Post-Lent Pop Culture
6 Christians Give Their Takes on Culture, Conscience, and Content
Tomorrow we’ll be celebrating Easter. After church, post-brunch, when the festivities die down, we may be reflecting on how this Lenten journey has transformed us. This is for the “What now?” when we’ve cut out a lot of secular culture and are deciding what goes and what stays. To inspire your spring cleaning for the soul, I reached out to some of my friends in the faith I respect.
Ladies first
Bre S
Bre—who recently started creating on Substack—has previously been a guest on my old podcast, Finding The Faith. Here’s what our dear sister-in-Christ had to say.
What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show?
When starting a new show, I check IMDb for the parents guide to gauge. Personally, I don't overly screen what I watch too strictly, but I do like to be aware if there's something I feel like I want to turn my head away from and know when it's going to be.
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
When it comes to music, I honestly don't listen to Christian music unless it's actually worship music. I mostly listen to secular music, and when I do listen to Christian music It songs that are theologically based, and not feel-good, repetitive mainstream "Christian pop" worship. My taste in music though, is pretty insane. Recommendations are very sporadic and come at random. If I like the sound, I'll probably recommend it.
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it’s worth their time?
Quality and messaging are big. If I have a friend who doesn't watch things with a lot of language, violence, or sexual content, then I will tailor my suggestions that way. If I have a friend who's a little more liberal with what they watch, in that sense, then I would be a little more liberal with my suggestion as well.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices?
I would say biblically, I follow the if it's a stumbling block to me, I won't watch it rule. Nudity, for instance, isn't a stumbling block for me. But if I were to watch a show with somebody who had a pornography addiction, I wouldn't necessarily put on Game of Thrones, if that makes sense.
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
First of all, my husband’s review lol. He's honestly pretty good at film reviewing. Then I would say Pop Culture Crisis is super helpful. I also check the audience score versus the critics score, that usually tells me all I need to know about whether I should spend the money or wait for streaming.
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
Again, I would say if it's a stumbling block, avoid it. There are people who can watch horror movies and not be influenced by them, people who can watch things with a little more sexual content and not feel addicted to it, etc. And if I'm watching a movie with somebody who has different standards than me that way, I will definitely respect them and make sure what we watch doesn't violate them.
What scriptures come into play when you're navigating culture as a Christian?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)
It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, this is what defiles a person. (Matthew 15:11, NIV)
Brittney R.
You may know my awesome ‘homigo’, Kody. Did you know he has a gorgeous wife? This gem of a woman was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions on these matters.
What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show?
I typically read the summary or watch the trailer of the show and maybe some comments/reviews from Google to decide if it is something I should try.
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
I typically go to an artist’s page on Apple Music and listen to their catalog. When I’m ready to spread out from there, I tend to go to the “similar artist” recommendations.
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it’s worth their time?
I typically focus on the message and who the new audience would be. Not every show is for everyone, and that’s ok.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices?
Sermons and Christian podcasts tend to guide my media intake
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
I just trust my gut on this
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
We try to stay away from things that are too raunchy. No taking The Lord’s name in vain or profuse profanity.
Samantha D. (Pro-Life Sam)
Sam is a darling friend of mine who you may recognize from her great work with Live Action and Them Before Us.
What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show? Do you check a specific website? Watch it with a filter app? Appreciate a certain person's guidance?
Most new shows that I come across were recommended by my husband, family, or friends! They know me the best and can usually guess if I'd like a show/movie or not. As far as what guides my conscience about new shows or movies, I let the Holy Spirit lead me on it. He knows me better than anyone.
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
I'm a big radio listener, so once I hear a song that I really resonate with or can't get out of my head, I'll add it to my Apple Music. As believers, we have to use discernment and wisdom when it comes to what we consume - even with worship music! The more you let the Holy Spirit lead you on this, the easier it becomes to recognize what you should be listening to/not listening to.
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it's worth their time? Is it about the message, the quality, or something else? Do you tailor recommendations based on who they are?
I generally only recommend shows or songs that I keep coming back to myself and can't get out of my head. Shows that I keep quoting throughout the day or songs that I can't stop singing.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices? Do sermons, small groups, or friends at church influence what you watch, listen to, or talk about?
My church definitely shapes what music I listen to because my favorite worship songs on Sunday morning usually get added to my Apple playlist! As far as what I watch, the Christian community mostly affects what podcasts I listen to when it comes to content.
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
My husband has the best taste in TV shows and movies, so for me, he carries the most weight!
