Editorial Policies
Below you will find a detailed explanation of the editorial policies we employ in curating content for the Adesso Network™:
LANGUAGE
Generally speaking, we do not censor content solely based on language.
The matter of language is both theologically and culturally complex. The parameters for what constitutes appropriate language are far from universal, and vary significantly from culture to culture. Furthermore, theological perspectives on this matter differ widely.
There are a large variety of opinions on appropriate language boundaries for Christians. A word that one believer finds offensive, another may see as entirely unobjectionable. As such, policing such a subjective issue is an impossible task.
If we were to implement a rigid censorship policy, we would, in some cases, be forced to eliminate numerous films and series purely due to the inclusion of a single use of an arguably mild word. Such a heavy-handed policy would be highly restrictive, potentially to the detriment of the audience experience, as we would no longer be able to offer films and series that many believers might find deeply edifying.
For these reasons, we have made the decision to empower our audience to self-select. This allows those who have a more permissive viewpoint regarding language to access high quality stories with edifying storylines. We believe this to be the best approach both philosophically and pragmatically.
Our theological framework for this issue is informed by 1 Corinthians 8, Romans 14, and Colossians 2, where the Apostle Paul teaches that not every conviction is universal and that matters of conscience may legitimately differ between individuals. In these passages, Paul also instructs Christians to refrain from judging one another over disputable matters.
We believe these passages demonstrate that there are cultural gray areas where there is no forensic Biblical prohibition or command. Through the illustrative examples Paul gives, the Bible appears to recognize that certain issues fall within the realm of personal conscience and discernment rather than universal legal prescription.
In such circumstances, Paul warns against legalism and instead encourages believers to exercise discernment according to their own conscience before God. This allows individuals to account for their own personal limitations and capacities: those who are vulnerable to certain temptations or convictions should avoid what may cause them to stumble, while those who face no such issue remain unburdened by the weaknesses of others.
Since the Bible does not provide a comprehensive list of prohibited words - and considering the immense complexity and variation of languages, cultures, and historical contexts worldwide - it follows that questions surrounding the acceptability of particular words falls into this category of conscience and cultural interpretation.
We fully affirm the command of Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.” However, the gray area we understand the Apostle Paul to acknowledge lies in determining whether a particular word is inherently corrupting, and the degree to which it may be corrupting. In this respect, we recognize that personal interpretation and cultural perspective vary significantly.
We strongly encourage users to approach this issue an awareness of the significant cultural differences that exist across regions. A word that is widely regarded as deeply offensive in one geographic area may be considered relatively innocuous in another. In some cases, words may not even carry the same meaning in same-language countries. As such, the perception that a conclusive judgment has been rendered on a specific word, based solely on one’s own community, can be misleading. We therefore ask for deep humility and graciousness when engaging with this issue.
While Scripture clearly teaches broader principles of self-control, love, wisdom, and dignity, it simply does not mandate a universally prescriptive list of forbidden words for each language.
As such, the evaluation of any given word is influenced by cultural context, subjective interpretation, historical era, and intent.
Furthermore, in the context of honest storytelling not every character portrayed is necessarily a Christian. Compelling stories include antagonists whose worldviews and actions often do not align with Biblical principles. When a character represents evil or morally corrupt behavior, it is natural that their conduct reflects that reality. As such, it is authentic for such characters to use what may be considered by some as corrupting speech.
Many Christians feel comfortable engaging with such content on the basis that it truthfully depicts the brokenness of the world in which we live. Within the framework of a redemptive narrative, such portrayals are often understood not as endorsements of corruption, but as part of a broader reflection on sin, consequence, and redemption, and as a dynamic that can be observed without causing one’s own corruption.
However, following Paul’s teaching, this remains a matter subject to individual conscience and personal capacity. Where engagement with such material becomes a source of spiritual or moral compromise for an individual, abstention is the appropriate course of action.
Our decision not to exclude content based solely on the presence of particular words should not be interpreted as an endorsement or encouragement of their use. Rather, it reflects our commitment to the Apostle Paul’s teaching that matters of this subjective and culturally contingent nature are ultimately best left to the conscience, discernment, and personal responsibility of each individual believer.
Our platform includes several measures to help our users select and filter content based on language...
First, every film and series has a clearly denoted indicator of whether it includes any potentially objectionable language.
This warning is displayed in two places. It is included in the summary pane of the film or show, which can be accessed prior to playing the video. Additionally, for films, it can also be viewed in the field below the video window.
