Before this past weekend when we celebrate and remember the Day of Atonement and the Resurrection, my husband and I were looking to see if there was going to be an "Easter" service in the city we were visiting for this past weekend. (For an explanation about why I choose not to call this weekend "Easter", read this that explains where this term came from and what all the bunnies, eggs, and all that jazz were originally meant to symbolize.) When doing this, we came across the website of a church that had a 'video of the week' posted. Curious, I watched this video that was played to the tune of some secular song that goes something like "So, you had a bad day...etc" and is sort of an America's funniest home video clip implying that if you think you had a bad day, watch this. So, as I watched this clip, there is this part where a man is malled by a bull and has his pants and his underwear taken off, exposing his bare backside.
This really angered and disgusted me. See, I try my best to avoid watching this kind of thing (nudity, etc.) when choosing what television shows and movies I watch, only to be exposed to it on a church website??.
There seems to be something lacking nowadays, and it sounds a lot like discernment
Showing posts with label worldliness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worldliness. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Part 1--Spirituality in tv show "Lost"
I posted awhile ago a preview of my attempt to blog about the tv show "Lost". I had seen ads for this show now and then and heard a lot of "buzz" about it, but had never seen an episode until a couple weeks ago when I started researching it. What started this researching was when I found out about a church that was using this tv show sort of as a Bible study. They were getting together weekly to watch the show, discuss themes and theories about the show, and then try to see what they could learn about God from the show. When I read this, I was very surprised that a church would use a secular, hollywood-produced tv show to try to learn about God. After watching a few episodes and doing some research on the symbolism in the show, I have realized that this show definitely has a spiritual message in it...but the kind of message in it is definitely not a biblical one from what I can tell. It is full of mysticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, New Age spirituality, greek mythology, and much more. It is a smorgasborg of all different beliefs intertwined and mixed together. More about that later.
From watching the show, I personally do not believe that a Christian should even watch this show for entertainment, let alone for a Bible study. Here's why:
1) In one episode, I counted at least 8 profane words used, and at least one blasphemous use of God's holy name.
2) In that same episode, one of the characters was in an adulterous relationship with another woman. They had been dating for a few months, not married, and then it was obviously implied that they had been sleeping together. (they are shown lying in the same bed together and the woman gives the man a key to her apartment)
3) In another episode, there was a scene with a VERY scantily clad female suntanning on a beach. And, in that same episode, a man accidentally walks in to see a woman bathing, and even though there is no explicit nudity, it is still a very suggestive scene.
4)) There is quite a bit of violence in it, as well. I had to turn my eyes a few times from some quite frightening and disturbing scenes. For instance, in one episode, a man was dying a slow death from an infection, and we see him in agony, and then another character goes in and shoots that man (this was not shown, but graphically heard) to "end his suffering" (a.k.a. murder him), and the man did not die from the gun shot immediately and his last cries were heard before he died. This was an extremely disturbing scene. This is just one example of some of the gruesome and disturbing and violent scenes.
What does the Bible say? This must be the standard with which we test all things.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:16-21)
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 21-22)
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13)
So, based on this alone, a Christian should not be watching this for entertainment purposes, let alone for a sort of Bible study. We are to flee from temptation and youthful lusts, and I think choosing to watch a show with scantily clad women would not qualify as fleeing youthful lusts.
And, here's another question...would you feel comfortable if this show "Lost" was shown on a Sunday morning in church? If not, you shouldn't be using it for a Bible study on Thursday night.
Next time, I'll try to start to scratch the surface on some of the spirituality in the show and a brief description about the show from the few episodes I saw.
From watching the show, I personally do not believe that a Christian should even watch this show for entertainment, let alone for a Bible study. Here's why:
1) In one episode, I counted at least 8 profane words used, and at least one blasphemous use of God's holy name.
2) In that same episode, one of the characters was in an adulterous relationship with another woman. They had been dating for a few months, not married, and then it was obviously implied that they had been sleeping together. (they are shown lying in the same bed together and the woman gives the man a key to her apartment)
3) In another episode, there was a scene with a VERY scantily clad female suntanning on a beach. And, in that same episode, a man accidentally walks in to see a woman bathing, and even though there is no explicit nudity, it is still a very suggestive scene.
4)) There is quite a bit of violence in it, as well. I had to turn my eyes a few times from some quite frightening and disturbing scenes. For instance, in one episode, a man was dying a slow death from an infection, and we see him in agony, and then another character goes in and shoots that man (this was not shown, but graphically heard) to "end his suffering" (a.k.a. murder him), and the man did not die from the gun shot immediately and his last cries were heard before he died. This was an extremely disturbing scene. This is just one example of some of the gruesome and disturbing and violent scenes.
What does the Bible say? This must be the standard with which we test all things.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:16-21)
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 21-22)
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13)
So, based on this alone, a Christian should not be watching this for entertainment purposes, let alone for a sort of Bible study. We are to flee from temptation and youthful lusts, and I think choosing to watch a show with scantily clad women would not qualify as fleeing youthful lusts.
