Cleric Explains Why He Avoids Horror Films

Pastor Alex Ogundipe of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja, has explained why he avoids watching horror films, saying they could deprive viewers of peace of mind.

Ogundipe, the church’s senior pastor, spoke during a sermon titled “The Believer’s Peace” at a service held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Sunday.

He said he could not spend money on entertainment that would leave him anxious throughout the duration of a movie.

“If somebody opens a door in the movie, I will become agitated about what is about to happen.

“In fact, bad dreams may not be far from someone watching a horror film.

“So why should I give myself unnecessary tension watching horror films?” he asked.

The cleric contrasted horror movies with Christian films, citing the recent release of Agbara Nla: The Return by Mount Zion Faith Ministries, which he said inspired spiritual engagement among viewers.

Speaking on the theme of his sermon, Ogundipe said peace should not be understood as the absence of challenges, but as the inner calm enjoyed by those who trust in God.

He said believers who remained in Christ could maintain their peace despite difficult circumstances.

“I remember when I was in a plane and there was turbulence, I remained calm even while people onboard were apprehensive,” he said.

According to him, aligning one’s life with God’s plan was essential to experiencing divine peace, citing Psalm 27:4.

He also referred to the arrest and impending crucifixion of Jesus Christ, saying that Jesus remained calm and continued performing miracles despite the circumstances surrounding Him.

“Jesus was calm and was still doing miracles, even when Peter, his disciple, was busy cutting someone’s ear.

“Jesus knew he was going to a place of eternity,” he said.

The pastor identified acceptance of Jesus Christ, holiness, knowledge of God, faith and trust in God as some of the requirements for obtaining and retaining divine peace.

“You must be in Jesus, accept Jesus and believe in Jesus. A life without Christ is a life of crisis,” he said.

Ogundipe urged Christians seeking God’s presence to separate themselves from worldly practices, citing 2 Corinthians 6:18.

He further encouraged believers to develop knowledge of God and have faith in His word.

“You must have faith in God and His words and trust in Him.

“The Bible says those who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits,” he said.

The cleric also warned against sin, citing Isaiah 57:20-21, which states that “there is no peace for the wicked.”

He identified lack of contentment as another source of anxiety and urged people to avoid comparing themselves with others.

“Stop envying others so that you can have rest of mind,” he said.

During the service, prayers were offered for peace, security and economic development in Nigeria, as well as the success of the 2027 general elections.

The church also marked the 70th birthday thanksgiving of Special Mother-In-Israel, Margaret Ohenhen.

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