Second, the summary pane includes links to third-party reviews. These reviews are, depending on availability, from both secular and Christian journalistic sites, as well as from the general public. These reviews can provide a detailed appraisal of the title, and in some cases even provide a specific understanding of potentially objectionable language.
Within the summary pane you will also find a “Certification” indicator, which provides a link to IMDb’s user-generated content advisory page. This page allows users to rate the film or series, and to share a detailed summary.
By utilizing these resources, users can obtain a better understanding of any potentially objectionable language contained in the video.
Please note: we kindly ask you to remember that IMDb is a secular site, and is in no way affiliated with our platform. As such, please keep your comments purely to the subject at hand – your appraisal of the content itself – rather than engaging in commentary on whether the title is suitable to be featured on the Adesso Network.
Third, we provide a Clean Language category in our movie and series sections. This gives users a simple means to identify films and series which feature clean language.
We believe our self-select policy regarding language is the most equitable approach, as it respects our entire audience (which includes a wide variety of denominational, cultural, national, and ideological backgrounds), while also easily enabling those with greater sensitivity to language to avoid content they may find objectionable.
We appreciate your grace and understanding regarding our approach to potentially objectionable language.
If this approach is incompatible with your personal views, you may prefer one of the many Christian streaming services that solely feature family-friendly titles.
Please be aware that we showcase podcast episode titles, and video titles, that have been authored by third-party content creators. As such, we have limited ability to censor explicit words from appearing in video and podcast titles.
THEOLOGICAL CONTENT
We serve the Protestant Christian audience, and adhere to the theological tenets of the Nicene Creed.
It is impossible for us to monitor the vast amount of content being distributed by our featured ministries every single week. For this reason, we do not review all content prior to making it available on our platform. Rather than attempting to moderate well established ministries, we wish to respect our audience’s freedom. As such, our vetting process focuses on the overall reputation of content creators, rather than on individual items of content.
We do not endorse or agree with every statement made in the content featured on our platform. Please use your discretion when selecting and viewing content. We ask our audience to prayerfully exercise wisdom, and to first and foremost seek truth from the Bible.
We do not knowingly publish content in which beliefs that are contrary to core Christian theology are depicted as harmless, truthful, and/or compatible with a Christian lifestyle.
Such beliefs include self-atonement, reincarnation, animism, pantheism, multiple gods, karma, manifestation, universalism, pluralism, monism, agnosticism, atheism, ancestral worship, worship of saints, and denial of sin, amongst others. Specifically, content that denies the divinity of Jesus, or which teaches that Jesus was purely a prophet or enlightened teacher, is not permitted on our platform.
We do not accept on our platform theology that conflicts with the tenets of the Nicene Creed (such as restorationist theologies), and/or any group that follows additional scriptures beyond the Old and New Testament.
On that basis, we do not knowingly exhibit content from creators affiliated with, amongst others, Jehovah’s Witnesses; Christadelphians; Unitarians; Universalists; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; the Seventh-day Adventist Church; the Members Church of God International; the Iglesia ni Cristo, the La Luz del Mundo, or the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Additionally, we seek to avoid showcasing ministries that we perceive to have a heavy focus on soliciting donations. This includes ministries that we suspect engage in predatory financial practices, and/or that allegedly make use of donations for atypical personal enrichment.
If a spiritual practice is not clearly supported by the Bible, it is not permitted on our platform. We also reserve the right to remove any content provider who shifts their theology into such an area. Action is particularly likely to be taken if such theological statements are explicit, and/or repeatedly expressed.
Furthermore, we reserve the right to remove content creators based on unbiblical personal conduct. You can read more about that here.
Our goal is to provide content for Christians from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, taste preferences, ages, and theological viewpoints. When selecting content, our primary consideration is whether the underlying theme is edifying. We aim to provide an experience for our audience that is absent of messages that are hedonistic, immoral, occultic, or representative of false religion.
The films and series featured on our platform are not commissioned or owned by us. Accordingly, we have no ability to edit the content. In some instances, we may make content available that contains elements some of our audience may take theological issue with if, on balance, we believe the overarching tone and value outweighs these perceived issues.
We seek to provide a spiritually healthier alternative to secular streaming services. And while our ideal standard would be to solely feature content that is entirely unobjectionable, the reality is that we are currently limited by the availability of third-party inventory. For this reason, our content may on occasion feature minor occultic references, superstition references, and/or worldly statements.
