I remember going through similar struggles long ago when I was in High School. I didn't want to spend lots of time reading about the false gods of Greek and Roman mythology or some of the less polite literature that I was assigned to read by an unbelieving English teacher. This same teacher once rebuked me for standing up for my absolute belief in God in a classroom discussion, calling me unamerican for holding such a viewpoint. In the end, I read enough mythology that I could understand the many cultural references to it today, but was able to gain alternate reading assignments for some of the trashier books. To me, this is not so much a matter of absolute right and wrong, but of trying to control what I feed my spirit. Now that I'm older and have more control over what I read, watch, and listen to, I take in a lot of the Bible, Christian books, good sermons, good Christian music, Christian movies and TV programming, and wholesome things. Because I live in the world (even though I'm not of the world), I take in some "secular" entertainment and information, too, but I never want to let that be a significant part of what I dwell on, nor do I want to use my freedom in Christ to waste time on unprofitable activities or to endorse anything that may make a brother or sister stumble.
Let love and grace abound for each other, just as God abounds in love and grace for us, not using that grace as a license to sin, but living daily for God.
At 20:15 8/26/2001 -0500, Bob Triphahn wrote:
...
What really is at the heart of this matter is whether reading certain material will interfere with our walk with God. It is not our place to judge the individual who decides to read or listen or watch those things we deem may harm them spiritually. If we know the brother has fallen into sin then we are to take two or three witnesses and gentle restore the brother. If our opinion is asked on a touchy subject we should be able to give our opinion based on our knowledge of the Word of God and personal experience. If Josh decides not to read the Harry Potter book based on the evidence he has about the material, then he through the Holy Spirit will have to stand up for his convictions.
As society keeps bombarding us with the things of the world we need to stand on the Word of God. If it does not bring Him glory then we need not dwell on these things. As adults we need to make the conscience decision to draw the line on where we stand regarding the Word of the Lord. It is not our place as Christian brothers and sisters to point the finger and say "you shall not...." that is God's and the Holy Spirits job.
We live by the grace that our heavenly Father has given us. Let us show the world that grace by showing love for one another.
God Bless,
Bob Triphahn
Rev. Michael Paul Johnson AKA Soaring Golden Eagle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Bible translation missionary, Evangel Bible Translators http://EvangelBible.org
Outpost 362, Mountain Creek Community Church, Dallas Texas http://mtcreek.com
http://eBible.org/mpj/ Jesus Christ is Lord!
