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Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/28/2008 12:00:47 PM
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solomonsprayer
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Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against? ...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/28/2008 10:27:13 PM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 719
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From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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quote:
What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
We (parents) enjoy television in the evenings, but restrict the girls to perhaps 1 hour of PBS per day. They read a lot, mostly juvenile literature. I enjoy a beer in the evening. Best fun of all, however, is visiting with people. Although I've enjoyed more meals with Turkish grad students over the last few years than with folks in my church -- hospitality is a strong value in that culture, puny/feeble in ours.
I love to read to my kids in the evening. We're on David Copperfield now, and my 10 and 12 year olds are fascinated.
SO -- home schooling, reading, visiting, studying ... life is rich, full, and good.
(my favorite hobby is one I share with my wife ... for recreation now, since our procreating days are behind us!)
_____________________________
The future has never been shaped by majorities but rather by dedicated minorities. And free men do not wait for the future; they create it. RJR
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/28/2008 10:34:38 PM
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MrFribbles
Posts: 1744
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From: Hawaii, but I've moved around since then
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I think it depends on what section of the "world" you're looking at. Some "worldly" people I know have fairly innocent entertainments. Similarly, in the dorms of the Bible College I used to attend, students were often watching Family Guy, or some other more worldly entertainment.
So, while I understand where you're coming from, I'm afraid my experiences have been different.
_____________________________
You're a door without a key,
A field without a fence.
You've made a holy fool of me,
And I've thanked you ever since.
- Aaron Weiss
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/28/2008 10:58:22 PM
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colliefan
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From: Raleigh, NC
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They key word is "seems." And there is "neutral" entertainment such as my Carolina Hurricanes' games. (Except when the hordes from Hell in the form of Buffaslug fans come into town.)
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 1:21:00 AM
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Thessa
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
I saw a quote once that made alot of sense to me.
It went like this (not verbatim btw)
Atheists are right now as close to Heaven as they will ever be and believers are right now as close to hell as they will ever be.
So going by that and what you just wrote thats 'the time of their lives'...i guess its all by the way you look at it. If sinning means having the time of their lives then wow - im glad i dont do that.
_________________
My family and i spend evenings together in the house. We always watch tv or play computer games or just do what we want to do and feel like doing.
Then on Sundays we all go to church. I guess some people would call our lives boring - i call it blessed.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 1:37:06 AM
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DreadPirateRandy
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against?
The act of rejection and the rebellion that follows, which also brings consequences. Unfortunately for them.
_____________________________
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet, are of imagination all compact.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 7:01:38 AM
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rwe2156
Posts: 2402
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time
of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type),
gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative
(not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
A lifestyle of continual, wilfull sin is addressed in 1 John.
If, as a style of life, we continually walk in darkness, we do not know him, period.
quote:
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against?
I think you probably know the answer.
If we have a relationship with God, our relationship with sin changes dramatically.
_____________________________
The Truth is between the tensions. The "contradictions"only reflect our lack of understanding.
So we choose sides. God help us.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 7:58:53 AM
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SonInMe1
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quote:
but restrict the girls to perhaps 1 hour of PBS per day.
I'd rather have them watch the Simpsons because at least they are plainly satirical.
I don't think dancing at a club is sinful...though certainly the enviroment can be.
Going to a more...urban...church has opened my eyes a little from the small town conservative church I use to go to. I don't consider Holloween or Spongebob or Barney or Easter or Santa evil anymore. The tv isn't satan and buying a lotto ticket won't send me to hell.
What tempts one may not tempt another. One's entertainment could be another's sin. Its somewhat individualistic...somewhat. Like..adultry is always wrong but having a beer once in a while...isn't for some...but could be for others.
Its not all written in stone.
We have concerts at church put on by our excellent praise and worship team/chorus. ( I would love to go to the Big Band Concert they put on but my night schedule clashes ) They also have some entertainers come in....christian.
They had Santa at church...you could take a pic with him...the guy was a radio personality and not churched..and he began to come to our church and if I remember correctly, I believe he was baptised.
They have annual ski trips to Aspen.
Youth group goes to camp I think in NC.
All kinds of small groups for differing groups in the church from singles to seniors to children and they all do some kind of fellowship.
