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Roman history offers many lessons, particularly regarding the culture of violence that thrived in the arenas of the empire. The gladiatorial contests and violent spectacles that defined Roman entertainment can provide valuable insights for modern Christians. The lessons from these events, along with scriptural guidance, allow Christians to evaluate their attitudes toward violence and entertainment in today’s world. A careful examination of history can help us align our consciences with Jehovah’s thinking and live in accordance with biblical principles.

What Does the Bible Say About Violence and Entertainment?

The Bible makes it clear that God abhors violence. Proverbs 3:31 warns, “Do not become envious of the man of violence, nor choose any of his ways.” This command sets a strong foundation for Christians, calling them to avoid both admiration of violent individuals and participation in violent acts or entertainment. As Christians seek to mold their consciences according to God’s will, these verses provide essential guidance.

Furthermore, Psalm 11:5 reinforces this principle, stating, “Jehovah examines the righteous one, but the wicked one and the lover of violence his soul hates.” The word “lover of violence” signifies a deep rejection of those who not only engage in violent actions but also find pleasure or entertainment in such behavior. This condemnation applies not only to direct acts of violence but also to the enjoyment or endorsement of violence as a form of amusement.

What Were Gladiatorial Contests in Ancient Rome?

The gladiatorial contests of ancient Rome were not only a form of entertainment but a deeply ingrained part of Roman culture. These spectacles were initially held at funerals of important individuals, designed to appease the spirits of the dead by sacrificing slaves and captives. The events evolved into elaborate and politically motivated spectacles, becoming a key feature of Roman public life by the time of Julius Caesar.

Fights in the arena ranged from individual duels between gladiators to large-scale hunts involving wild animals. These contests often ended in death, with the final decision lying in the hands of the emperor or the crowd, who could spare or condemn the vanquished with a simple gesture. According to the historian Keith Hopkins, gladiatorial shows also served a political purpose, allowing ambitious aristocrats to curry favor with the masses by offering lavish games.

How Did the Romans View Death and Violence?

Roman society reveled in the violence of the arena, and this bloodlust had a profound effect on spectators. The cruelty displayed in these events often desensitized viewers, who became “more cruel and inhuman,” as observed by the Roman statesman Seneca. This observation highlights the dangerous effect of constant exposure to violent entertainment. It raises a key question for Christians today: Does watching violent entertainment affect our attitudes and behavior in similar ways?

This connection between entertainment and moral degradation is not new. The Romans believed that watching the violent spectacle of death and combat in the arena was normal, and even beneficial, to society. Today, the same principles apply when people consume media that glorifies violence or desensitizes viewers to its consequences.

What Is the Spiritual Danger of Watching Violent Entertainment?

The spiritual danger of watching violence for entertainment is highlighted by the Bible’s firm stance against such behavior. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Here, Jesus extends the sin of murder beyond the physical act, warning that even harboring anger or violent intent brings one under judgment. Watching or enjoying violent entertainment can nurture the seeds of anger, aggression, and desensitization, which contradicts Christ’s teachings of peace and love.

Tertullian, an early Christian writer, noted that the spectacles were “not compatible with true religion and true obedience to the true God.” He considered those who attended such events to be complicit in the violence. The Bible’s teachings and early Christian perspectives reflect a clear principle: Christians are to avoid engaging with or supporting violent spectacles, whether in ancient arenas or modern forms of entertainment.

How Does Modern Entertainment Compare to Ancient Roman Spectacles?

The violent spectacles of ancient Rome might seem distant and disconnected from modern life, but many parallels exist between the Roman arenas and today’s entertainment. Modern sports, violent films, and TV shows, and even some forms of virtual entertainment can echo the same bloodlust and desensitization seen in Roman times. Auto and motorcycle racing, with the frequent occurrence of violent crashes and fatalities, are often viewed by enormous crowds, much like the Roman games. Similarly, violent video games, movies, and TV shows can cultivate an appetite for violence, encouraging viewers to accept or enjoy scenes of cruelty and aggression.

