Ok, I have to be honest: I love all kinds of entertainment and I am not an anti-guy when it comes to a lot of films, TV shows, books and video games that are sometimes on the fringe of what Christians think are OK.
But I did have a vision about horror movies that I have to talk about. The risk in talking about this is that some people are so religious in their attitude towards entertainment that they villainize everything or find a demon behind every door, that is not what today is about.
This is a word you need to share with your friends who love horror movies, horror video games (even if they are simple roblox players) and even horror novels. I had a vision that I hope you will tell your kids and your grandkids because something huge is coming. The enemy is opening a portal straight to the worst demonic manifestation that we have ever seen and it’s about to come through entertainment.
The demonic has always tried to use media/entertainment/music as a doorway into our soul and emotions to bring oppression, mental illness, wrong identity, depression and to feed our hunger for the wrong kind of supernatural but this is what I saw:
I had a vision of a plague of locusts and it was demonic entities filling projects that had so much “presence of evil” on them. These projects were so masterfully deployed that people were fascinated not knowing that as they were about to “partake” in these and about to drink directly from the enemy’s imagination doing sometimes irreparable harm on their psyche. I actually saw people getting demons of fear, anxiety, suicide and occult demons hitchhiking into their homes from entertainment, and they were causing so much pain. This is coming in a way that hasn’t happened before.
A shift in popular culture has brought about an unprecedented fascination with horror through movies and video games. Video games and movie titles such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, Dead by Daylight, the Evil Dead or the Exorcist franchises, can appear to some as harmless, but can potentially usher in spiritual dangers we might not fully grasp. One thing to note is that the enemy intends to use these kinds of works against us, and just that thought alone should make you wonder “is this the right choice I am making for myself or my child to flirt with something that is so obviously not what God wants?”
I think so many spiritual leaders have cried wolf over a lot of secular entertainment that we have been desensitized to actually discerning if this is something that we should be including in our lives. The Bible warns us about the spiritual realm and the dark forces that occupy it. We have to look, as Christians, how horror-themed entertainment can invite negative spiritual influences and open doors to fear, anxiety, mental illness and an unhealthy fascination with the occult. Most importantly, we will discuss the hope and power that come from seeking God and filling the void in our lives with His love and presence.
First Corinthians 10:21 says, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” This Scripture warns us about the dangers of straddling the spiritual line. When we entertain fear and horror through movies and games, we risk exposing ourselves to demonic presences and attachments.
Ephesians 4:27 admonishes us, “And give no opportunity to the devil.” Demonically influenced horror movies and games, despite their fictitious nature, can unintentionally create a space or ‘landing strip’ in our minds for dark thoughts and potential oppression. This opens the door to the enemy and can bring agreement between us and demonic powers, going against the instruction provided in this verse.
Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Engaging with horror-themed content can often be the antithesis of this biblical principle. When we fill our imagination with fear and darkness, it leaves little room for thoughts that align with God’s nature and goodness in our lives.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re reminded, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse reassures us that the feelings of fear and anxiety that can be stirred by horror-themed content are not from God. He grants us a spirit of power, love and soundness of mind—protection against these harmful influences.
The danger also extends to our children, who are impressionable and vulnerable. As parents and guardians, it’s crucial to protect them from influences that could potentially harm their mental and spiritual well-being.
But there is hope. While it may seem that the enemy is using demonic horror, it’s essential to understand that it’s a counterfeit satisfaction. This space is where God wants to nourish our spiritual hunger. When we set aside horror-themed content and invite God into this space, we create room for an increase in His presence and empowerment.
This shift provides a satisfaction that transcends any transient thrill or scare. It opens up a realm of divine peace, wisdom and guidance, providing a profound sense of contentment. By allowing God to fill this space, we invite love, peace, joy and all the fruits of the Spirit into our lives, which stand in stark contrast to the fear, anxiety and unrest that horror-themed content can incite.
While some may see horror movies and games as mere entertainment, recent studies and personal experiences suggest otherwise. These darker aspects of popular culture have a significant impact on human psychology, particularly on those who have experienced trauma and individuals with a heightened spiritual sensitivity.
Research has indicated that exposure to violent horror-themed content can result in increased anxiety, sleep disturbances and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms. In a study published in the journal “Sleep,” it was found that participants who watched horror movies experienced poorer sleep quality and disturbing dreams. Such disturbances can negatively affect our emotional well-being, cognitive functioning and overall health.
For individuals who have already experienced trauma, horror-themed entertainment can exacerbate their symptoms. The violent, fear-inducing scenarios often portrayed in these movies and games can trigger flashbacks to traumatic events, which can result in heightened anxiety, nightmares and other PTSD symptoms. This not only hinders their healing process but also potentially worsens their mental health condition.
Spiritually sensitive individuals can also be negatively impacted by horror-themed content. For those with a keen awareness of spiritual matters, these movies and games can be more than just fiction; they can be experiences that deeply affect their spiritual state.
In the realm of spiritual warfare, there’s a widely-held belief that whatever we focus on can gain a foothold in our lives. Horror films, with their focus on fear, violence and often the demonic, can serve as an invitation for oppressive forces. As a result, spiritually sensitive individuals might feel oppressed or burdened after consuming such content. They can experience unease, a lingering sense of fear or even oppressive thoughts that do not align with their normal mindset.
The impact of horror movies and games is not limited to these individuals. Many people can experience emotional and spiritual side effects after engaging with horror-themed content. This is especially true when the entertainment source glorifies evil or uses it as a central theme. It can blur the line between fiction and reality for some, leading to increased fear, anxiety and spiritual confusion.
Despite these findings, it’s important to remember that there is a solution. By creating a space in our lives for positive, inspiring and faith-based content, we can counteract these negative influences. It’s not about shunning the entirety of popular culture, but rather making discerning choices that align with our faith, values and mental health needs.
By doing so, we not only create a buffer against harmful content but also invite a spiritual environment of peace, love and power in accordance with the promises of God in 2 Timothy 1:7. And for those who have experienced trauma or are spiritually sensitive, this discerning approach becomes even more vital for their mental and spiritual well-being.
This hunger for the unknown, for the supernatural, is a God given desire but we can’t use horror to sustain or feed it or we will be desensitized to what God wants us to experience in it. Again: 1 Corinthians 10:21 says, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
To find out more, listen to my full podcast on The Shawn Bolz Show with Shawn Bolz: https://sites.libsyn.com/412208.
Shawn Bolz is a TV and podcast host, an author, producer and a Christian minister. He has been leading conversations in the church, entertainment industry and in social justice that have helped believers connect their faith to culture in a transformative way. Shawn’s deeply connected yet humorous style of speaking, media hosting & coaching through his unique expert perspective has brought him around the world to meet with churches, CEO’s, entertainers and world leaders.
James Lasher 
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