Corned Beef Rehash
I've got a question. Maybe we can get an answer together as we all discuss it. That is, for those left in the AF blogspace -- those few being the only who read our blogs. It's so nice to see everybody blogging again...
Anyway, to my topic:
Lemme start with an illustration. And I'm choosing this example because it's clear, not because I' m picking something specific. I have friends who, if you start a conversation about the Lord, will dive in to the exclusion of all else and we can talk for hours and hours about topics like holiness, sanctification, the baptism, Christian living, the nature of God, etc. Online, I've got friends that would rather talk about the how hard it is to hold their blended drink during the Superbowl because they've got a blister the size of Matt's chin on their hand. (How's that for a rehash of recent topics?)
My point's not to pick on anyone specifically, but to ask a question. What is it about Christian topics that make us avoid them? And you can't use the "my brain's tired" line, because we 'fo sho' do enough writing to put to rest that lame excuse.
Just something I've been thinking on myself. It's so easy to be distracted by life to the point that my passion for the gospel kinda gives way to other things. Anybody else? Lemme know whatcha think.
Anyway, to my topic:
Lemme start with an illustration. And I'm choosing this example because it's clear, not because I' m picking something specific. I have friends who, if you start a conversation about the Lord, will dive in to the exclusion of all else and we can talk for hours and hours about topics like holiness, sanctification, the baptism, Christian living, the nature of God, etc. Online, I've got friends that would rather talk about the how hard it is to hold their blended drink during the Superbowl because they've got a blister the size of Matt's chin on their hand. (How's that for a rehash of recent topics?)
My point's not to pick on anyone specifically, but to ask a question. What is it about Christian topics that make us avoid them? And you can't use the "my brain's tired" line, because we 'fo sho' do enough writing to put to rest that lame excuse.
Just something I've been thinking on myself. It's so easy to be distracted by life to the point that my passion for the gospel kinda gives way to other things. Anybody else? Lemme know whatcha think.
posted by Rational Icthus at 12:09 PM
7 Comments:
Okay okay... I'm going to put off doing my homework to finally answer your question. Which I believe now has two separate parts.
First of all, for me, I have no time in the day. I realize that posting this at 12:45 in the afternoon is going to blow this argument a little bit, but I am using it anyways. I would be more than happy to post a schedule of my days (and weeks) if you would like, but I am not trying to be a martyr. I think that many of these other bloggers have schedules similar to mine where time is precious. When I do finally have time to read blogs or post, I am using it as down time... to relax. I find it a little less strenuous to post about things such as the super bowl and my blister (which has greatly impacted my life over the past two and a half weeks) than current events, religion or, heaven help us, politics. It isn't that I don't want to have nice, thought provoking conversations with my Christian friends, it is that I don't want to use the energy to formulate an articulate argument. A key point that needs to be addressed here... Just because I don't post about these things, doesn't mean that I am not thinking about them. I don't consider myself a heathen because I don't post about holiness.
That being said, let's look at your topic. I think part of the reason that I haven't responded is that I agree with you and have nothing to say. For the most part, our society has gone down hill one PG-13 movie at a time. For the sake of argument, though, I will put this out there. I think this "holiness" issue may not be one of holiness after all. I can think of multiple things that our church organization used to get all affronted about, but now they are common place activities or things among our church members. (And yes, I will provide a list if you would like.) Does this mean that we have lost sight of holiness and are letting sin creep into our lives? I don't think so. I think it shows that what we had ourselves so worked up about, wasn't a big deal in the first place. It is just a matter of looking at the world and cultural views of the age at hand. I do think that it is important to note that some things which our culture is currently trying to get rid of, traditional marriage, fetuses as living things, etc..., should never be changed. Those are written in the Bible, or have very substantial proof of validity in the Bible, and we, as mere humans, do NOT have the authority to be changing all of that. But for other things, which when you boil it all down, turn out to be mainly about opinions and preferences... I don't consider changing those to be losing sight of holiness.
So there ya have it. Hashed out in 10 minutes as I should be eating lunch/doing my homework/getting ready to leave for band. Happy now Chris???? =)
I will agree with Melina on why the Christian topics have not been posted on versus, as in my case, "underwear postings". I started my blog to voice my opinion on politics, but found shortly thereafter my thoughts were being echoed by literally thousands of bloggers, and my steam gets taken. I have changed my blog, though not entirely, to a means of entertainment. Most of what I write I do to make my readers laugh. I love laughter and I consider my abilty to make others laugh one of my talents.
Having said that, I will add one thing to Melinas thought - there is no discussion on this particular blog. Only intense debate. I know if I am to post on this blog I better have a pretty good argument for even the most trivial syllable. Discussion is casual "coffee chat". You do not discuss Chris. You debate. And you attack, sometimes with unintended venom. So in reaction, I do not post because, as Melina said, I don't have the energy, or willingness, to form an articulate argument - one that you will NO DOUBT rip apart. Or try to anyway. That is my view on that.
