Desensitization

[Guest man]

 

For instance, I do not like Christian music. I have listened to several different suggestions to me, and I just don't care for it at all.

I know this is off-topic, but I am curious. What is it that does not appeal to you - the music styles, the lyrics, or the quality of the music? Or something else?

 

 

 

For me, Christian music is little more than musical testimonies. There's really nothing special about it. It doesn't bring me closer to God. It doesn't give me any special insight as to who God is. It doesn't make me want to be a better person. It's just another genre in the music industry.

 

I do have a few christian CDs, but I couldn't tell you the last time listened to one. I listen to music for the music. I don't pay attention to lyrics unless there's a lot foul language or innuendo, then I pretty much toss it out. I see the voice as a musical instrument and that's what I listen to. For me, it's not the words to a song that catches my attention, it's the music.

[Sevenseas]

The problem I have with "what would Jesus do" type questions is that typically people just project their own biases onto what Jesus would hate so it doesn't do much for me. "Well Jesus wouldn't like that song so you shouldn't listen to it" type of thing. Unless it's obviously blasphemous or something it's not a very helpful consideration.

 

I suppose what it comes down to for me is, a lot of people seem to conflate being a Christian with having certain popular culture tastes, and I just don't go that way. If it's a matter in which it is clearly sinful, someone should be able to show me that from scripture. Short of it being universally sinful such that it can be shown scripturally, perhaps God will convict me of certain things I enjoy. I can certainly see that happening.Otherwise, a lot of this sounds like a lot of 'holier than thou' type of language based in personal tastes and biases.

 

 

I agree.

 

I have objections to Christians smacking the hands of other Christians simply because they feel uncomfortble with what others do.

 

Traipsing through the threads, I have come to expect that what one person may consider a great effront, another will observe as culture.

 

THAT, is why I think scritpure is our best guideline along with a conscience kept alive through a personal realtionship with God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ

through the Holy Spirit.

 

As Paul observed, the law serves to point out sin and where there is the law, is is more easily broken and the temptation to do so, actually increases.  In fact, in Paul's own

words, here is that observation:

 

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,  Romans 5:20

 

Pointing out every sin in the world does nothing more than increase the temptation.  Every day we sin...therefore, we realize the impossibility of pleasing God in our own flesh,

that is, the observaton of the law and wearing it like a crown of thorns on our head.  It simply does not work.  There is freedom from the law only in Christ Jesus and while

we are aware of our condition, we know that God's grace surpasses that condition and enables us to live in a fallen world...something that countless articles on how bad

it all has gotten (and going to get worse folks) does not do.

[alphaparticle]

 

For instance, I do not like Christian music. I have listened to several different suggestions to me, and I just don't care for it at all.

I know this is off-topic, but I am curious. What is it that does not appeal to you - the music styles, the lyrics, or the quality of the music? Or something else?

 

I missed this until man quoted you. Sorry!

 

Yeah I just don't enjoy it.  In my opinion I do not find the quality high. It's as if they are relying on trying to evoke cheap emotionality to sell... but this is just how it is for me when I have tried to listen to it. There's just something about the genre that doesn't work for me.

 

That being said, there are some gorgeous classical Christian themed music from a variety of eras that I enjoy a lot, and did even as a nonbeliever.

[alphaparticle]

 

The problem I have with "what would Jesus do" type questions is that typically people just project their own biases onto what Jesus would hate so it doesn't do much for me. "Well Jesus wouldn't like that song so you shouldn't listen to it" type of thing. Unless it's obviously blasphemous or something it's not a very helpful consideration.

 

I suppose what it comes down to for me is, a lot of people seem to conflate being a Christian with having certain popular culture tastes, and I just don't go that way. If it's a matter in which it is clearly sinful, someone should be able to show me that from scripture. Short of it being universally sinful such that it can be shown scripturally, perhaps God will convict me of certain things I enjoy. I can certainly see that happening.Otherwise, a lot of this sounds like a lot of 'holier than thou' type of language based in personal tastes and biases.

 

 

I agree.

 

I have objections to Christians smacking the hands of other Christians simply because they feel uncomfortble with what others do.

 

Traipsing through the threads, I have come to expect that what one person may consider a great effront, another will observe as culture.

 

THAT, is why I think scritpure is our best guideline along with a conscience kept alive through a personal realtionship with God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ

through the Holy Spirit.