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
I let the Holy Spirit lead me when it comes to movies, shows, and music. I go out of my way to avoid any movies about demons and anything obviously blasphemous. If I happen across a show or song that I can feel the Holy Spirit warning me against, I turn it off.
What scriptures come into play when you're navigating culture as a Christian? How do you apply these? How has this evolved throughout your walk with Christ?
The first thing that popped into my head was the children's worship song: oh, Be Careful Little Eyes What You See. The song warns little ones to be careful what they see, hear, say, do, go, and who they trust. But as far as scripture, Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life
and Mark 4:24.
Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Anything else you'd like to share about how your faith shapes your cultural life?
We're called to guard our hearts, minds, ears, and eyes because what we take in can shape who we become. Not everything the world offers is good for our souls, even if it looks harmless on the surface. Discernment isn't just about avoiding the obvious, it's also about recognizing the subtler things that may not be wise for us personally. For example, if someone struggles with envy, watching shows about luxury homes or rich lifestyles might stir up discontentment or bitterness. That's where the Holy Spirit helps us develop wisdom with personal convictions, guiding us to make choices that protect our hearts and keep us spiritually healthy. What might be fine for one person may not be for another, and part of maturing is learning to listen to God in those moments.
From The Ladies to The Lads…
Jeff Puntiff
Y’all know that I’m just a girl, so it should come as no surprise that I couldn’t get a whole Pontiff here on my Substack. Due to this, I figured we’d settle for a Puntiff. Jokes aside, Jeff is a dearly beloved friend of our family. If you’ve seen him, you know he sometimes moonlights as the Vice President of the United States.
What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show?
I don't have a specific website or reviewer that I go to. I will check a few things, but I have two main questions that must be answered:
1. Does it glorify evil choices?
2. If not, does it show the consequences of evil choices?
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
Honestly, I don't do much listening to new music. This is partially laziness on my part, but very little of the new music promotes truth, beauty, and goodness.
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it’s worth their time?
I believe that the method and the message both matter. This doesn't mean on the surface it has to be explicitly Christian but that a Christian method underpins in.
For instance, The Good Place is both hilariously entertaining AND subtly subverts a hedonist’s view of Heaven. It just requires a little digging.
I love media that is properly digested, not just consumed.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices?
My Church absolutely helps form my worldview and conscience. This includes the friends, small groups, and discussions I have with my wife. At the end of the day, there are two categories: entertainment, and formation. Formation I am more careful about because I don't want to allow myself to be led directly astray. Entertainment I just know I have to take the time to not be an idiot about by allowing myself to be formed by it.
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
The biggest informer for me is whether there is near occasion of sin (nudity/sex) or promotion of evil. Without those, I feel comfortable watching myself before any of my family is exposed to it.
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
If there is any near occasion of sin (nudity or sex), I will avoid it. And, if while watching, I notice a direct promotion of evil or showing of evil choices without exposing the consequences of those actions, I will reject and leave what I am watching.
Evil can be depicted, but it must have its consequences shown clearly.
What scriptures come into play when you're navigating culture as a Christian?
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17
Anything else you’d like to share about how your faith shapes your cultural life?
It is who I am.
Troy Wojick
A friend of Jeff and an inspiration for me, I’ve become acquainted with my brother-in-Christ, Troy. While I doubt you recognize his name in passing from my past articles (unless you’ve been pixel-close to my work, and if you have been, then why didn’t you subscribe already?), you likely recognize him as a valuable voice over on X.
What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show?
I look at previews, trailers, and ratings. I look at the opinions of other people that I trust, or look at people I don't trust and do the opposite ;)
I also have no problem closing my eyes in scenes if needed, if something is 'worse' than I thought it would be.
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
I used to listen to whatever. Since being married I listen to a lot more Christian and worship music because my wife loves it. In general, as long as the lyrics aren't 'anti-Christian', I'm ok with it. That said, I could probably be better about not listening to things that could contribute to bad thoughts/mood.
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it’s worth their time?
Good story/plot and entertaining. If I'm talking to a Christian, I try to flag very clearly what things could be offensive or could be bad for their conscience, or if nothing else I'll say whether it's family friendly or not.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices?
Being around other Christians and seeing what affects them or pricks their conscience is very important. Not that you have to always agree, but knowing how others do things or best practices are great.
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
There is a mixture of opinions, I trust and don't trust. I don't have a single voice of truth, if you will.
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
I am not strict in this regard. Violence does not bother me, almost ever or at all. If sexual content is worse than I expected, then I'll close my eyes and/or mute the show. That said, I'll be much more mindful of this as my son gets older and as we watch things with him.
