Because one trip wasn’t enough, Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For is now showing at cinemas. “Sin City is where you go in with your eyes open. Or you don’t come out at all.” explains Johnny (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), one of Sin City 2‘s hardboiled characters.

But can a Christian even go in to Sin City 2? Deciding whether to watch a movie is a constant debate of pop-culture intake. When you’re a Christian, the stakes rise.

Many followers of Jesus would instantly flee such a movie. Their choice could only be strengthened when learning Sin City 2 projects the vengeful schemes of thieves, thugs and strippers.

What difference does it make, though, if Sin City 2 proves to be 2014’s most inventive example of cinematic storytelling? Or that it swirls around justice, and punishment of crime?

Are these valid reasons to watch it? Or, mere justification?

Sin City 2 is a vivid illustration of Christian decision-making, about movies. As with all areas of life, making right choices involves weighing up varied factors from the one foundation (being a follower of Jesus).

To help Christians decide what to watch, here are five brief tips. They’re not intended to be the final word. Consider them a starting point.

1. Be Biblical: God’s Word is a powerful resource for Spirit-powered people. Christian life is shaped by it, including entertainment time. Seek to live out the full picture of Christianity – not just the Bible bits that suit your movie preferences. For example, compare ‘Christ has liberated us to be free’ (Galatians 5:1) with Jesus’ warning about good and bad eyes (Matthew 6:22-23)? How do they affect your movie selections?

2. Be Engaged: Like it or not, we don’t ‘switch off’ our minds when we watch movies. Even when we say we’re relaxing and not thinking about what’s on. Our minds are always on. Doesn’t mean we must obsess over every detail, or never watch a goofball comedy. But be aware – of being aware.

3. Be Discerning: Remember how your mind is always on? Use it. Don’t just soak up everything you watch. Filter it, with your ‘renewed mind’ (Romans 12:2). Be a Spiritual person and evaluate everything, with ‘the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).

4. Be Pro-active: Movies have messages, themes and ideas. Respond to them, by contrasting Christian truths and teachings. What do you agree/disagree with? Apply Christianity to the movie’s scenarios. How different would they be, with Jesus? Discuss the movie with others.

5. Be Honest: Why are you really watching that movie? Christians have great freedom (Galatians 5:1). They also are called to glorify God in their body (1 Corinthians 6:20). Doing so might involve freely admitting we picked a movie – with wrong motives. Glorify God, then, by not watching it. Even if it means stopping, half-way through.