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Hi, I guess I am just venting here but I just became really frustrated with a moral discussion on a secular thread. I really don't know why I commented other than I felt the OP had a real problem and needed help. I was blasted for stating a moral view regarding the subject of porn. I felt like I was in a den of lions. Wow!!
Do you guys/girls think that non-believers even get what we are trying to say or should we just shut up regarding the issue of morality? I see over and over in scripture how Paul and the other diciples, even Jesus, confronted others in sin and even openly rebuked them. In fact Jesus didn't spare any words when it came to certain subjects.
Maybe I am coming across as being too judgemental which is what I was told. I just don't have any tolerance with certain issues and porn is one of them. I have seen too much distruction with this addiction during my lifetime and I feel I have a right to my own belief and answer to a question that was asked. Just because my answer was different than the majority of people on the thread I became a target for argument.
I need some help here. Should I stay off of the secular threads, shut up, or change my approach? Give me your thoughts, I welcome them.
And please no offense to intended...if you are not a Christian, this question is not directed towards you. I need to hear from my sisters and brothers in Christ.
Hi, I guess I am just venting here but I just became really frustrated with a moral discussion on a secular thread. I really don't know why I commented other than I felt the OP had a real problem and needed help. I was blasted for stating a moral view regarding the subject of porn. I felt like I was in a den of lions. Wow!!
Do you guys/girls think that non-believers even get what we are trying to say or should we just shut up regarding the issue of morality? I see over and over in scripture how Paul and the other diciples, even Jesus, confronted others in sin and even openly rebuked them. In fact Jesus didn't spare any words when it came to certain subjects.
Maybe I am coming across as being too judgemental which is what I was told. I just don't have any tolerance with certain issues and porn is one of them. I have seen too much distruction with this addiction during my lifetime and I feel I have a right to my own belief and answer to a question that was asked. Just because my answer was different than the majority of people on the thread I became a target for argument.
I need some help here. Should I stay off of the secular threads, shut up, or change my approach? Give me your thoughts, I welcome them.
And please no offense to intended...if you are not a Christian, this question is not directed towards you. I need to hear from my sisters and brothers in Christ.
Thanks.
Good post which raises really important questions. I have struggled with the same questions.
One of my favorite TV characters is Christian detective Elliot Stabler (Law and Order: SUV). He gets just as angry as you do about these things. His zeal about fighting against child abusers almost cost him his job and his family.
I really don't have any words of wisdom here. I will say, I admire you for speaking up against this vile evil that permeates our society. The degree to which you have been ridiculed mercilessly is, of course, in direct proportion to the gravity of the evil against which you are fighting.
Only you can determine the level of "toxicity" you are able to tolerate from those who will choose evil in a world already full of evil.
There are many ways to "fight" this kind of evil, not all of which involve "direct confronation." For instance, there are organized groups of Christian men who have banded together to fight the evils of pornography -- it would be worthwhile to look them up online and learn more about what they do, and how they do it. Some of them might be in a position to advise you better on the question you have raised. Also, if you know likeminded people at your church, perhaps you could poll them about starting some sort of committee that could work on these issues locally.
Personally, I tend to stay out of such discussions these days and pray for these lost souls that they will repent and turn back to God. But that's just "my way," it's not the "only way." I used to be more active in confronting them, but it just took too much out of me.
Where would those groups be? I know that Ted Roberts (Pure Desire) has his own testimony and a church that deals with porn but I don't know of any others.
Thanks for your support. I actually had to remove myself from the thread. The posts were vile and sick and I began to feel like I was arguing with fools, something that the bible tells us not to do. Kind of like the casting your pearls before swine?
Anyway, I am so glad that I asked this question and I am glad to be back to my own forum... Felt for a minute like the vultures where after me. And I know what you mean by feeling like it takes alot out of you. It does.. because we are in a battle when we step into their arena. You can't win with fools no matter how hard you try. Only God can do the impossible. May He truly help them.
God Bless you and have a Blessed day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DreamingSpires
Good post which raises really important questions. I have struggled with the same questions.
One of my favorite TV characters is Christian detective Elliot Stabler (Law and Order: SUV). He gets just as angry as you do about these things. His zeal about fighting against child abusers almost cost him his job and his family.
