Hey! Let's Christianize EVERYTHING!

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Hey! Let's Christianize EVERYTHING!

Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:05 pm

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IF OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS OFFEND
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THERE IS NO OFFENSE MEANT IN THIS POST


Ok, here's my beef/opinion and please tell me your opinion.

I think that many (NOT ALL) Christians tend to take things of the world and mold them into something Christian. AKA Bandwagon** Copycats**

Anyway, I know for a fact that this turns off many (NOT ALL) unbelivers. I tend to think that there are a majority (NOT ALL) of Christians who lack originality. I am not saying that they aren't gifted, or creative etc... I am just saying that it seems that for many things (NOT EVERYTHING) in the world, there is a Christian "copy". I know that I have some Christian friends who feel the same way. Especially in music but I am more referring to everything.

Now, this isn't too bad but then you have those Chirstians who limit themselves to ONLY Christian things. In my mind, this is a way of forming a clique. It makes me angry but not angry in the way that I am going to lose my salvation over it. Example: I believe that we need to have non-Christian friends (Jesus hung out with some of the bigest sinners ever!) Now I am not saying to befriend every non-Christian that comes your way. We shouldn't hang out with people who may be into things that would make us stumble. Everyone has strong and weak areas.

Jesus said to be in the world and not of it. Well it seems to me tat alot of Christians arn't even in the world. I listen to "secular" music. I enjoy many "secular" bands. I don't like them all. I won't listen to something glorifying the devil or something that would make me stumble in my walk. Now. I don't want to start a big argument over music here. Music in the paragraph is just another way I believe we are "Christianizing" many things. I am not saying that Christian music should not be made either. Christian music is great (well, most of it anyway) but I think it is a sad day when I hear a "secular" song that is more uplifting and edifying than a Christian song. I have heard this many times. But I don't want to get into that too much.

Any way, I think you get the picture of what I am saying. I don't mean to be picking on Christians (because I am one and have been my whole life). I am just pointing out some things I have noticed. Anyway, the floor is open for discussion.

God bless and may anything posted in here not start discord among us. I do not mean for any of the above to horribly offend anyone. If you find yourself horribly offended, please don't post here because it probably won't be very nice. Just exit your browser or go to anther topic.
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby mitsuki lover » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:16 pm

C.S. Lewis wrote about this problem in The Screwtape Letters,except he had
SCrewtape call it Christianity "AND". :thumb:
The problem IMO is that too much of the so called "Christian" stuff floating around is pure garbage. :thumbsdow
Just yesterday in the paper they had an article about a line of Extreme
Christian clothing that had slogans like MY GOD CAN KICK YOUR GOD'S
BUTT on them.They sell well enough,but when you think about the message and everything it's pretty much junk Christianity.
I'm not saying that there isn't Christian stuff out there that isn't good,just think of the novels of Stephen Lawhead or of C.S. Lewis,J.R.R. Tolkien,
Dorothy L. Sayers,etc.or the music of the late Keith Green.
However for everyone of those there are countless sow's ears.In the end it's pretty much up to us to winnow the tares from the wheat as it were when it comes to stuff like this.
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Postby chibiphonebooth » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:35 pm

no i agree. alot of my friends believe that chritians just want to push God onto everyone. the minute someone says they are christian, some people just... turn off.


its kinda sad. well, not kinda- REALLY sad that this happens.
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Postby Stephen » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:51 pm

Keep this discussion civil folks. And as always, my take on music is simple. If you go around saying you should not listen to secular music, you have no right to read secular books, watch secular tv, or watch secular movies. Otherwise, your a hypocrit. Just my 2 cents. ;)
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Postby Debitt » Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:00 pm

Funny because I just vented at my therapist about this exact issue a couple days ago. I find it incredibly frustrating when I see other Christians stick their heads in the sand and say "I only read the Bible, I only listen to Christian music, I don't watch TV because TV is BAD, I spend all my free time at church, I only hang out with other Christians, etc etc etc." Yeah, nothing's wrong with reading the Bible or listening to music that glorifies Him. It's a GOOD thing to show discernment with the people you hang out with and the TV you watch. But at the same time, like Heed said, you have to be in the world but not of the world. We're here to be a light to non-believers, and when we as Christians shut off our "light" to all but other believers, then we're not doing what Christ called us to do.

