Christianity Oasis Forum

[mercedes12]

i love the human brain,understanding /helping people and theatre..im majoring in psychology and in acting. Im really into both. I want to become an actress and also help people but ive heard many times that both can lead to a sinful life. "psychology" uses excuses of peoples childhoods of why they act a certain way. To a certain extent some are true because of the things that we hold in which can become anger, revenge etc. but i know that is part of the devils work. As for acting i love becoming another character and seeing life in their perspective which also gives me a better understanding of people and not to judge. For example if i play a killer, im not really a killer im just portraying that character, which shows me the intentions and reason of why a person might kill (jealousy, greed, etc) once again the devils work. I really want to please God but i dont know what is exactly my purpose in this world is at the moment. Acting is my passion and it feels really good when i can help people. WHAT SHOULD I DO!?

[cynthia]

I think I would seek roles that you know are pleasing to the Lord. There are plenty of Christian productions out there. It may not be a lot of money, but you could pursue your passion while getting an important message out. Although there may some roles out there you could take on that aren't Christian, you have to stop and ask yourself, "is this really pleasing to you, God?" HOw will you be serving Him in it and what perception will you be sending out to the world if you act a ceratin role? No one really can tell you if acting in something is a sin except God. If you feel yourself questioning whether or not it accpetable, I think that could possibly be the Holy Spirit nudging you, telling you not to go there.

As far as psychology goes, I agree that human brain is fascinating, but psychology does generally make excuses for sin. I do believe things like depression and bipolar disorder exist and can be treated, but neither can be used for an excuse to sin. At any rate, the real rationale behind any sinful behavior doesn't root from what has happened to us as much as it roots from our own pride and the sin we choose to embrace because of our pride. When someone says, "I hurt you because I have anger issues because I was abused as a child," (That's just an example) they are trying to justify their sin instead of taking resposnibility for their behavior. Helping people and counseling them is great, you just want to make sure it is done in a biblical fashion.

I don't think either avenues are sin in themselves. Just keep praying about it all and trust that Jesus will lead you as long as you heed His voice.

[dema]

Both acting and psychology are noble professions. God can use you in either. Acting in particular has a lot of temptations. Psychology has many roles. I just went to a therapist a little bit ago. They can be a wonderful help.

Pray and ask God to direct the desires of your heart.

[mercedes12]

cynthia and dema thank you soooo much! i feel better and no more doubting

[Dora]

I was reminded of this verse when I read your question... 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do do all to the glory of God.

The world NEEDS christian actors. Make sure your acting brings glory to God by being holy. You can act as a killer if the plot of the story isn't destructive.

Have you seen the movie Fire Proof? The main character had to act as if he was an abusive spouse. That must of been very difficult for him to do. But the movie has made a positive difference in the lives of many people. It brought glory to God by being a portion of a very positive movie. Act for Him.

As far as psychology. We need psychologists that are christian. I have two counselors. They aren't in a christian organization and I wasn't aware of their religious preference for many many months. But I shared my faith as it's a huge part of how I heal. I often wondered if they were Christians because after I talked to them I could feel someone was praying for me in that specific area I spoke to them about and things would get better. I would make miraculous progress in that area! I found out this past week both are Christians. I am certain what I felt was their prayers. What a blessing you will be to society through these careers.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi Mercedes,

You've gotten some good advice already from the other posters.

I don't know enough about psychology to comment on that. Though, of course, if it is based on human reasoning above all else, then there are always going to be pitfalls associated with its application.

I look at the question, of whether desiring a career in acting is sinful, in the same light as whether drinking alcohol is sinful. Of course, drinking alcohol in itself is not sinful, as Jesus drank wine himself. It is the inappropriate use-misuse of alcohol that leads to drunkeness and associated sin.

In the same way, many who want to go into acting do it for selfish reasons (and I'm saying this as a one-time teenager that once wanted to go into acting for those same selfish reasons) of glory, fame, adulation and so on. And, no doubt, many in the entertainment industry live brazenly sinful and egotistical lives. But this doesn't mean you also have to live this way should you be able to enter the entertainment industry.

The key is to let your Holy Spirit-led conscience guide you on your journey, and in what roles, for example, would be acceptable. For mine, for example, a role in a violent war film showing the horrible realities of war is not problematic in the way, say, a violence-glorifying Tarantino film would be.

Also, if you look at some actors who profess to be Christians, it is a good idea to look at the sorts of roles, and films, they have appeared in. I think you would find the genuine ones would tend not to appear in films glorifying anti-Christian themes. And the ones who are a little unsure of the place of God in their lives would tend to also appear in some risque films. At the risk of stating the obvious, the first category is the one to aspire to.

Maybe it would be a good idea to make a little list of professional actors who profess to be Christians, and just take a little look at what they have done in their careers.

Anyway, I've typed enough. Good luck with your future career direction, and´may you be guided by The Lord at all times.