Sly Bald Guys Forum
Various Non-Bald Discussions => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rhymez on May 18, 2009, 10:32:28 PM
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Now, I was debating weather or not to post this or not, but I am going to, because I am interested to hear some feedback.
I myself am a Christian, but not a Christian to some peoples definition of the term. Now, I have been questioned by some people on how strong my beliefs are due to some of the Music I listen to, people I hang out with, and TV shows/Movies I watch.
My question is, do people think it is wrong for Christians to listen to Non-Christian Music, watch certain Movies, or hang out with Non-Christian people?? I have been told by some people that it is especially not a good thing for me as a Christian to hang out with Non-Christian people, altho even tho I am a Christian, I am not a forcer of my religion. I believe everyone has their own right to believe in whatever it is they want to believe in.
Now, I am not going to stop any of these things, I will still do what I do, listen to the type of Music I listen to, which even tho some of the Music I listen to may not be of the Christian Genre, I do listen to Christian Music as well, and I am not going to stop hanging out with my Non-Christian friends at all, I just want to hear peoples views on this, because I have been told by people that because of the Music I listen to, people I hang out with, Movies/TV Shows I watch, I should not classify myself as a Christian, which myself, I think is bull. I am not starting this thread to start any arguments, I just want to ask if any SBG Christians on here think this is bull or not, and what your views are. Even you Non-Christian people, who have Christian friends, give me some feedback.
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I think that the music you listen to, friends you keep, or the movies you watch define your beliefs. Its ultimately up to you what you believe in.
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I think that the music you listen to, friends you keep, or the movies you watch define your beliefs. Its ultimately up to you what you believe in.
I know that, I stated that in my question. My question was what do others think, do they think it is a bunch of B.S. Like I do?
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Yes I do. I was trying to get that across without offending anyone.
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Cool, thanks for your feedback. Like I just have had some F***ed up conversations with people. One in particular, I was having a convo with one of my friends about the new Notorious movie, asked the person if he was into Biggie Smalls and wanted to see the movie, and he started asking me how I can listen to his music, because I am a Christian and he does not sing Christian music. And his music was about struggles in his life and how he overcame certain obsticles, and even tho he was not singing about god, he was a Christian. His mother raised him a Christian, even tho his mom later converted to Jahove's Witness. But to him, it still did not matter, and the conversation just confused the hell outa me lol. I am not trying to offend anyone by this, and I hope I don't lol. But my number one reasoning for this is the rule that Christian people should not hang out or talk to people who are not Christians. Like what would Christians do if a family member was not religious, would they stop associating with that person?? How should friends be different??
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I see. I agree with you. I think sometimes people are really closed minded.
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I see. I agree with you. I think sometimes people are really closed minded.
I am glad I posted this now. Now I kno there is somebody out there that views this the same way I do.
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As a Christian, I will try to give you some feedback too! I believe that Christians don't have to just hang out in the "Christian Ghetto". What I mean by that is that we should only have Christian friends. Nor does one have to only listen or watch only Christian music, radio, TV and movies. I have non Christian friends. I had dinner with one last night. I also like some secular music. I don't think that Christ died so we could be in a Christian bubble.
As Christians, we are supposed to be witnesses of Christ's love to the world. So what does that mean? It means we are to interact with non Christians to show that love. I am more than happy to share my faith with my non Christian friends. But even if they don't become Christian, I will still love them and hang out with them. But I should say that for any Christian, if hanging out with particular non Christians is detrimental to their faith or it leads that Christian to make wrongs choices, then that is something to consider. For some who came out of addictive behaviors, then it might be good be to avoid certain non Christian individuals.
When it comes to consuming media, I don't believe that Christians have to listen or watch only Christian stuff. There is no hard fast rule. But I would have to ask, is it is bringing you down in your faith or in your life in general? So those are things I would ask myself if I was going to see or listen to something. But I do think it is dangerous for someone to make a blanket statement saying someone is not a Christian. Do they know your heart?
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As a Christian, I will try to give you some feedback too! I believe that Christians don't have to just hang out in the "Christian Ghetto". What I mean by that is that we should only have Christian friends. Nor does one have to only listen or watch only Christian music, radio, TV and movies. I have non Christian friends. I had dinner with one last night. I also like some secular music. I don't think that Christ died so we could be in a Christian bubble.
As Christians, we are supposed to be witnesses of Christ's love to the world. So what does that mean? It means we are to interact with non Christians to show that love. I am more than happy to share my faith with my non Christian friends. But even if they don't become Christian, I will still love them and hang out with them. But I should say that for any Christian, if hanging out with particular non Christians is detrimental to their faith or it leads that Christian to make wrongs choices, then that is something to consider. For some who came out of addictive behaviors, then it might be good be good to avoid certain non Christian individuals.