Something that comes to mind is a thread Hitokiri started on dressing "goth" - a few members very aptly pointed out that "goths" need people to witness to them, too, a point that I agree with completely. Instead of pointing the finger and saying "bad bad bad bad" to everything and everyone around us and boxing ourselves in, we should try to get out there and use our taste in secular whatever (when I say this I mean music, TV, movies, etc., nothing bad like porn or drugs or something. ^_^; ) to witness to others.

As a Christian with some pretty off the wall interests, I try to do just that. <.<; Just my 2 cents, though.
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Postby Hitokiri » Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:52 pm

This kinda reminds me of those Christian video games on the first Nintendo console :lol: Those were horrible
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Postby Mr. SmartyPants » Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:58 pm

Hitokiri wrote:This kinda reminds me of those Christian video games on the first Nintendo console :lol: Those were horrible


there were such things?
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Postby Mr. SmartyPants » Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:03 pm

oops, i posted in the wrong thread XD
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Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:26 pm

Hahaha! Those games WERE kinda funny though... but anyway, I want to thank you all for your opinions and for keeping this civil.

In relation to wehat Kokoro said, I used to be a goth. I have been a Christian all my life but I went through some really depressing phases.

We really need to put ourselves out there for people while still keeping ourselves focused on Christ. He should be the center point.

I really don't want to be in a bubble all my life like Flanders from the Simpsons. (Funny analogy... lol)

But really guys, thanks for the comments. I look forward to other posts as long as this thread don't get dropped :/
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby wilson1112000 » Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:41 pm

I agree with alot of what you guys are talking about. The christians in this world should become more evolved than the people of it. We have been given a great responsibility on this earth. To reach others and to tell them about God. We cannot do this by copying others. Example: There is a game that many christians think is demonic. A chriatian game company uses the same companies ideas, and puts a christian spin to it. Won't work. We have to come up with our own ideas. If people are looking at it and are thinking that it is awsome and want to play it, even if they are not christians, then we have done a good job.
Now, lets say there is a card game, like Magic the Gathering, that many view as bad. Now, as christians, we have two choices. Make the world look at us as Flanders. Or go out there and use it for our advantage. I, for one, will use it for God. I do not allow it to get a stranglehold of my life.
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:04 pm

Now, lets say there is a card game, like Magic the Gathering, that many view as bad. Now, as christians, we have two choices. Make the world look at us as Flanders. Or go out there and use it for our advantage. I, for one, will use it for God. I do not allow it to get a stranglehold of my life.

Sorry, but were you saying that you are playing Magic the Gathering so you could witness to others playing it? (just clarifying things)

Anyway, I agree with alot of what is said here, but I just have to say this. We are in the world, not of it. Yes, its not good to stay in a 'bubble for the rest of your life', but neither does it mean we should get involved in all activities just so we can witness to our non-Christian friends. Sometimes refusing to do things is a bigger witness than doing it.

Eg, drinking (now I'm not against drinking people! its just an example of a Christian guy I know... his mates always get drunk, but he refuses to drink. This sets him apart, and makes the others wonder why he is like that)

Also, with non-Christian friends. Yes, we are meant to reach out. But when doing so, we should be on our guard that subtle bad habits dont creep in. Like swearing; it may just start off with 'crap' (pardon to anyone offended by that word), but if you dont kill it when it is a seed, it will progress to something more offensive.