One of the pastors is the pastor for the Miami Heat. ( Wow, they gave hum a championship ring...its HUGE ) The church has a membership in a golf course where the church members can go play golf. Their annual golf tournament last year raised 60,000 dollars for the youth groups.
Eh, I just stay home and "debate" with y'all.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 10:20:47 AM
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1love1God1way
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against?
Because sin is fun. If it wasn't, people wouldn't do it. Of course, sin is not the only method of having fun. . .
quote:
...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
Well, the other night, I threw a disco party in my apartment. . . Afterwards, we made coffee and watched horrible movies from the 80s. . . like Top Gun.
_____________________________
love.ben
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 12:48:18 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc.
Many Christians enjoy some of this kind of entertainment, too. I LOVE to have a couple of beers with the guys and talk. I always liked going to the clubs when I was younger (and single) and still like the atmosphere of a good club, though now, if I'm dancing, its with my wife or one of our mutual friends (club dancing is viewed the same way now that waltzing, the jitterbug, or many other forms of dancing were viewed in their original hay days by older people who). I've been to Las Vegas several times, and enjoy playing roulette or a couple hands of blackjack. In my family, I grew up learning how to play poker, 31, and other card games with the older men for quarters. (NOTE: Sex I'll give you... there is a point of taking things too far, and I wasn't one to go there. Though I did enjoy going out on dates to movies, dinner, clubs, etc. if I could find a girl who wanted to go with me. And you always cross your fingers for that nice kiss goodnight.)
I know I'm not the only Christian who participates in these activities and enjoys them, so to label them as strictly being for non-Christians is absurd. Likewise, I know many non-Christians who enjoy quiet evenings at home reading a book or playing games with their kids, and abhore (spelling??) the bar scene or the casinos. So labeling those activities as being strictly Christian is also absurd.
Its all about what you're comfortable with.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 12:50:17 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Thessa
I saw a quote once that made alot of sense to me.
It went like this (not verbatim btw)
Atheists are right now as close to Heaven as they will ever be and believers are right now as close to hell as they will ever be.
So going by that and what you just wrote thats 'the time of their lives'...i guess its all by the way you look at it. If sinning means having the time of their lives then wow - im glad i dont do that.
How did any of this have to do specifically with Atheists???? Or did I miss something?
Just because a person isn't a Christian doesn't necessarily mean their atheists. There are other religions.
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 8/29/2008 12:57:17 PM >
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 2:12:01 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1919
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quote:
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against? ...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
Good, thoughtful questions. That lead to another, similar question.
If we, as Christians, have every reason for living joyfully, why don't we?
Why do others see Christians as killjoys? (because many are?)
Thoughts?
I'm not trying to sidetrack your thread. . . but hoping to expand the topic a bit. LL
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 2:28:49 PM
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LCannon
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From: Lebanon, OR
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The simple reason is sin for season is enjoyable even satisfying one's basis(primal)need but the natural man needs those primal appetites reinforced even to a minimum standard. The progression into hardness starts with an unwillingness to appropriate his sacrifice in trust in his blood thus casting doubt on his work of redemption. As one becomes less sensitive to his quick and powerful influence of his Word our sacrifice and victory wanes hence lessens our influence in our wider sphere of the world. The resulting witness, or lack thereof, becomes just another voice in the gale of complacency that weaves itself into the fabric of society.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 2:30:06 PM
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SurpassingPeace
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Seem really is the operative word here. When I was a hedonistic sinner I will guarantee you is seemed like I was having the time of my life. I made sure to keep all my pained masked so the world couldn't see. I sought more and more hedonistic delights in an attempt to make the pain go away, or at least numb it for awhile. I will tell you right now, I was miserable, absolutely miserable.
I praise God for rescuing me from a life of misery and pain. When I turned sovreignity of my life to Christ, everything changed. I have so much more joy and peace in my life. I no longer drink, smoke, gamble, etc. I do dance but that is mainly around my house with dd, but I have joyous fun.
I don't know why other Christians are killjoys. I have wondered about the same thing. I think Christianity is hard because although there are guidelines, we truly learn to be Christlike through a personal relationship with God. That requires daily work in the spiritual disciplines. I can see the allure of legalism because it provides a step by step guide. Unfortunately, having that map kills the joy in our hearts. It compromises the good God wants for us. It makes us settle for so much less than our precious Father wants for us.
