful to consume media that happens to include God’s name being taken in vain?” Read or listen to this interview at our website: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-it-sinful-to-watch-sin-on-a-screen Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes: https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john