We have prayerfully considered the alternative of providing a substantially smaller entertainment offering. However, we ultimately reached the conclusion that a meager selection of titles would not provide a sufficient alternative to other streaming services. For this reason, we feel that, while not ideal, a more expansive inventory is the more spiritually strategic solution.
For television shows, certain episodes may be omitted if we believe them to be theologically incompatible.
When considering ministry and entertainment content we defer to Jesus’s teaching of the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30. We believe our job is to focus on whether there is an overarching Kingdom message, and to trust God’s ability to resolve anything ungodly that may be found in the midst of that.
So, when necessary, we defer to our more important priority – providing a sufficiently comprehensive service to be a legitimate alternative to other, less wholesome, streaming services.
Furthermore, the Bible features murder, rape, suicide, genocide, sexual immorality, prostitution, idolatry, abuse, torture, substance abuse, and incest. If depiction of such subjects in the context of a Godly narrative was inherently problematic, then much of the Bible would be problematic! On that basis, we believe that a Biblical model for storytelling is not one in which tough subjects are sanitized, but rather one in which the predominant message is wholesome.
As we realize that such content isn’t necessarily appropriate for younger audiences, we feature a “family friendly” curation in the film section. We encourage sensitive movie viewers to restrict their selection to this section.
NUDITY AND SEX
Generally speaking, nudity is not included in content made available on the Adesso Network.
Please note that some content on our platform may include nudity; however, any such depiction is minimal, brief, and non-gratuitous. Such content is only available on our platform if, after our considered reflection, we believe it necessary for storytelling purposes, and that any such minimal nudity is outweighed by the overall value of the film’s or show’s message.
Sex may be implied, but is never graphically shown in content made available on our platform.
Where immoral behavior is implied, the context will typically be within a greater redemptive story, or in the context of poor choices.
Within the summary panes available for films and series, we have provided links to third-party reviews. These reviews are, depending on availability, from both secular and Christian journalistic sites, as well as from the general public. These reviews can provide a detailed appraisal of the title, and in some cases even provide insight into any sexual content or nudity.
Within the summary panes you will also find a “Certification” indicator, which provides a link to IMDb’s user-generated content advisory page. This page allows users to rate the film or series, as well as to share a detailed summary of the film or series. By utilizing these resources, users can obtain a better understanding of any potentially objectionable content.
Please note: we kindly ask you to remember that IMDb is a secular site, and is in no way affiliated with our platform. As such, please keep your comments purely to the subject at hand – your appraisal of the content itself – rather than engaging in commentary regarding whether the title is suitable to be featured on the Adesso Network.
VIOLENCE AND GORE
Violence that is purely gratuitous is not included in content available on the Adesso Network.
We recognize that the definition of what constitutes “gratuitous” is heavily subjective. We feel it is gratuitous if the violence and/or gore is featured excessively throughout the content and does not contribute to a larger redemptive narrative.
We recognize that for many stories violence is a necessary part of the narrative. Our guideline for this is the significant number of accounts in the Bible that feature genocide, murder, suicide, rape, and infanticide.
As part of our commitment to truthful storytelling, especially in the context of the persecuted church, urban issues, abuse issues, and human trafficking issues, we believe that some content requires bold honesty about the state of the world we live in. While there are many titles on our platform that don’t deal with tough issues, we do believe we have a responsibility to also showcase redemptive stories that deal with heavier subjects, including violence.
Our decisions regarding content featuring violence and gore are prayerfully made, with an analytical appraisal of the greater context of the story in which such elements occur, and whether or not the value of the overall message outweighs the presence of such elements.
Within the summary panes available for films and series, we have provided links to third-party reviews. These reviews are, depending on availability, from both secular and Christian journalistic sites, as well as from the general public. These reviews can provide a detailed appraisal of the title, and in some cases even provide insight into the amount and type of violence or gore included in the title.
Within the summary panes you will also find a “Certification” indicator, which provides a link to IMDb’s user-generated content advisory page. This page allows users to rate the film or series, as well as to share a detailed summary of the film or series. By utilizing these resources, users can obtain a better understanding of the potentially objectionable content contained in the video.
Please note: we kindly ask you to remember that IMDb is a secular site, and is in no way affiliated with our platform. As such, please keep your comments purely to the subject at hand – your appraisal of the content itself – rather than engaging in commentary regarding whether the title is suitable to be featured on the Adesso Network.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SMOKING
Gratuitous and glorifying depictions of drug and alcohol use are not included in content available on the Adesso Network.
