ich1990 (post: 1222514) wrote:This is a little off topic, but, seeing as how others have covered the majority of OP, I would like to point out my views on this.
First, I would like to point out a few verses:
These verses make it pretty clear that God is concerned, not only with what you actually do, but what your motives and internal desires are. Just because you are not knocking off old ladies and stealing their Caddilacs in real life, does not mean that you aren't sinning. Becuase I am not God, I do not know what your motives are, so I will not condemn you for playing GTA4 (in fact, I have heard that is a pretty fun game). I would encourage you, however, to ask yourself why you are playing that game (or, relating to the OP, why you are listening to that cd).
Also, I would like to point out the last part of the above quoted verse. If your right hand makes you stumble, it is better to cut it off! By this standard, giving up a video game or a cd seems pretty tame.
Also, even if the cd/game isn't making you sin, you need to ask yourself, is it really worth my time?
Does music with bad lyrics or GTA fit the bill?
If you can play this game without sinning in your mind or real life, if you have discovered deep spiritual truths in the game (hey, it could happen) thereby considering it worth dwelling on, and you can honor God while playing it, there is still one more thing to consider.
Whether you like it or not, Nate, you are in a position of responsibility on these boards. As you are easily the most outspoken person here, you undoubtably have an effect on the younger people on these boards (some of whom do not have other positive role models). Please ask yourself, "Do I really want to be endorseing zero media restraint among these people?". It may not be a stumbling block for you, but it could very easily be one for someone else. You need to be mindful of that when you promote something that is of dubious or perhaps even negative spiritual value.
Finally, I do not want to get into an argument with you, I would merely like you to consider and think about what I have said. The same goes for Eric, please think about your media choices.
Well said!