A 21st-century exhibition in the Colosseum in Rome made these connections explicitly. The exhibition, titled “Blood and Sand,” included video clips of bullfighting, boxing, and violent clashes between athletes, demonstrating how the spectacle of violence still captures the attention of modern audiences. These forms of entertainment, though seemingly harmless to some, can influence viewers’ attitudes and behaviors, just as the Roman spectacles affected their audiences.

What Can Christians Learn From Roman History About Violence?

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of those who enjoy violence. Psalm 11:5 underscores Jehovah’s hatred for those who find pleasure in violent acts. It states, “Jehovah examines the righteous one, but the wicked one and the lover of violence his soul hates.” This is a powerful reminder that Christians should take care to avoid any form of entertainment that glorifies or trivializes violence, whether in real life or fictional settings.

Roman history teaches us the long-term consequences of indulging in violent spectacles. The desensitization to human suffering, the normalization of cruelty, and the gradual moral decay of society are dangers that Christians must avoid. The lesson is not only to avoid participating in violence but also to avoid supporting or enjoying it in any form.

Why Should Christians Guard Their Consciences?

Proverbs 4:23 provides important advice: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts and consciences guide our actions, and what we allow into our minds shapes our character. Just as the Roman spectators were influenced by the violent spectacles they witnessed, Christians today must be cautious about the media they consume and the activities they participate in. Watching violence for entertainment, even in seemingly harmless forms such as video games or films, can slowly erode one’s sensitivity to sin and human suffering.

Philippians 4:8 offers a better alternative: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Christians should seek out entertainment that aligns with these qualities, fostering spiritual growth and moral integrity rather than encouraging desensitization to violence.

How Can Christians Apply These Lessons Today?

The lessons of Roman history and the Bible are not simply theoretical—they have practical implications for how Christians live today. Jehovah’s people are called to be separate from the world (James 1:27), which includes avoiding the immoral and violent entertainment that characterizes much of modern media. The principle found in Proverbs 3:31 is as relevant today as it was in ancient times: “Do not become envious of the man of violence, nor choose any of his ways.”

While it may be challenging in a world filled with violent entertainment, Christians must take steps to avoid such influences and cultivate a heart that reflects God’s righteousness. This involves actively choosing to fill one’s mind with content that promotes love, peace, and moral uprightness. By doing so, Christians can maintain a clear conscience before Jehovah and provide a good example to others.

How Did Early Christians Respond to Roman Entertainment?

Early Christians faced many of the same temptations that modern believers encounter today, especially regarding violent entertainment. The Roman world was filled with spectacles of cruelty and bloodshed, yet early Christians were guided by the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God to avoid such practices.

Tertullian, in his writings, emphasized that Christians should not attend the gladiatorial games, for doing so would make them complicit in the violence. He wrote, “The pleasures of the spectacles are not compatible with true religion and true obedience to the true God.” This stance was clear: Christians were to avoid any participation in or support of violent entertainment.

The apostle Paul also highlighted the importance of setting one’s mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Christians in Paul’s time understood that indulging in worldly entertainment, especially violent spectacles, would conflict with their goal of reflecting Christlike qualities.

How Can We Avoid the Desensitization of Violence in Today’s Society?

In modern society, the sheer volume of violent content available through movies, television, and the internet can easily desensitize people to its impact. What was once shocking and repulsive may become normalized and even enjoyable for some. This gradual erosion of sensitivity to violence poses a significant danger to Christians, as it can dull their moral sensibilities and hinder their ability to reflect God’s love and compassion.

Isaiah 33:15-16 provides a helpful framework for Christians who seek to avoid this desensitization: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, he will dwell on the heights.” By deliberately choosing to avoid violent media and entertainment, Christians can protect their hearts and minds from the negative effects of exposure to such content.

Why Should Christians Avoid Glorifying Violence in Entertainment?

The principle behind avoiding violent entertainment is not just about personal piety but about living a life that glorifies God. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Christians are called to be examples of peace and love in a world that often glorifies conflict and aggression. By rejecting violent entertainment, believers can demonstrate a commitment to living in a way that honors Jehovah and reflects His righteousness.

Additionally, Romans 12:2 urges Christians, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Avoiding violent media and entertainment is part of this transformation process, helping Christians to cultivate a mind that is focused on spiritual matters rather than the destructive ways of the world.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).