And, here's another question...would you feel comfortable if this show "Lost" was shown on a Sunday morning in church? If not, you shouldn't be using it for a Bible study on Thursday night.
Next time, I'll try to start to scratch the surface on some of the spirituality in the show and a brief description about the show from the few episodes I saw.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Preview of future post about t.v show "Lost"
So, I have been on a blogging break due to the insane busyness in my life right now. Next week is looking to be much, much less busy so I hope to get a couple of posts up next week. I want to give you a short preview of something I have been researching only in the past 2 days really that I will be blogging about shortly (hopefully next week).
Have any of you out there heard of the t.v. show called Lost? Well I hadn't paid any attention to it until the past two weeks when I discovered that, sadly, instead of going to your Bible to learn about God's character, some church groups are using this show (which is sprinkled with profane language, blasphemy, violence, and some inappropriate sexual scenes) to try to learn about God. (there is even a book about the "biblical" messages one can pick out from this show). Well, I have watched one and a half episodes of this show, plus a "learn all you need to know about the show in 8 minutes 15 seconds" clip, and have researched a bit about it.
Well, there is no doubt about it-there definitely is a lot of "spirituality" in this television drama full of symbolism, significant names, equations, and puzzles. The question is...what kind of spirituality is it? Some things I have discovered and researched will hopefully help shed some light on the problems with the spirituality in this show.
Until then I ask that, if you think of it, could you remember me in prayer as I have a very important interview coming up this weekend? It has to do with my future post-secondary education.
And, in the meantimes, let's turn off "Lost", which angers God with its blasphemy-using His holy name as a curse word-and, instead, let's open our Bibles to discover everything we need to know about who God is.
Have any of you out there heard of the t.v. show called Lost? Well I hadn't paid any attention to it until the past two weeks when I discovered that, sadly, instead of going to your Bible to learn about God's character, some church groups are using this show (which is sprinkled with profane language, blasphemy, violence, and some inappropriate sexual scenes) to try to learn about God. (there is even a book about the "biblical" messages one can pick out from this show). Well, I have watched one and a half episodes of this show, plus a "learn all you need to know about the show in 8 minutes 15 seconds" clip, and have researched a bit about it.
Well, there is no doubt about it-there definitely is a lot of "spirituality" in this television drama full of symbolism, significant names, equations, and puzzles. The question is...what kind of spirituality is it? Some things I have discovered and researched will hopefully help shed some light on the problems with the spirituality in this show.
Until then I ask that, if you think of it, could you remember me in prayer as I have a very important interview coming up this weekend? It has to do with my future post-secondary education.
And, in the meantimes, let's turn off "Lost", which angers God with its blasphemy-using His holy name as a curse word-and, instead, let's open our Bibles to discover everything we need to know about who God is.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Hula Dancing...at Church! (huh?)
Some churches offer the Hindu practice, yoga....
Some churches offer heavy metal screaming "Christian" rock bands...
Some churches will offer you a long-term weight loss solution....
Some churches will offer occult-influenced Carl Jung's personality test to "discover your spiritual gifts"
And now...there's a church that offers you a hula concert with "talented hula teams from all over the world" and hula dancing lessons!
What next. ?
Some churches offer heavy metal screaming "Christian" rock bands...
Some churches will offer you a long-term weight loss solution....
Some churches will offer occult-influenced Carl Jung's personality test to "discover your spiritual gifts"
And now...there's a church that offers you a hula concert with "talented hula teams from all over the world" and hula dancing lessons!
What next. ?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Love Not the World
The past few days as I've been listening to some Christian radio program interviews and also some preachers speak on the internet, I've been hearing a recurring theme:
Love not the world nor the things in the world.
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever"
1 John 2:15-17
This one pastor in particular speaks about how most of today's self-professing Christians look, act, and speak just like the world. Click here to listen to a pastor challenging those who claim to be Christians. (Thanks morebooksandthings for bringing this pastor's message to attention.) Over the past few months, I've been especially convicted that I cannot love the things of this world, and as I continue to read God's Word, I find myself increasingly aware of the disgust and hatred God feels toward sin and how I also need to be disgusted by sin and not take pleasure in it and continually pursue righteousness.
Let love be without hypocrisy Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
In the past few months, I have found myself often putting on a cd and having to throw it out because I cannot stand to hear ungodly talk anymore. Same thing with movies: I find myself increasingly disgusted by even the "tame" movies as they are not speaking God's truth. I'm not trying to say that I've got it all together or anything- I'm constantly reminded that I am a sinner and I would never measure up to God's standards, but it's only by Jesus' blood that has covered my sins that I am able to stand before God on judgment day and not be condemned since I've accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and His payment for my sins in full. It doesn't matter if you've sinned once or a million times-it's still sin-and God cannot accept ANY of it.
Don't get me wrong; I'm NOT saying that we will be perfect and never sin once we are a Christian. The Bible is clear that Christians do continue sin on this earth. I'm also NOT saying that living a godly life is what gets you saved. Salvation is by grace alone-the Bible is clear on that. What I AM talking about is "the good fruits" that the Bible talks about, which is evidence a person is saved.