Music is something that has been mentioned alot. Here's my 2 cents worth on this topic:
I used to be a strictly Christian-music gal. I was anti-rock, anti-secular... I think you get the picture. Now, however, I do listen to some secular songs, but only those whose lyrics are not offensive. Now you may think that it doesnt matter as long as a song sounds cool, or doesnt bash Christ, but trust me... songs have a big impact on your life. Its like subliminal messaging. BE CAREFUL WHAT SONGS YOU LISTEN TO! Read up on the lyrics beforehand, esp if you like the music genre where you cant understand alot of the words. How bout Rammestein? Dont their songs talk about suicide and all that? Now, I know that its in German, but since when was the spiritual realm limited by language?

...
and I've started to rant again. Sorry :P
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Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:39 pm

Thanks for the opinions once again, I would like to see this thread stay alive longer due to its relevancy to this day in age. Anyway, peace out for now.
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:45 pm

Talame, I see you have good points. Maybe it's my fault for not being clear, but I didn't intend ti imply getting involved in everything. I for one would never touch the Magic thing due to the content and what the game stands for.

As for the music thing, I don't listen to suicide music and stuff like that. I most definatlt agree with your point about the lyrics. I am not always good at expressing myself clearly. Anyway, I usually check out band's lyrics before listening. Thanks for your input. I look forward to more comments.
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:49 pm

;) No probs matie, I knew you weren't implying that. Its just that I felt I had to remind everyone of the dangers of going into the 'world'. Esp in Western countries... it doesnt seem to be a big problem in countries like China and other places where Christians are persecuted, because they know that luke-warm Christianity wont last in those societies.
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Postby Stephen » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:53 pm

How bout Rammestein? Dont their songs talk about suicide and all that? Now, I know that its in German, but since when was the spiritual realm limited by language?


First, its Rammstein. No extra e. Second, I don't belive any of there songs are suicidal...as I have read the English lyrics. I will say this, I am not going to argue over music...but judging by your posts I really hope you don't watch secular tv or movies...because that would be fairly hypocritical. Music is not some magicial realm to the devils lair...its entertainment...just like TV and movies. I find it odd that people find offense to cursing in music...yet not in TV or movies. Alacarte Christianity.
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Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:02 pm

I agree totally with this thought about T.V. secular movies concerning music. I don't know much about Rammstein or whatever it is but I have heard it is bad.

I think that T.V. can have just as much of an influence as music, but I think it may even depend on what you do more listen/watch? I know I hated pretty much all music until my early/mid teen's.

Also, just a reminder, DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby Heed » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:02 pm

Thanks :)
The Straight and Narrow

I chose to walk the straight and narrow road, but one day I lost balance and fell off it. I had fallen onto some sharp rocks and injured myself. There were people passing by who would merely stare at me, and then keep walking. Thoughts of worthlessness entered into my mind, and as I chose to believe the lies, my wounds grew worse. I was so overcome with grief that I nearly gave up... but then a man walked up to me and stopped. Without saying a word, he started to wrap my wounds, he gave me some water, and then lifted me up and embraced me. He then whispered these words into my ear, "I love you my child." As he said those words I could feel all the worthlessness and despair fall away. He then held out his hands. They had huge holes in them. He then said, "Walk with me." I then took his hand and we walked together. Every now and then I would fall from the road, but no matter where I fell, he was always there to pick me up and tell me that He loved me.

-by Micah Smith
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:03 pm

First, its Rammstein. No extra e. Second, I don't belive any of there songs are suicidal...as I have read the English lyrics. I will say this, I am not going to argue over music...but judging by your posts I really hope you don't watch secular tv or movies...because that would be fairly hypocritical. Music is not some magicial realm to the devils lair...its entertainment...just like TV and movies. I find it odd that people find offense to cursing in music...yet not in TV or movies. Alacarte Christianity.

Apologies for the misspelling and misuse of Rammstein, however I disagree with you on a few points.
1) Magic.
Magic is more real than you know Shatterheart. Its also alot more dangerous. I try to avoid movies, anime, books, etc that have 'magic', or spiritual stuff in it, unless it comes from God. Eg, the Pendragon cycle by Stephen Lawhead.
I stopped watching many anime series because of 'magic', or spiritual stuff, eg Full Metal Alchemist, Scrapped Princess, DBZ.