When it comes to consuming media, I don't believe that Christians have to listen or watch only Christian stuff. There is no hard fast rule. But I would have to ask, is it is bringing you down in your faith or in your life in general? So those are things I would ask myself if I was going to see or listen to something. But I do think it is dangerous for someone to make a blanket statement saying someone is not a Christian. Do they know your heart?
Thanks for your feedback. I think you nailed my concern in your comment. I believe that in the same way. And the media I consume does not bring my faith down in any way. As I said some of the artists I listen to may not sing about God, but are Christian's themselves, Like Notorious B.I.G., DMX, Twista, and on the country side Johnny Cash! Altho Johnny did have some Christian Albums. But a lot of "Hardcore Christians" seem to view it as sin. There was even one incedent where I went to church and this type of convo happened. Let me explain the story.
I went to this pentacostal church as a kid, and stopped going for a while. And a few years later, my sister had this friend from school that happened to go to my church that I went to as a kid. I had not been there in a couple years, and a lot changed. As soon as I went in, I saw this big stainless steel garbage pail in the middle of the room, with the words "Evil Bucket" written across it. Then half way through the service everyone was asked to bring evil stuff from there life and put it in this bin. (I had not been there the previous week, so did not kno I was to bring anything lol) Afterward, people were throwing in non christian cd's such as Backstreet Boys, Notorious BIG, KISS, Led Zepplin, just random bands, kids were throwing in toys from there favorite cartoons such as the Powerpuff Girls, Small Soldiers, Power Rangers, ETC, and saying how this stuff was poisoning our world. I remember asking the pastor why this stuff was considered evil, and he said that none of the music artists spoke of god, these tv cartoons spoke nothing of god, etc, and then he proceded to ask me if I hang out with any non christian people. When I replied yes, he said it was a sin against god. I could not believe my ears! Some of the Music people were throwing in this bin did not sing about god yes, but were Christians, but according to the church it did not matter. I stopped going again as soon as I went back to church, and stopped going all together for almost 5 years. Then recently my friend brought me to a youthh group at his church which is a Nondenominational church, and it is great! They dont do all that nonsense that my former church started doing, and I made a lot of new friends!
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I'm gunna have to disagree. I was born and raised a Christian and will forever be one. I listen to death metal, and though I love it, it does not influence my beliefs nor turn my relationship with God into something negative. I also have a couple of friends who are either Atheist's or are still deciding on what religion to choose to follow. But hey, it's their beliefs and we all have our own.
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I'm gunna have to disagree. I was born and raised a Christian and will forever be one. I listen to death metal, and though I love it, it does not influence my beliefs nor turn my relationship with God into something negative. I also have a couple of friends who are either Atheist's or are still deciding on what religion to choose to follow. But hey, it's their beliefs and we all have our own.
You are actually agreeing with what I am saying dude lol. That is what I am talking about!
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I think you already knew the answer to your question b4 you posted it. I agree with you completely.
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I don't believe that the music you listen to or the TV shows you watch, or the clothes you wear define your Christianity at all.
The way you live your life and treat others defines who you are as a man of Faith. Some of the worst Christians I've known in my life were serious Church goers that "apparently" lived Christian life styles.
I did a lot of bad things in my life that I'm not proud of.....and I drink beer, curse like a sailor on some days, and love old classic Rock music. I'm tattooed and have a big shiny shaved head. This is hardly the picture of a good Christian to many, many people,,,, but I dare say that my Faith is
very strong and stronger than the Faith of many who would criticize my own.
In our Church when Communion is offered a very simple statement is made when presenting the meal to the congregation. I think this statement says it so simply and to the point:
"This meal is offered to all that believe and ALL are welcome to join this meal."
Christ doesn't care what you look like.......He cares about what is in your heart and soul.
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I don't believe that the music you listen to or the TV shows you watch, or the clothes you wear define your Christianity at all.
The way you live your life and treat others defines who you are as a man of Faith. Some of the worst Christians I've known in my life were serious Church goers that "apparently" lived Christian life styles.
I did a lot of bad things in my life that I'm not proud of.....and I drink beer, curse like a sailor on some days, and love old classic Rock music. I'm tattooed and have a big shiny shaved head. This is hardly the picture of a good Christian to many, many people,,,, but I dare say that my Faith is
very strong and stronger than the Faith of many who would criticize my own.
In our Church when Communion is offered a very simple statement is made when presenting the meal to the congregation. I think this statement says it so simply and to the point:
"This meal is offered to all that believe and ALL are welcome to join this meal."
Christ doesn't care what you look like.......He cares about what is in your heart and soul.