People that knew me before salvation are blown away at me now. They cannot believe I am the same person. I was truly made new.
Blessings,
Karen
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 3:44:55 PM
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terryjohn
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What is fun about the things nonbeleivers do? I can't remember that they were much fun for if they are then alcoholics and prostitutes must be having more fun than anyone.
No cooking a good meal, gardening, mountain climbing, tramping, camping, boating, walking and swimming at the beach now that is fun. To lie in the sun and read a good book and to contemplate the goodness of God is all joy. I dance for joy at the very thought of such things and I wounder if the partying of unbelievers is but why drug addicts take drugs? That is their partying is a attempt to avoid being alone with themselves without God.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 7:45:11 PM
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small_creation
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From: midwest
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against?
Because sin is fun. If it wasn't, people wouldn't do it. Of course, sin is not the only method of having fun. . .
quote:
...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
Well, the other night, I threw a disco party in my apartment. . . Afterwards, we made coffee and watched horrible movies from the 80s. . . like Top Gun.
Yes, that's right. Sin is fun. Sin is instant fun you don't have to work hard to get.
I'm afraid we have not wiped the vestiges of worldy fun from our home. We're TV watchers (Spongebob's in the background right now). That's the biggie I see that's wrong with our household.
As for Christian fun, we try to cultivate friendships with other Christians and do the Christian event circle -- concerts, Wednesday night meetings, Bible studies, volunteering (yes, that's fun!), and lots and lots of tickling our children.
j
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 8:34:52 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3370
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In the world, not of it.
Lets not seperate ourselves so far from the world we can't witness to it.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 9:12:27 PM
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Dancre
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I used to be in that world and trust me, they're not having fun. I remember we used to often wonder while drinking our beers why we weren't having as much fun as those on the commercials. While in that world, I was miserable, using alcohol to damped the pain. I might not go to bars, but trust me, I'm having more fun going to church with loving people than a Pink Floyd concert watching everyone getting stoned.
quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against? ...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 9:20:54 PM
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Dancre
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mmm . . . I think we don't live joyfully b/c unfortunately, some doctrines consider it 'evil' to be happy, prosperous, actually living a good life. Too many folks feel guilty for being happy, at least that's what I've seen. That and living a religious life. I live a very joyful life and God has given me some pretty cool stuff to do that I enjoy doing.
I think others see Christians as killjoy b/c too many are wrapped up in religion, not Jesus. Don't go dancing, singing, reading, watching TV, listening/watching anything secular. All you can do is go to church, period b/c if you don't, you'll be sinning. very sad. I only do what the Lord lays upon my heart to do, not what others tell me to do and that makes me happy. I don't go to dance places b/c it's too loud, my older ears can't handle it. I don't stay out late b/c I can't stay up that late. In bed by 10pm. I don't drink b/c alcohol gives me a headache. But I love going to see a special christian speaker with my friends, or going out of state to see a speaker with my friends. I also just love hanging out with them at a restaurant.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
quote:
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against? ...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
Good, thoughtful questions. That lead to another, similar question.
If we, as Christians, have every reason for living joyfully, why don't we?
Why do others see Christians as killjoys? (because many are?)
Thoughts?
I'm not trying to sidetrack your thread. . . but hoping to expand the topic a bit. LL
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 9:24:47 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Have you ever wondered why so many non-Christians seem to be having the time of their lives enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, sex, dancing (the club type), gambling, etc. etc. and Christian entertainment/fun seems much more conservative (not boring or less fun, but just different and more conservative)?
Why does the world enjoy so many of the things the Bible warns against? ...What kinds of fun and entertainment do you routinely have in your Christian church and home?
It's not just the sinful activities that make non-Christians seem more fun, it's the fact that so many Christians are uptight and sheltered that they're boring to be around. You look at guys in the military or a firehouse or on some other kind of crew, where they work together and get rowdy together - not necessarily sinful, but just loud, raucous, and boisterous. For me, that's fun and that's how friends interact. However, most Christian guys I've met are really safe, timid and reserved. Those who aren't timid act that way anyways, because everyone else does.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/29/2008 9:30:18 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1919
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quote:
mmm . . . I think we don't live joyfully b/c unfortunately, some doctrines consider it 'evil' to be happy, prosperous, actually living a good life. Too many folks feel guilty for being happy, at least that's what I've seen. That and living a religious life. I live a very joyful life and God has given me some pretty cool stuff to do that I enjoy doing.