2) You assuming that I dont watch secular TV or movies.
I did not say that all secular stuff is bad, and I also dont appreciate your implying that I'm hypocritical. I avoid movies and series with lots of language in it, the same as I would avoid them if they had spiritual elements in them. I do, however, watch several 'secular' TV shows and movies.
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Postby Nate » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:08 pm

Talame wrote:1) Magic.
Magic is more real than you know Shatterheart. Its also alot more dangerous. I try to avoid movies, anime, books, etc that have 'magic', or spiritual stuff in it, unless it comes from God. Eg, the Pendragon cycle by Stephen Lawhead.
I stopped watching many anime series because of 'magic', or spiritual stuff, eg Full Metal Alchemist, Scrapped Princess, DBZ.

I do not condemn you for not watching that because of magic. After all, I have no right to judge you.

However, I DO wish that everyone would quit assuming that just because something has magic in it, it is satanic. This is 1,000% untrue.

Yes, I know magic is real. However, fireballs and magic missiles are NOT. The only true magic is demon summoning. Nothing else remotely magical other than demon summoning can be done. Therefore, to assume that someone who watches anime or plays games like Magic is "lost," or that they think magic isn't real, is a GROSS misgeneralization, and as a fan of D&D, Lodoss War, and the like, I take offense that someone would assume that just because I like such things, I somehow deny the realness of magic or that I think it is benign.
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:12 pm

I am not saying that people can fly around and turn 'Super Saiyan'. What I am saying is that 'magic', in whatever form, can be very dangerous. You have to be cautious when viewing/reading/playing things with magic in it. I'm not condemning the fantasy genre, some of my fav books are fantasy (Eg Stephen lawhead books). Just BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL! its more real than alot of people realise.
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Postby blacktea » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:33 pm

Strewth on a stick!!!!! and other Aussie words that would probably offend!

"just be extremely careful" - Talame isn't saying DON'T DO IT!!! She's saying BE CAREFUL - how hard is this concept to understand? Obviously too hard.
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Postby Warrior 4 Jesus » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:34 pm

Australians forever!
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Postby Stephen » Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:57 pm

1) Magic.
Magic is more real than you know Shatterheart. Its also alot more dangerous. I try to avoid movies, anime, books, etc that have 'magic', or spiritual stuff in it, unless it comes from God. Eg, the Pendragon cycle by Stephen Lawhead.
I stopped watching many anime series because of 'magic', or spiritual stuff, eg Full Metal Alchemist, Scrapped Princess, DBZ.


Please read my posts more carefully. I was not talking about magic. I said, MUSIC is not a magical gateway or whatever. My point was that music is no different then movies or TV.


Now, as far as my statement about being hypocritical. If you refuse to listen to music with swearing in it, you should do the same with TV and movies. Thats all I was saying.
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Postby Mr. SmartyPants » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:05 pm

what annoys me is how on one end somebody will say "zomg magic the gathering and yugioh are evil you're summoning monsters and using magic" while on the other hand they go "Man! Lord of the Rings is SUCH an awesome movie!"

They both have magic... doesn't matter if "well Gandalf can be a christ-like figure!"

psh, so can silver seraph.... and so can harry potter
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:06 pm

I noticed that it said music about 10 mins ago, but I had to go make lunch for my family so I couldn't reply. As for magic, I still stand by my viewpoint.

Music.,.. I wasn't saying that it was "some magicial realm to the devils lair". I know its 'entertainment', but who said that entertainment is always good for you? Now, I love music! There isnt a day that goes by that I dont listen to music while playing solitaire or someother card game. But what I am saying is that alot of secular music out there is bad for your spiritual health!

Edit:

what annoys me is how on one end somebody will say "zomg magic the gathering and yugioh are evil you're summoning monsters and using magic" while on the other hand they go "Man! Lord of the Rings is SUCH an awesome movie!"

