bryan

No luck with Firefox on Windows, either. Sent a PM to a mod and waiting for a reply.

A couple days ago the chat section in Worthy is largely blank for me. No names, blank chat area, and just a gear symbol in the upper left. Clicking on that does nothing. Yesterday, that changed and now I see a prompt for a password: "Enter the password for this chat room." with some options such as join, cancel, change your name, etc. I'm on a Chromebook using Chrome as my browser. Using an icognito window with no browser extensions yield the same screen. The rest of the forum works normally for me, but for now chat is unavailable.

One group renamed yoga positions 'Praise moves' and offers it as Christian. Many stretches are similar to those in military physical training or those recommended for office workers to avoid issues caused by sitting all day. Some yoga practices are only exercise and stretches with zero spiritual content, others include much meditation and spiritual parts.

90% sounds about right. Beyond published studies that are in peer reviewed journals, take a look at how few of the work cited can be repeated. Things are frequently not as they appear.

I've researched them a bit and they seem to be overpriced right now. There are some DIY kits one can purchase to convert a bike into an ebike. Have you seen the bikes where you stand up to pedal? They're a bit like an elliptical crossed with a bike.

These remind me of the BITE model for cult mind control. Many of the items in it happen in churches as well as other parts of life. The BITE Model Behavior Control 1. Regulate individual’s physical reality 2. Dictate where, how, and with whom the member lives and associates or isolates 3. When, how and with whom the member has sex 4. Control types of clothing and hairstyles 5. Regulate diet - food and drink, hunger and/or fasting 6. Manipulation and deprivation of sleep 7. Financial exploitation, manipulation or dependence 8. Restrict leisure, entertainment, vacation time 9. Major time spent with group indoctrination and rituals and/or self indoctrination including the Internet 10. Permission required for major decisions 11. Thoughts, feelings, and activities (of self and others) reported to superiors 12. Rewards and punishments used to modify behaviors, both positive and negative 13. Discourage individualism, encourage group-think 14. Impose rigid rules and regulations 15. Instill dependency and obedience 16. Threaten harm to family and friends 17. Force individual to rape or be raped 18. Instill dependency and obedience 19. Encourage and engage in corporal punishment Information Control 1. Deception: a. Deliberately withhold information b. Distort information to make it more acceptable c. Systematically lie to the cult member 2. Minimize or discourage access to non-cult sources of information, including: a. Internet, TV, radio, books, articles, newspapers, magazines, other media b.Critical information c. Former members d. Keep members busy so they don’t have time to think and investigate e. Control through cell phone with texting, calls, internet tracking 3. Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines a. Ensure that information is not freely accessible b.Control information at different levels and missions within group c. Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when 4. Encourage spying on other members a. Impose a buddy system to monitor and control member b.Report deviant thoughts, feelings and actions to leadership c. Ensure that individual behavior is monitored by group 5. Extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda, including: a. Newsletters, magazines, journals, audiotapes, videotapes, YouTube, movies and other media b.Misquoting statements or using them out of context from non-cult sources 6. Unethical use of confession a. Information about sins used to disrupt and/or dissolve identity boundaries b. Withholding forgiveness or absolution c. Manipulation of memory, possible false memories Thought Control 1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth a. Adopting the group's ‘map of reality’ as reality b. Instill black and white thinking c. Decide between good vs. evil d. Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) 2.Change person’s name and identity 3. Use of loaded language and clichés which constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzz words 4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts 5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking and even to age regress the member 6. Memories are manipulated and false memories are created 7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques which shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking b. Chanting c. Meditating d. Praying e. Speaking in tongues f. Singing or humming 8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism 9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed 10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful Emotional Control 1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/or needs are deemed as evil, wrong or selfish 2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt 3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault 4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as a. Identity guilt b. You are not living up to your potential c. Your family is deficient d. Your past is suspect e. Your affiliations are unwise f. Your thoughts, feelings, actions are irrelevant or selfish g. Social guilt h. Historical guilt 5. Instill fear, such as fear of: a. Thinking independently b. The outside world c. Enemies d. Losing one’s salvation e. Leaving or being shunned by the group f. Other’s disapproval 6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are horrible sinner 7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins 8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority a. No happiness or fulfillment possible outside of the group b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends, peers, and family d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll e. Threats of harm to ex-member and family

Suppose you have a friend or acquaintance who had sworn off traditional churches. Maybe they had really bad experiences with them when they grew up or such and they now view Christianity to blame for it. What are some creative ways to introduce them to the lessons of Jesus and Christianity in general to show them how it 'should' work instead of what they experienced?

The Visitation seemed like a very different style and it wasn't favorite. Blink by Ted Dekker was quite good, so I'm looking for more by that author.

It seems that everyone is sure they know the truth, their perspective is the only correct one, and their scripture references prove their position. When questions about that 'truth' come up, rather than considering the possibility that one might be wrong in some way they instead become determined to explain how others are wrong. Asking too many questions frequently leads to accusations of not being Christian.