 

As Paul observed, the law serves to point out sin and where there is the law, is is more easily broken and the temptation to do so, actually increases.  In fact, in Paul's own

words, here is that observation:

 

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,  Romans 5:20

 

Pointing out every sin in the world does nothing more than increase the temptation.  Every day we sin...therefore, we realize the impossibility of pleasing God in our own flesh,

that is, the observaton of the law and wearing it like a crown of thorns on our head.  It simply does not work.  There is freedom from the law only in Christ Jesus and while

we are aware of our condition, we know that God's grace surpasses that condition and enables us to live in a fallen world...something that countless articles on how bad

it all has gotten (and going to get worse folks) does not do.

 

Yeah, I agree with you here.. and keeping in mind that what is okay for one person might not be for another, and vice versa. I have a real issue with the tendency to try to 'make law' stuff that isn't clearly delineated in the scripture. I don't think that gives enough credit to the wisdom of God or the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that if I am doing something that God does not want me doing, He will correct me. I am not against people giving me arguments for why they think an activity is wrong, but when they can't provide any solid scriptural reasons for it, why would I feel myself bound to their tastes or own personal convictions?

[Micheal Westin]

 

I don't believe it hampers my ability to differentiate between good and evil.

I can watch a show that might portray adultery in a positive way and I still know that it is wrong.

Is it possible that this article is focusing on people like yourself?

 

 

wouldn't this be a good example in and of itself, "I can watch a show that might portray adultery in a positive way"

 

why would someone want to?

[nebula]

 

 

For instance, I do not like Christian music. I have listened to several different suggestions to me, and I just don't care for it at all.

I know this is off-topic, but I am curious. What is it that does not appeal to you - the music styles, the lyrics, or the quality of the music? Or something else?

 

I missed this until man quoted you. Sorry!

 

Yeah I just don't enjoy it.  In my opinion I do not find the quality high. It's as if they are relying on trying to evoke cheap emotionality to sell... but this is just how it is for me when I have tried to listen to it. There's just something about the genre that doesn't work for me.

 

That being said, there are some gorgeous classical Christian themed music from a variety of eras that I enjoy a lot, and did even as a nonbeliever.

 

 

OK.

[BFP]

 

 

The problem I have with "what would Jesus do" type questions is that typically people just project their own biases onto what Jesus would hate so it doesn't do much for me. "Well Jesus wouldn't like that song so you shouldn't listen to it" type of thing. Unless it's obviously blasphemous or something it's not a very helpful consideration.

 

I suppose what it comes down to for me is, a lot of people seem to conflate being a Christian with having certain popular culture tastes, and I just don't go that way. If it's a matter in which it is clearly sinful, someone should be able to show me that from scripture. Short of it being universally sinful such that it can be shown scripturally, perhaps God will convict me of certain things I enjoy. I can certainly see that happening.Otherwise, a lot of this sounds like a lot of 'holier than thou' type of language based in personal tastes and biases.

 

 

I agree.

 

I have objections to Christians smacking the hands of other Christians simply because they feel uncomfortble with what others do.

 

Traipsing through the threads, I have come to expect that what one person may consider a great effront, another will observe as culture.

 

THAT, is why I think scritpure is our best guideline along with a conscience kept alive through a personal realtionship with God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ

through the Holy Spirit.

 

As Paul observed, the law serves to point out sin and where there is the law, is is more easily broken and the temptation to do so, actually increases.  In fact, in Paul's own

words, here is that observation:

 

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,  Romans 5:20

 

Pointing out every sin in the world does nothing more than increase the temptation.  Every day we sin...therefore, we realize the impossibility of pleasing God in our own flesh,

that is, the observaton of the law and wearing it like a crown of thorns on our head.  It simply does not work.  There is freedom from the law only in Christ Jesus and while

we are aware of our condition, we know that God's grace surpasses that condition and enables us to live in a fallen world...something that countless articles on how bad

it all has gotten (and going to get worse folks) does not do.

 

Yeah, I agree with you here.. and keeping in mind that what is okay for one person might not be for another, and vice versa. I have a real issue with the tendency to try to 'make law' stuff that isn't clearly delineated in the scripture. I don't think that gives enough credit to the wisdom of God or the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that if I am doing something that God does not want me doing, He will correct me. I am not against people giving me arguments for why they think an activity is wrong, but when they can't provide any solid scriptural reasons for it, why would I feel myself bound to their tastes or own personal convictions?