I think others see Christians as killjoy b/c too many are wrapped up in religion, not Jesus. Don't go dancing, singing, reading, watching TV, listening/watching anything secular. All you can do is go to church, period b/c if you don't, you'll be sinning. very sad. I only do what the Lord lays upon my heart to do, not what others tell me to do and that makes me happy. I don't go to dance places b/c it's too loud, my older ears can't handle it. I don't stay out late b/c I can't stay up that late. In bed by 10pm. I don't drink b/c alcohol gives me a headache. But I love going to see a special christian speaker with my friends, or going out of state to see a speaker with my friends. I also just love hanging out with them at a restaurant.
Yes. It's religion and all about being good rather than being honest, truthful. Integrity means living honestly, there being no division within. That's what Jesus wants. Sounds like you've found that too. Bless you!
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/30/2008 12:09:37 AM
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TheBibleTRUTH
Posts: 94
Joined: 7/8/2008
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I'll go wherever God wants me to go in order to seek out his lost.
1 Corinthians 9:22
22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
So I have no problem going to the bar and having some drinks if God wants me to be there, or going to a movie and enjoying it. You gotta mingle with the unsaved to make friends and see if they are interested in the word. Of course, you have to be very careful in those kind of environments and keep your guard up spiritually, but sometimes you do need to go there.
Matthew 9:11-13
11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
There are absolutely times when you should understand and take part of some of those forms of entertainment, but also there are times when you shouldn't. Best way to know is to spend time in prayer about it and talk to God about where he wants to you to be in order to find his lost children.
God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ.
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/30/2008 8:16:18 AM
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mvic
Posts: 1613
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Imagine a queue outside the Gates of Heaven. St Peter is checking peoples' knees to see if they are callous and dry skinned with years of praying on bended knees. He let's those people into the sedate room to pick up a book to read or a harp to play. They can have a cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich or a biscuit.
The others, he ushers into the ballroom and asks them to help themselves to a drink.
The moral of this story is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christians should be boring, miserable and serious at all times. As long as what you are doing is not sinful then it is OK.
Have fun.
_____________________________
Visit http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
My Book My Blog
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/30/2008 2:13:05 PM
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solomonsprayer
Posts: 541
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RJR_fan
(my favorite hobby is one I share with my wife ... for recreation now, since our procreating days are behind us!)
LOL...I almost didn't get it the first time around. ROFL the second time. hahaha..! 
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RE: Christian versus Secular Fun & Entertainment - 8/30/2008 2:38:23 PM
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solomonsprayer
Posts: 541
Joined: 8/1/2008
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It seems as though there's a discussion here about whether non-Christian and hedonistic pleasures (the ones forbidden by the Bible) really are that fun. ...And it sounds like those who've confessed to have taken part in them say they are actually empty or only temporary, lesser pleasures, all the way to those who said they engaged in worldly pleasures out of coping with pain in their lives (kind of like a therapeutic drug)...I think there's definitely something to this - the fact that worldly and sinful pleasures end up being less satisfying than those of God (which may be the same activity in some cases, but done in moderation, at the right time, with the right purpose, and in the right way). .....I like the comment from someone above about what's so fun about getting completely stoned for no reason? (never understood drinking/drunkeness myself)
I don't think Christians are kill-joys, so much as secular culture sees us as boring. That's not to say there aren't churches and Christians who may be overly serious at times and not balancing out their life and faith with joy and fun activities. But I also don't necessarily feel that traditional forms of Christian worship are necessarily boring either. If we have the right heart and are doing something non-sinful, then it is completely normal to feel joy, happiness, and fun in whatever we are doing. It's also the added spiritual peace of mind and bliss of knowing we are honoring God in all we do and not sinning and hurting others (or ourselves) that gives us greater satisfaction.
< Message edited by solomonsprayer -- 8/30/2008 2:46:19 PM >
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