I've not heard that the subconscious mind can not distinguish between reality and fiction, or that ethics and preferences for solutions are coming from the subconscious. Did that belief come from psychology studies or such? If so, references would be appreciated for more study on that.

Does this fall into "Don't do things that lead you to sin"? Some churches and fellow Christians avoid watching television, radio, music, movies, board games, etc. for the same reasons.

Cobalt - You seem bothered by my statement: "To understand the intent and use of the word 'homosexuality' in the bible, I found it necessary to research the original words translated to 'homosexuality'. " Why is that?

Culture affects linguistics, the meaning of words, and how they are used. If one is to examine the original words of something translated such as the bible, it's not just a simple 'this word means that' process. If our native language is English and we wish to explore the meaning of Aramaic or other root languages of the bible, we need to learn about that language than reading a language dictionary. More on that topic: Linguistics across Cultures: The Impact of Culture on Second Language Learning Abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss the inseparable relation between culture and language and the implementation of instructional strategies for teaching second language through culture to enhance students’ linguistic comprehension. Language is not only the product of culture, but also is the symbol of culture (Gleason, 1961). Culture must be incorporated outright as an essential component of second language learning and teaching. Only after cultural issues become an inherent part of the language curriculum and instruction, can students be successful in their target language learning. Second language teachers, therefore, should pay more attentions to the diversities of cultures, identify key cultural items in every aspect when they design a language curriculum, and apply appropriate teaching strategies to learning activities in order to help students to bridge the culture gaps. Source: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED496079.pdf

No

To understand the intent and use of the word 'homosexuality' in the bible, I found it necessary to research the original words translated to 'homosexuality'. Information about the culture of that time and location was also very helpful.

The thread about dream catchers got me thinking about worshiping idols, the dangers involved, and some common fears of inanimate objects. Most objects have no significance. Car keys, a toothbrush, and other items are just inanimate objects and have no religious meaning. Some objects are reminders. Crosses on our wall or necklaces may be reminders to ourselves and others of our beliefs. Some objects may be ways to focus our prayer to God, or they could be idols. These could be candles or crosses we look at to concentrate. They could also be statues of the virgin Mary for famous saints to whom people pray. Is a cross on a necklace held during prayer an idol and wrong, or simply a way to concentrate on prayer? Does it depend only on the owner's intent? Some objects are not significant until we give them power and meaning. A Ouija board game in a store is just an inanimate object, but if it's purchased and the owners believe it can be used to contact spirits, it's been made into an idol that is now quite dangerous. A dream catcher may only be a pretty stained glass item hanging in the window, but some people may give them power by believing they have some spiritual ability. Some people wear necklace charms with statues for specific saints and believe it gives them special protection. The difference here is completely with the owner and how they view the item. Suppose one purchased rocks, prisms, or other inanimate objects from a spiritual / occult store? These are still only inanimate objects, right? They only have power if we choose to believe they do. If we think a rock is only a rock, there's no danger, right? My point here is not that these items are all harmless, but instead that they can only have power over us if we believe they do. What happens if we consider this view incorrect? Would that would mean objects can be inherently dangerous and by themselves are 'good' or 'evil'? That approach seems to require one believe that inanimate objects can somehow hold power over people. Thoughts?

Note only some yoga practices include spiritual parts. Others are the same as physical training and stretching practices in the military or martial arts. It all depends on who's running the yoga class.

Halloween is over. It's time to switch to condemning Christmas as a pagan holiday that should not be celebrated due to its origins.

Local churches haven't proven to be very wise in their spending, so some research local charities and donate directly to them.

Thank you for a rational explanation. Giving power, i.e. desire, worship, attention, etc. is a problem. An inanimate object on your wall, table, or other place isn't. A dreamcatcher on your window that you like because it make pretty colors when the sun hits it? Not an issue. There are similar items not discussed much. Do you talk to or communicate with the pictures of your parents hanging on the wall? Is that wrong? How about a necklace, ring, or watch from your parents? Is that idol worship of ancestors? Are you assigning some power to wearing that necklace, ring, or watch? Is that more idol worship? As Cobalt said, it seems that inanimate objects only have the power we give them.

In places that have banned guns, the data has consistently shown it doesn't help.

Texting is fine, but talking on the phone generally isn't for me.

So bingo at the church is okay, lotto may or may not be okay, and blackjack is bad. Very confusing.

Of the Mormans I've known, they have been some of the most humble, kind, and considerate people I've met. Like Catholics, I don't believe entirely with their beliefs, yet they tend to know the KJV bible better than most people.

"Never compromise with evil" makes sense, but that leads me to consider exactly what to consider 'evil'. Should this include things, practices, and people? For example, things such as PG-13 and R rated movies, popular music with various topics, and even sermons could all be considered evil by some. For practices, one could include seeing those movies, listening to music, and perhaps taking part in holiday celebrations this fall. Can people be evil? Is it a compromise to associate or talk to people that aren't Christian? How about those that practice things one considers evil? One may need to be careful not to descend onto a slippery slope in classifying so many things as 'evil' one is then unable to live and disciple as we're directed.