The MPAA rates films for age-appropriateness. The Godly Score rates them for spiritual alignment. Our algorithm evaluates every piece of media across 14 biblical signals to give you a clear 1-100 Christian rating.
Why Standard Rating Systems Fall Short
The MPAA movie rating system, TV content ratings (TV-MA, TV-14, etc.), and review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic were all designed by secular institutions for secular audiences. They assess age-appropriateness, artistic quality, and popular opinion — none of which are primary concerns for Christian discernment. A show can receive a TV-G rating and still present a thoroughly godless worldview. A film can score 98% on Rotten Tomatoes while mocking Christianity and glorifying sexual immorality.
Christians evaluating media need a system built around biblical criteria, not secular ones. The Godly Score was designed specifically for this purpose: to evaluate any media title across 14 biblical signals and produce a score that answers the question Christian parents and believers actually need answered.
The 14 Biblical Signals
The Godly Score evaluates: whether content is kids/family focused; whether Jesus is central, positively mentioned, or mocked; profanity level; sexualization level; LGBT content; violence level; spiritual darkness (and whether demonic forces are opposed or celebrated); whether deception is a narrative mechanic; how strongly sin is glorified; whether it functions as cautionary reflection; and the strength of virtue and redemption themes.
These signals are drawn from Scripture's own categories of concern. Ephesians 5:3-5 addresses sexual immorality and greed. 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 addresses participation in demonic things. Philippians 4:8 establishes the positive standard. Together, these passages define the evaluative framework the algorithm applies.
How to Use the Godly Score Effectively
The Godly Score works best as a starting point for discernment, not a replacement for it. A score in the 50-65 range (Mixed) means the content requires your own prayerful evaluation rather than automatic approval or rejection. A score below 30 (Caution to Avoid) should trigger serious hesitation and prayer before viewing.
The score also accounts for context — who is watching matters. A 45/100 that is appropriate for a mature adult believer may be inappropriate for a 12-year-old. A 65/100 that is fine for most adults may be too spiritually challenging for someone in early recovery from addiction if it features heavy substance use themes. Wisdom always contextualizes rules.
Complementing the Godly Score With Other Resources
For detailed content breakdowns, use Plugged In (Focus on the Family) alongside the Godly Score. For theological evaluation of specific worldview claims in content, resources like the Colson Center's BreakPoint commentary are helpful. For children's content specifically, Covenant Eyes and similar ministries maintain curated safe lists.
Proverbs 11:14 says "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Multiple discernment resources used together are more reliable than any single tool.