AMEN! Well said Michael.
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well said. these are my beliefs exactly. The people that try to push Christianity (or any other religion) are usually less Christian than those who worship and pray quietly and just get on with living life as best they can. I don't think that what we watch, play, wear etc tells anyone ANYTHING about what religious beliefs we have.
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I don't believe that the music you listen to or the TV shows you watch, or the clothes you wear define your Christianity at all.
The way you live your life and treat others defines who you are as a man of Faith. Some of the worst Christians I've known in my life were serious Church goers that "apparently" lived Christian life styles.
I agree with Mike 100%.
I did a lot of bad things in my life that I'm not proud of.....and I drink beer, curse like a sailor on some days, and love old classic Rock music. I'm tattooed and have a big shiny shaved head. This is hardly the picture of a good Christian to many, many people,,,, but I dare say that my Faith is
very strong and stronger than the Faith of many who would criticize my own.
In our Church when Communion is offered a very simple statement is made when presenting the meal to the congregation. I think this statement says it so simply and to the point:
"This meal is offered to all that believe and ALL are welcome to join this meal."
Christ doesn't care what you look like.......He cares about what is in your heart and soul.
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Amen to this thread.
How Christian would it be of a "Christian" to ignore and avoid someone who isnt a Follower? For those who say they are Christian and snub up their noses to people who are "lost" or just have not found their calling, I think it is very hypocritical of yourself.
Here is my motto that I stand by and it is also the motto of our church
"we are passionate about helping everyone connect with God no matter where they are in their life."
"Our purpose is to unconditionally accept all people and guide them into an active relationship with Jesus Christ."
For someone to say that you are not a Christian because of the choice of music you listen to, or friends you hang around with is being very judgmental.
This should not be confused with using good judgement. This is the act of making decisions and is a different context.
Knowing right from wrong does not require opinions. It does require facts though. For example, the bible says you're not supposed to steal. If someone does steal, they have clearly gone against the teaching of the bible. If you are someone who values the teachings of the bible than this act than this is not conducive to your beliefs.
See how that works. You can make good, moral decisions based on logic and facts with the bible as your guide and avoid the need to put yourself on a pedestal by calling the person "a thief." It's a small, but important difference. Calling someone a "thief" places you above him. In a sense, you are looking down on this person and believe that you are superior. This view of your fellow man is NOT what Jesus wanted. This feeling of superiority is the seduction of judging others. Avoid this. Don't judge. Use facts, logic and the bible to make good decisions.
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
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Don't mean to be a wet blanket here, but I know Tyler has asked that topics of religion are to be avoided on SBG. THAT BEING SAID, I think the spirit of Tyler's rules are topics that compare religious faiths that could be interpreted as offensive or negative are not permitted. Since this is a topic that narrows its questioning to one religion (and everyone has been extremely polite about it O0), no biggie.
Gotta agree with Koz (again :/O)...what's in your soul is most important. I'm not an overly religious man or an active church goer, but I try to live my life in a way that is supportive of the Lovely Mrs. Schro and my kids, raise my kids in the most responsible & loving way I can, treat my friends & neighbors with respect, leave a positive mark on my community through youth sports and community involvement, and have as much fun as possible along the way.....I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job, despite the fact I shave my head, enjoy my cocktails, and listen to Jimmy Buffett! 8)
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Don't mean to be a wet blanket here, but I know Tyler has asked that topics of religion are to be avoided on SBG. THAT BEING SAID, I think the spirit of Tyler's rules are topics that compare religious faiths that could be interpreted as offensive or negative are not permitted. Since this is a topic that narrows its questioning to one religion (and everyone has been extremely polite about it O0), no biggie.
Gotta agree with Koz (again :/O)...what's in your soul is most important. I'm not an overly religious man or an active church goer, but I try to live my life in a way that is supportive of the Lovely Mrs. Schro and my kids, raise my kids in the most responsible & loving way I can, treat my friends & neighbors with respect, leave a positive mark on my community through youth sports and community involvement, and have as much fun as possible along the way.....I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job, despite the fact I shave my head, enjoy my cocktails, and listen to Jimmy Buffett! 8)
Sorry Schro! You aint welcome in my church if you listen to the Buffet man :*))
Only kidding buddy.
I really wish some of the members in my church could read this when I go in to church in jeans and get a dirty look.
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OHHH...you wear jeans? OH MY LORD! lol Come to my church buddy and experience the difference.
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I'd like to THANK the Mods for letting this thread continue. Notorius asked for our own views on what does or doesn't manke a good Christian. His question isn't inflammatory at all.
O0 to the Mods.