 

Well here's some scripture

 

Psalm 101:3  I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

 

1Chor 15:33  Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

 

Matthew 5:29  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell

 

Galations 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Matthew 6:22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

 

Romans 1:32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them

 

Phillippians 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

 

And as far as being holier than thou...no I dont think anyone here who is against TV means it that way...they are sharing thier thoughts.

[alphaparticle]

 

 

 

The problem I have with "what would Jesus do" type questions is that typically people just project their own biases onto what Jesus would hate so it doesn't do much for me. "Well Jesus wouldn't like that song so you shouldn't listen to it" type of thing. Unless it's obviously blasphemous or something it's not a very helpful consideration.

 

I suppose what it comes down to for me is, a lot of people seem to conflate being a Christian with having certain popular culture tastes, and I just don't go that way. If it's a matter in which it is clearly sinful, someone should be able to show me that from scripture. Short of it being universally sinful such that it can be shown scripturally, perhaps God will convict me of certain things I enjoy. I can certainly see that happening.Otherwise, a lot of this sounds like a lot of 'holier than thou' type of language based in personal tastes and biases.

 

 

I agree.

 

I have objections to Christians smacking the hands of other Christians simply because they feel uncomfortble with what others do.

 

Traipsing through the threads, I have come to expect that what one person may consider a great effront, another will observe as culture.

 

THAT, is why I think scritpure is our best guideline along with a conscience kept alive through a personal realtionship with God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ

through the Holy Spirit.

 

As Paul observed, the law serves to point out sin and where there is the law, is is more easily broken and the temptation to do so, actually increases.  In fact, in Paul's own

words, here is that observation:

 

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,  Romans 5:20

 

Pointing out every sin in the world does nothing more than increase the temptation.  Every day we sin...therefore, we realize the impossibility of pleasing God in our own flesh,

that is, the observaton of the law and wearing it like a crown of thorns on our head.  It simply does not work.  There is freedom from the law only in Christ Jesus and while

we are aware of our condition, we know that God's grace surpasses that condition and enables us to live in a fallen world...something that countless articles on how bad

it all has gotten (and going to get worse folks) does not do.

 

Yeah, I agree with you here.. and keeping in mind that what is okay for one person might not be for another, and vice versa. I have a real issue with the tendency to try to 'make law' stuff that isn't clearly delineated in the scripture. I don't think that gives enough credit to the wisdom of God or the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that if I am doing something that God does not want me doing, He will correct me. I am not against people giving me arguments for why they think an activity is wrong, but when they can't provide any solid scriptural reasons for it, why would I feel myself bound to their tastes or own personal convictions?

 

Well here's some scripture

 

Psalm 101:3  I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

 

1Chor 15:33  Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

 

Matthew 5:29  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell

 

Galations 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Matthew 6:22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

 

Romans 1:32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them

 

Phillippians 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

 

And as far as being holier than thou...no I dont think anyone here who is against TV means it that way...they are sharing thier thoughts.

 

Alright. None of that speaks against what I do. None of that gives specific 1,2,3 guidelines.. these all have to be applied to specific situations with discernment.

[LadyKay]

 

wouldn't this be a good example in and of itself, "I can watch a show that might portray adultery in a positive way"

 

why would someone want to?

It would depend on the show. While there are shows that show adultery and shows everyone having a great time, there are shows that have adultery but then they show the result of that adultery. They show people being hurt, a family torn apart, crying children ect ect. Much like a cop show that has gun fights and shoot outs, but then in the end shows the impact that it has on victims and their families. While I can not say I enjoy watching shows that have adultery in them, I can enjoy a show that may have adultery but then shows all the hurt that goes along with that act. Goodness there is adultery in the Bible. Should we stop reading our Bibles because it has people in it who commented adultery? Of cores not!

[LadyKay]

 

And as far as being holier than thou...no I dont think anyone here who is against TV means it that way...they are sharing thier thoughts.

Are there people who who are against tv? I am going to put anyone down for that , to each his own. But I find that to be interesting and would like to know the reasons why? There was a person in my family (he is dead now) who was against tv. He would not have on in his house and would not let his kids watch. Whenever he was over for a holiday and the tv was on, he would go off on these rants saying "that is filth, noting but filth." no matter what it was that was on.