We recognize that the definition of what constitutes “gratuitous” and “glorifying” is highly subjective. We feel it is gratuitous or glorifying where abuse of addictive substances is explicitly and repeatedly celebrated, as well as depicted as being without negative consequence.
That said, we do not believe that it is healthy for us to present a sanitized view of the world to our audience. Accordingly, where drug and alcohol use is depicted as part of an dysfunctional character’s life choices, we believe this can be a realistic and truthful storytelling device, and does not imply an endorsement of such behavior or life choices.
Moreover, where substance abuse choices are part of a character’s redemptive journey, we feel the depiction of drug and alcohol use is a truthful and necessary element of the story.
In addition, the depiction of cigarette smoking in period dramas set before widespread understanding of tobacco’s addictive qualities was commonly understood is simply a historically accurate representation of the era.
Finally, we feel depictions of smoking, drug, and alcohol use can be normative illustrations of certain archetypal characters, and may be appropriate.
Our decisions regarding content featuring alcohol, drugs, and smoking are prayerfully made, with an analytical appraisal of the greater context of the story in which such behavior occurs, and whether or not the value of the overall message outweighs the presence of substance use.
Within the summary panes available for films and series, we have provided links to third-party reviews. These reviews are, depending on availability, from both secular and Christian journalistic sites, as well as from the general public. These reviews can provide a detailed appraisal of the title, and in some cases even provide insight into the amount and type of smoking, alcohol, and drug use included in the title.
Within the summary panes you will also find a “Certification” indicator, which provides a link to IMDb’s user-generated content advisory page. This page allows users to rate the film or series, as well as to share a detailed summary of the film or series. By utilizing these resources, users can obtain a better understanding of the potentially objectionable content contained in the video.
Please note: we kindly ask you to remember that IMDb is a secular site, and is in no way affiliated with our platform. As such, please keep your comments purely to the subject at hand – your appraisal of the content itself – rather than engaging in commentary regarding whether the title is suitable to be featured on the Adesso Network.
SCIENCE
We believe scientific discovery is fully compatible with Christian beliefs. When there is a discrepancy between the two, it is solely because clarification has either not been discovered yet, or is beyond human ability to comprehend.
We encourage curiosity about the universe we live in, and we promote children’s engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As such, our goal is to provide content that spurs wonder and excitement about these fields.
We hope the next generation of Christian doctors, scientists, engineers, researchers, and mathematicians will be inspired and encouraged by the content on our platform.
As a company that believes in a Creator God, who intentionally created mankind, we generally do not include on our platform any content that strongly endorses the theory of evolution. Our stance is that evolution is a deeply flawed scientific theory, which is far too lacking in conclusive evidence to be responsibly presented as fact.
We further believe the theory of evolution is in direct conflict with specific statements made in the Bible, as well as with the general ethos of God’s intentional nature towards mankind.
Most importantly, we feel that the inclusion of content representing evolution as factual would be a betrayal of our core editorial mission, which is to represent our audience’s predominant worldview. Surveys of the global evangelical and charismatic protestant population reveal that the majority do not believe the theory of evolution. And as our guiding edict is to always curate content that is compatible with the majority theological view, this is a basic matter of editorial cohesion.
However, as the time frame of history is more heavily disputed by Christians, we are more permissive on that matter.
Given that most scientific shows ascribe to an interpretation of history as being in the millions of years, if we filtered out content based on this view, we’d be left with very little content of a scientific nature.
As such, we deem it more appropriate to retain the greater good that these high-quality shows can provide, rather than dispensing of that benefit over a point for which there isn’t a clear majority consensus amongst Christians.
We encourage all Christians who hold a strong personal belief regarding the time frame of history to discuss such beliefs with their children. And to use any related mention in programs showcased on our platform as an opportunity to encourage conversation.
Please be aware that we do provide scientific shows from presenters, scientists, and researchers who personally believe in the theory of evolution, and who in many cases hold entirely different theological viewpoints from our core audience. We do not feel that a host’s personal beliefs present an issue when teaching on subjects that are compatible with Christian theology.
Furthermore, we recognize that there exists a wide range of beliefs even amongst Christian scientists, especially in the area of archaeological interpretation of Biblical events. For this reason, Adesso features content that represents a variety of archaeological interpretations.
Our objective is to not endorse any specific archeological theory – we simply seek to stimulate interest, encourage personal research, and empower our audience to reach their own conclusions.
Generally, our ethos is that there is far more that we don’t know about the universe than what we do know. And therein is the wonder, the excitement, and the marvel of discovery.