What scriptures come into play when you're navigating culture as a Christian?
Take every thought captive—I definitely don't do this enough. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Dwell on these things—again, I fall short. (Philippians 4:8)
I try to make sure I'm in the Word each day and in prayer each day, and don't worry about exact things I do with consuming secular culture. That said, I'm sure I 'naturally' down select a lot of secular 'crap' that is out there.
Anything else you’d like to share about how your faith shapes your cultural life?
Big focus is to stay in God's word and in prayer and relationship with Him and listen to the holy Spirit and your conscience. Be careful not to sear your conscience.
Layman Apologist
This Bible reading bloke, some know as Nicholas, but is better known as
, has his own Substack and has a website in the works. He’s always down to lend a scriptural explanation, food for thought, or an adorable dog photo.What guides your conscience when deciding to watch a new TV show?
I check the ratings, if it has nudity or a lot of profanity, it is a show I don’t watch. That being said, I have to admit I don’t watch a lot of TV or movies.
How do you go about trying and selecting new music? How does this change between secular music and worship music (if it does)?
Shuffle—it is my greatest friend in choosing new music
Again, like TV shows, if the song has a lot of provocative lyrics and swearing, it gets an instant thumbs down, and YouTube music learns to never suggest similar songs.
As for worship music, outside of Brian Suave’s music, I tend to mainly sing hymns and don’t listen to modern music
When you recommend a show, song, or movie to another Christian, what makes you think it’s worth their time?
It will normally be tailored to the person as to whether they like that genre or have an interest in the movie theme, etc. I would not recommend certain movies to someone newer in the faith.
How does your church or Christian community shape your cultural choices?
Yeah it does for sure. I come from a Reformed background, and as such we would probably be stricter with what we listen to or watch vs some other denominations. And that is not said as a slam dunk by any means, just my particular experience.
Whose reviews carry the most weight when it comes to watching a new movie?
My best friend as we share very similar convictions and world views, so we usually know when a movie would violate our conscience.
Where do you draw the line between enjoying entertainment and staying true to your Christian values?
No nudity
Excessive profanity
No, I can’t think of exceptions I have made. I remember when Game of Thrones first came out and I watched a few episodes of Season 1 but it was basically glorified porn, and I stopped watching it. This caused no end of debate between me and other friends who kept insisting I give it a chance.
What scriptures come into play when you're navigating culture as a Christian?
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me. — Psalm 101:3
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! — Matthew 6:22-23
These verses guide me, and have been with me since a babe in Christ. I take every effort to make sure that I don’t allow things in my life that I shouldn’t be viewing. I was once told by an old mentor that the things we view and delight in soon become the apple of our eyes, and we will do all we can to hold onto them. So to make sure you don’t allow worthless things to become that apple.
Closing Thoughts
As we emerge from the reflective season of Lent into the joy of Easter, the question of “What now?” lingers for many Christians navigating the vibrant, often overwhelming landscape of pop culture. The six voices in this piece—Bre, Brittney, Samantha, Jeff, Troy, and Nicholas—offer a chorus of wisdom: discernment is key. Whether it’s checking IMDb’s Parents Guide, leaning on the Holy Spirit’s nudge, or anchoring choices in Philippians 4:8’s call to dwell on what is pure and praiseworthy, these Christians remind us that engaging with culture is not about rigid rules but about intentional, faith-filled decisions.
Their insights challenge us to approach entertainment with both openness and caution, recognizing that what we consume shapes our hearts and minds. As Samantha poignantly notes, discernment isn’t just about avoiding the obvious but also the subtle influences that might pull us from God’s path. Jeff’s call to “properly digest” media, not just consume it, invites us to think critically about the stories we let in. And Bre’s sensitivity to others’ boundaries underscores that our choices ripple into our communities.
So, as you curate your post-Lent cultural diet, consider: What honors God in this moment? What strengthens my walk with Him? Let these questions guide your spring cleaning for the soul, trusting that the same Spirit who led you through Lent will illuminate the path ahead. Here’s to a season of entertainment that not only entertains but also edifies, drawing us closer to the One who is true, noble, and eternally lovely.
ICYMI
I made a coloring book you can grab here if you’re looking for a fun Easter and spring activity that’s great for all ages. I hope you find it encouraging and delightful. Also, here are some festive TikToks for you to enjoy.
Festive TikToks
The Passion
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King of Kings movie review
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Walking Where Jesus Walked
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Southern Moms on Easter
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