"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit."A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."So then, you will know them by their fruits."Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' Matthew 7:17-23
Here are some examples of what I mean by look, act, and speak like the world: Many Christians are dressing sensually as to draw attention to their bodies (I see this even in some church services I've been to), and although I have heard some pastors speak about this issue in youth groups and young adult groups, I don't think I've ever heard a Sunday morning message that addresses this problem. The church is to bring glory to God, not to glorify or draw attention to ourselves, and I know I have been guilty of this before too.
I often hear self-professing Christians use God's name in vain and other names God has given himself and also use characteristics of God, such as holy, in vain. I have been personally convicted of the latter and realize that I should no longer speak like this if I am truly one of God's children and want to please and honour him with my life. With the speaking like the world also includes telling inappropriate jokes, laughing at those jokes, gossiping, bragging, boasting, etc.
And with acting like the world, I mean loving money, pursuing worldly pleasures (drinking/partying, smoking, lusting, etc), desiring worldly status, having sex with a person before marriage, etc. And also, I notice that many self-professing Christians think like the world, and even if they don't practice these things, they agree with worldly ideas that are contrary to what the Bible says. For example, they believe homosexuality is not a sin, even though the Bible clearly says it is. Or they see nothing wrong with having sex before marriage, or they believe that God would never allow someone to go to hell, etc. If we are Christians, we need to be transformed. And evidence of having a repentant heart is that you are not only sorry for your sins, but you also turn from your sins and live a life no longer conformed to the patterns of the world, but instead you try to live according to God's commands and instructions he gave us in the Bible.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
If you claim to be a Christian, please examine yourself. The Bible is clear that those who are truly saved will show evidence of this through the way they live by continuing to repent of sins and striving to live a life honouring to God.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5
Love not the world nor the things in the world.
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever"
1 John 2:15-17
This one pastor in particular speaks about how most of today's self-professing Christians look, act, and speak just like the world. Click here to listen to a pastor challenging those who claim to be Christians. (Thanks morebooksandthings for bringing this pastor's message to attention.) Over the past few months, I've been especially convicted that I cannot love the things of this world, and as I continue to read God's Word, I find myself increasingly aware of the disgust and hatred God feels toward sin and how I also need to be disgusted by sin and not take pleasure in it and continually pursue righteousness.
Let love be without hypocrisy Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, Titus 2:11-12
In the past few months, I have found myself often putting on a cd and having to throw it out because I cannot stand to hear ungodly talk anymore. Same thing with movies: I find myself increasingly disgusted by even the "tame" movies as they are not speaking God's truth. I'm not trying to say that I've got it all together or anything- I'm constantly reminded that I am a sinner and I would never measure up to God's standards, but it's only by Jesus' blood that has covered my sins that I am able to stand before God on judgment day and not be condemned since I've accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and His payment for my sins in full. It doesn't matter if you've sinned once or a million times-it's still sin-and God cannot accept ANY of it.
Don't get me wrong; I'm NOT saying that we will be perfect and never sin once we are a Christian. The Bible is clear that Christians do continue sin on this earth. I'm also NOT saying that living a godly life is what gets you saved. Salvation is by grace alone-the Bible is clear on that. What I AM talking about is "the good fruits" that the Bible talks about, which is evidence a person is saved.
"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit."A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."So then, you will know them by their fruits."Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' Matthew 7:17-23
Here are some examples of what I mean by look, act, and speak like the world: Many Christians are dressing sensually as to draw attention to their bodies (I see this even in some church services I've been to), and although I have heard some pastors speak about this issue in youth groups and young adult groups, I don't think I've ever heard a Sunday morning message that addresses this problem. The church is to bring glory to God, not to glorify or draw attention to ourselves, and I know I have been guilty of this before too.
I often hear self-professing Christians use God's name in vain and other names God has given himself and also use characteristics of God, such as holy, in vain. I have been personally convicted of the latter and realize that I should no longer speak like this if I am truly one of God's children and want to please and honour him with my life. With the speaking like the world also includes telling inappropriate jokes, laughing at those jokes, gossiping, bragging, boasting, etc.
And with acting like the world, I mean loving money, pursuing worldly pleasures (drinking/partying, smoking, lusting, etc), desiring worldly status, having sex with a person before marriage, etc. And also, I notice that many self-professing Christians think like the world, and even if they don't practice these things, they agree with worldly ideas that are contrary to what the Bible says. For example, they believe homosexuality is not a sin, even though the Bible clearly says it is. Or they see nothing wrong with having sex before marriage, or they believe that God would never allow someone to go to hell, etc. If we are Christians, we need to be transformed. And evidence of having a repentant heart is that you are not only sorry for your sins, but you also turn from your sins and live a life no longer conformed to the patterns of the world, but instead you try to live according to God's commands and instructions he gave us in the Bible.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
If you claim to be a Christian, please examine yourself. The Bible is clear that those who are truly saved will show evidence of this through the way they live by continuing to repent of sins and striving to live a life honouring to God.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5
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