They both have magic... doesn't matter if "well Gandalf can be a christ-like figure!"

psh, so can silver seraph.... and so can harry potter

I love LOTR, I am not ashamed to admit it. I will not get into a whole LOTR-is-bad-or-good argument, but I have reasons as to why I read that and not other books like Harry Potter or other magic-related books. If you want to know why, PM me. I dont want this thread to dissolve into magic bickering, because Heed wouldn't appreciate it.
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Postby Nate » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:09 pm

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:what annoys me is how on one end somebody will say "zomg magic the gathering and yugioh are evil you're summoning monsters and using magic" while on the other hand they go "Man! Lord of the Rings is SUCH an awesome movie!"

They both have magic... doesn't matter if "well Gandalf can be a christ-like figure!"

psh, so can silver seraph.... and so can harry potter

GO MR. SP! You rock, dude! That's exactly how I feel about it.

By the way, God condemns the use of magic, therefore God would never be a "source" for magical powers. He doesn't need magic, He created the universe, after all. :P
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Postby Hephzibah » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:11 pm

kaemmerite wrote:GO MR. SP! You rock, dude! That's exactly how I feel about it.

By the way, God condemns the use of magic, therefore God would never be a "source" for magical powers. He doesn't need magic, He created the universe, after all. :P


I am working with the assumption that magic is regarded as the same as spiritual powers. And God is a source for that... how bout healing? Delivery from demons?
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Postby DancingKana » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:17 pm

I'm agreeing with a lot of what's been said. We're in the world and not of it, and that means we must keep our minds on Christ-like things, but I don't think that means we have to poke out our eyes if we happen to catch some secular tv, or dash out our brains when we hear a bit of secular music. Now, this is all relative to the form the secular material takes. There's a difference between watching secular tv and watching tv filled with sex, profanity, and all kinds of stuff. Now, I watch secular tv, I listen to some secular music (making sure the lyrics are clean), and I most definately read secular books. It's all a matter of what God's laying on your heart, what you feel he'd have you do. Some of us feel aversion to certain music, but then, some of us don't.
I have a large amount of friends who aren't christian, mostly because there aren't many christians where I live, but I know without a doubt that they pick up on contradictions faster than anyone. One of my friends, a chirstian, puts a wall around herself and adopts the 'holier than thou' approach, making sure nothing touches her than isn't christian in its purest form, but she doesn't show love. Many people resent her, because she'll look at them and say, 'well, I'M A CHRISTIAN. I DON'T DO THAT." And she acts like because she has christ, she's so much better. You just have to remind her that we were once just as lost as them... It's so hard to find that balance, because the world is watching us very closely.
Anyway, i didn't mean to offend anyone, I just wanted to say a bit, but I agree with most of what you've all been saying, so I thought I'd add my support.
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Postby DancingKana » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:19 pm

kaemmerite wrote:By the way, God condemns the use of magic, therefore God would never be a "source" for magical powers. He doesn't need magic, He created the universe, after all. :P

So true. So true. Awesome point. :thumb:
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Postby Nate » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:25 pm

Talame wrote:I am working with the assumption that magic is regarded as the same as spiritual powers. And God is a source for that... how bout healing? Delivery from demons?

There's a difference.

When I cast a Cure Light Wounds spell in D&D ("I" as in my priest, not me the person :eyeroll: ), the spell has verbal components, as well as certain gestures that must be performed. Tying me up so that I cannot perform the gestures, or silencing me so that I cannot speak the words, would prevent me from casting the spell.

If the books you are reading by Stephen Lawhead imply that the character must chant something or perform certain gestures, and stopping one of those two actions would render the person incapable of healing or casting out demons, obviously it is not a God-given power and would be "magic." When Jesus healed someone, no special words were needed, no special gestures. It wasn't magic, it was the Creator of the universe displaying His awesome power.

So magic is NOT the same as spiritual powers, and I think to reduce spiritual powers to the level of magic is slightly dangerous.
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