And SCHRO agreeing with me AGAIN may be seen as a sign by some Christians as the beginniing of the end.... ;)
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I'd like to THANK the Mods for letting this thread continue. Notorius asked for our own views on what does or doesn't manke a good Christian. His question isn't inflammatory at all.
O0 to the Mods.
And SCHRO agreeing with me AGAIN may be seen as a sign by some Christians as the beginniing of the end.... ;)
Is it really against the forum to post questions on religion?? I did not kno that, and hope the MOD's do not delete this post. I was not posting this to be judgmental on people who are Christians, or tell other people there religion is B.S., I simply posted this to ask other Christians weather or not they think it is "UnChristian" to consume Non Christian Media, or hang out with Non Christian People. I happen to do both, without the "I'm going to hell" fear. Altho there are a lot of people out there who consider it a sin, so I was asking other Christian members on the forum if they think it is wrong, or right, or am I looking into peoples comments towards me and my beliefs too hard. If anyone on the forum should find this offensive they do not have to read or post on this topic. I am not posting saying religion is B.S., making fun of other peoples faith and beliefs of other religions, I am simply asking a question to get some feedback from the people that share my religion. And I would like to thank everyone for their feedback.
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Oh, sorry Notorious, lol, I read the thread a little too quickly, my apologies brother.
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I'll weigh in a little. Jesus hung out with some of the lower life forms of his day according to the religious elite of his time. I believe that the only way to show Christ's love is to be involved with all of society. I would help anyone and have on many occasions who were of a varitey of religious backgrounds including atheists. The Air Force Chaplains are dedicated to the "free exercise fof religion" This includes those who don't practice any.
As long as you know where you stand in you Christian walk, it does not matter what you listen to, wear, or look like. I have tattoos and that has helped me share the gppd news. I play guitar including old rock and roll, that has helped me spread the good news.
I's all a mtter of perspective and choice. I avoid those things that damage my Christian walk, but that doesn't mean it has the same affect on another. I live by a motto I got on a retreat some years ago: "Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ." You can't do that if all you do is hang out with Christians.
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I believe that the only way to show Christ's love is to be involved with all of society. I live by a motto I got on a retreat some years ago: "Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ." You can't do that if all you do is hang out with Christians.
Amen to that Mike. Beautifully said.
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Its good to see that we can all tread lightly on incendiary grounds and be respectful. Its heartwarming and enlightening in its own right.
I find it silly when people ostracize themselves because they believe if God is not plastered all over something, it will make them "unclean." Like Chaplain Mike said, Jesus was around the lowest of the low, and he didnt waver. I think those people are like that because they do not have faith in their own faith.
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I am with you as well Peripheral. I am glad this thread has went as well as it has.
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This thread is amazing. I wonder if i could print it and slip it in the hymn books this Sunday. Might make some of the old dinosaurs in our church wake up and smell the coffee!
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Talking about the older christians and how they are set in their ways. Last week I was sitting in a dr's office and across the street there was construction going on. I had my back to the windows and there was an older couple sitting infront and facing me. I heard the lady say something to her husband. She made a comment about one of the construction guys. Evidently he had taken his shirt off because he had gotten hot. She went on and on about how wrong that was to be out in the public exposing himself like that. It was very unappropriate and not Christ like. He chimed in and said that they should be made to put a privacy type fence up around construction sites if they were going to employ such "ungodly" people like that. This went on for a I know at least 5 minutes or so. Finally I had enough of listening to it and got up out of my seat. Before I walked away I said "Excuse Me..can I ask you both a question?" Have you both ever been to a beach or swimming pool? Most men I know swim with out a shirt on and they are both public places. She asked how dare I question her beliefs and the way she was brought up.
I then turned to her and said the following that left her mouth hanging open.
"See the plank in my eye before I see the speck of dust in my brothers eye"
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"See the plank in my eye before I see the speck of dust in my brothers eye"
Bravo to you Tim!
As I said..... often times those who believe they are the most righteous are the biggest sinners and hypocrites.
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My mother-in-law is one of those. She has two main words in her vocabulary: "Jesus" and "hate". I'm not the most religious guy but I thought Jesus was about love and kindness and forgiveness. She's always saying Jesus this, let me pray for you. Then she talks about how she hates everyone. Drives me batty!
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This thread is amazing. I wonder if i could print it and slip it in the hymn books this Sunday. Might make some of the old dinosaurs in our church wake up and smell the coffee!
Ya, this is going really smooth, a lot better than I thought. When I first posted this I thought it may cause an argument, in which I would delete this post, but after I got some feedback. Now I see I wont have to, everyone seems to be cool with it. I am shocked at all the feedback!
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If you've ever listened to DC Talk you'll recognize this quote "The single greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Live what you talk and talk what you live then no one will have reason to call you a hypocrite.