Concerning your question of holiness, I must say that I agree overall. Some of what you wrote has some sting to it reflecting in areas of my life, and that in part was another reason not to post. In many cases facing the way you live your life is much different than how you believe you should live your life.
Another reason I did post is that you specifically mentioned movies, and I am taking a class this term where I have to watch 9 movies, most of which are rated "R". I have been struggling this term as of what to do. I need this class to graduate (well, I need what it stands for, a upper division gen ed credit) and it is too late to back out now. I am too close to graduating to mess around with rescheduling, so I decided to press on. Just pray for me. Thanks.
I agree what we take in to our bodies, be whether eating or watching or hearing, will affect us on the inside. But Paul said that what is a stumbling block for one, is not for another. For me, sexuality and language is a burden and I must becareful of what I watch, read and listen to musically. I don't always hit that mark, but it is one I strive for. However, I cannot judge another brother who has no problem watching those movies I deem wrong for me anymore than I can judge the intents of his heart.
The standard is not the same for everyone. I don't know why, but it is true. There are blatent instructions concerning holiness - don't fornicate, be modest, think on good things, etc. But there are others which come down to between man and God. What else is a conscience for if not for God to have a personal - customized if you will - relationship with man?
Take for instance, language. Bad language. Why is it that it is considered bad for anyone to say the f-word, but there seems no harm in defining it (to have sex)? Why can we say poop, but not, well, you know? Why, in a language with so many words to define ONE object, do we give weight to one, calling it vulgar?
I am not saying any of this to advocate being able to swear. I know it is a cultural thing, as if I would swear in front of someone who spoke only Spanish, it would mean nothing to them. But I wince when I hear the F-word, but saying sex is no problem.
It is subjective no matter how you cut it. One man's trash is anothers prize.
Why is it ok to look at a nude model in a drawing class, but not to look at porn? (BTW- I know why it's bad in my life, but I am speaking overall). Do women look at a nude man out of sexuality or curiosity. I know the answer for guys.
Anyway, that is my two bits. Attack away Chris.
No attack forthcoming.
Curious. I don't think of myself as attacking. Thoughts, everyone? No foul if you feel this way. I'd rather not offend, so if I am let me know.
Good post, Bry, and I won't attack. I will relate a story from my college days as a potential solution to your movie class. There was an upper-level gen ed class (US Lit) I had to take. The books we were reading were very sexual in nature, and I *had* to take the class to graduate.
I went to the prof and explained that my religious convictions prohibited me from reading the books. I don't think he appreciated my comments, but he *did* come up with another set of books for me to read.
Cost me a scholarship because I couldn't participate in class discussion and so got a B instead of an A, and I had to write a TON of papers to make up for not participating in class, but it was well worth it from the "soul" perspective.
Worth a try, maybe. Anyway, I'll be praying 4 u.
Ok well as I'm not very good at this whole debating/attacking/etc. I will just keep it simple.
I would also have to agree with Melina and Bry in that this whole blogging things is a well to "relax". If and when I post (yes I know I was dead for a while, but I am back) I'm not looking to strike up a BIG OL' conversation about world, religion etc. But more to have fun and laugh with close christian friends. I mean come on there have been some GREAT laughs on some of these blogs. Besides laughter is a great medicine, ESEPCIALLY when its celan laughter = )
Heres a few that if you haven't read the blog or latest comments I highly reccomend them...
"So...This is exciting" - Zach
"I am not Happy" - Zach
"I found another" - Bryan
"Great McDonalds" - Mine
"I'm sorry that there is no way to make a disclaimer for this picture before you see it! - Melina
So with all that said, I guess thats my reasoning on why I post what I do.
Besides OLDER SIBLINGS ROCK!!
Yes Goliath... that was exactley the type of example that I was going for, I just didn't have time to write it down. I was assuming someone out there would eventually do the job for me, and I was correct =)
I would agree that times change. Nobody's gonna argue that. I still think it's a bad idea to go play pool at a bar, though.
And just to let you guys know where I stand, I recognize that I'm an uber-nerd and I like to talk deep pretty much all the time. I mean, come on, when I'm not reading holiness commentaries from the early 1900's, I'm studying a 1200-page book on math, computers or politics. I get that, and I didn't mean to imply that you guys are all heretics for not responding.
On the other hand, (and this comes from living 1/2 my life with Worthingtons) I find that the more time I spend discussing the Bible and my faith, the more enjoyment and relaxation I get out of it.
I remember a devotional my mom read years ago out of some devo book she had. Some girl had bought a mood ring, and apparently it turned blue when you were relaxed. She tried everything she could to turn it blue - read fun books, take bubble baths, walks down by the ocean -- never turned blue. Until the day she happened to open her eyes while she was having her nightly devotions.
I like the fun topics, but I *LOVE* talking about the Lord.
Mal 3:16 "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."
Sounds pretty good to me!
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