We wish to encourage humility, curiosity, and mutual respect regarding all scientific topics.
OCCULT
Depictions of the occult as harmless, desirable, and/or fun is not permitted in content available on the Adesso Network.
We base our position on: Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6, Revelation 9:21, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15, Isaiah 8:19, 2 Kings 21:6, Deuteronomy 4:19, Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 20:27, 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, Exodus 22:18, Micah 5:12, 1 Samuel 15:23, Galatians 5:19-21, 2 Kings 23:24, and Acts 19:19.
Our view of the occult is fairly broad, and includes fortune telling, clairvoyance, palm reading, tarot cards, communicating with the dead, ghost stories, ouija boards, casting spells, witchcraft, depictions of witches and wizards, horoscopes, superstition, spirit guides, astral projection, freemasonry, satanism, blood pacts, secret societies, mind control, ancestral worship, levitation, telepathy, kundalini, energy healing, feng shui, occultic objects, fantasy folklore, Halloween, worship of the dead, and worship of saints, amongst others.
If a spiritual practice or principle is not clearly demonstrated in the Bible, we may place it within the category of occultic content.
Additionally, we typically classify New Age beliefs as occult. This includes the doctrines of manifesting, universal harmony, pantheism, and cosmic energy.
Where occult behavior is described purely for the purpose of theological education, discussion of the subject is accepted. Likewise, when the occult is depicted in documentary or dramatized content as part of a redemptive journey, and/or for the purpose of warning Christians of the dangers of such practices, we deem it a necessary and truthful illustration.
We allow allegorical depictions of the supernatural when used to convey a legitimate construct. And we allow non-occultic demonstrations of the supernatural, which we consider to include miracles, visions, and words of knowledge, in the context of a Christian relationship with God, and in accordance with Biblical standards.
Such decisions are prayerfully made, with an analytical appraisal of the greater context of the story. We make a careful appraisal of the underlying tone which we feel the audience is ultimately left with.
We take a particularly strong stance when the occult is depicted in content aimed at children. Children's content is carefully screened for occultic storylines, as well as for underlying occultic themes.
Please note, we may not have the ability to remove offending content where it appears within third-party platform embeds.
Content endorsing occultic practices can be reported here.
UNSAFE CONTENT
We do not allow behavior on our platform that is unsafe for others. This includes explicit advocacy of violence, explicit incitement of harassment, slander, scams, dangerous challenges, encouragement of physically dangerous practices, doxing, illegal behavior, and encouragement of eating disorders.
We deem content to constitute hate speech when it includes harsh, denigrating words, a direct or coded invocation to physical violence, a direct or coded threat of physical violence, a clear demonstration of contempt for the person themself (as opposed to mere disagreement with their choices), and/or a lack of respect of the person themself (as opposed to mere disagreement with their choices).
We do not consider a mere difference in opinion as constituting unsafe behavior. We believe it is possible for people to hold differences of opinion while remaining respectful, loving, and empathetic. And that a healthy society is one in which debate is encouraged and safely practiced.
We support the use of satire and comedy as a means of encouraging discourse around cultural topics. We believe that comedy plays a much needed artistic and interpretive role in community. And we deem that the preservation of the creative medium of comedy is essential to the health of society. As such, we do not believe that satirical commentary automatically constitutes unsafe behavior.
Unsafe content can be reported here.
ADVERTISEMENTS
The Adesso Network provides content that is freely available on our platform via third-party ad-supported distributors. As such, we have no control over the ads they choose to serve.
With regard to video ads, this may include video annotations, and videos that are recommended at the conclusion of a video.
While many ministries and worship bands choose to either not employ video ads on their channel, or to use restrictive filters on ads, this is not always the case. Furthermore, the third parties who provide our films, series, influencer videos, and comedian shows typically do not employ restrictive filters.
As ads served on content can change from day to day, it is impossible for us to assess in advance whether advertising on a specific item of content might be objectionable. For this reason, please understand that content featured in embedded ads may not reflect our views and may differ somewhat from the curated content available on our platform.
We value your understanding that these limitations are a function of this platform being provided for free.
Ads embedded in content from third-party platforms are controlled solely by those platforms. Whether adverts are served on content is typically a reflection of marketplace demand, the content creator's eligibility for monetization, and other third party considerations. We do not control whether or not a creator’s content is monetized.
Any third party platform advertising monetization issues, and advertising editorial issues, must be resolved directly between the creator and their content distributor. Adesso has no responsibility, authorization, or involvement in such private matters.