I really don't have any words of wisdom here. I will say, I admire you for speaking up against this vile evil that permeates our society. The degree to which you have been ridiculed mercilessly is, of course, in direct proportion to the gravity of the evil against which you are fighting.
Only you can determine the level of "toxicity" you are able to tolerate from those who will choose evil in a world already full of evil.
There are many ways to "fight" this kind of evil, not all of which involve "direct confronation." For instance, there are organized groups of Christian men who have banded together to fight the evils of pornography -- it would be worthwhile to look them up online and learn more about what they do, and how they do it. Some of them might be in a position to advise you better on the question you have raised. Also, if you know likeminded people at your church, perhaps you could poll them about starting some sort of committee that could work on these issues locally.
Personally, I tend to stay out of such discussions these days and pray for these lost souls that they will repent and turn back to God. But that's just "my way," it's not the "only way." I used to be more active in confronting them, but it just took too much out of me.
as best you can, and as fitting the situation, always be true to yourself and state your views as best you can.
Dont be one type of person around Christians, and another type of person around the nonbelievers.
you cant just become a person who runs from the room any time a topic comes up that you have a faith-based point of view about.
Now Im not going to tell you to join topics just to be able to stir things up as the only Christian there...
But if you find yourself in a topic defending values You believe in, do so in a way that brings credit on yourself and your walk
Where would those groups be? I know that Ted Roberts (Pure Desire) has his own testimony and a church that deals with porn but I don't know of any others.
Thanks for your support. I actually had to remove myself from the thread. The posts were vile and sick and I began to feel like I was arguing with fools, something that the bible tells us not to do. Kind of like the casting your pearls before swine?
Anyway, I am so glad that I asked this question and I am glad to be back to my own forum... Felt for a minute like the vultures where after me. And I know what you mean by feeling like it takes alot out of you. It does.. because we are in a battle when we step into their arena. You can't win with fools no matter how hard you try. Only God can do the impossible. May He truly help them.
God Bless you and have a Blessed day.
Raelyn,
You are "right on" about casting pearls before swine!
Let me do some research and get back to you...it might be later in the week.
A word of caution: there are a lot of people posting on the "Christianity" forum here who are not Orthodox Christians -- I would class them as Gnostics or Syncretists. I just want you to know that this forum is a "mixed bag" and that you are not in exclusively "Christian" company here in the way that most orthodox Christians understand the meaning of that word.
I don't know which denomination you belong to. I am Catholic and I go to Catholic forums for fellowship. I also lurk at the "Rapture Ready" forums, a pre-trib Protestant forum, on a regular basis, because I am interested in Biblical prophecy. If you are a pre-tribber, that might be a very good one for you -- it has a very active membership and seems very supportive.
Talk to you later!
Last edited by DreamingSpires; 12-13-2009 at 05:23 AM..
I am not a christian and, although I know you specifically asked for christians to respond, I really want to offer you my two cents on the matter- hope you don't mind, I just think based on what you are asking I might be able to help give you a bit of what I would consider some basic advice- as real and unbiased as I can make it without bringing any religion into it- which I think is important based on how you presented your dilemma.
First of all, if you feel a certain way about ANY issue, it is your right to feel that way, and that's that. You may be in the minority in some circles, the majority in others. And that's OK- I do think it is wise to always listen to what other people have to say, and to keep your mind open to those who believe differently than you in order that you can understand where they're coming from- and, even in some cases, it may change your mind, or theirs! However, that shouldn't be anyone's reason for debate- it's about sharing and discussing and others should offer you the same courtesy and allow you the opportunity to share your beliefs in the same manner. Now, that having been said, I do want to say that in order to have a fair debate, it is of utmost importance to not only state your views, but to as well explain why you have those views, as well as perhaps share some experiences or knowledge as to what made you feel how you do. That's the only fair way to debate any topic, and if one party decides to just "buy the farm" so to speak and either get angry and personal, or repeat themselves over and over without backing up what they're saying- there is no longer a fair fight. Now you mentioned someone telling you that you were being "too judgemental"- do you feel you were? Can you think of anything you might have said to make them think that, like did you mention religion or sin or anything? If you were quoting the bible and just outright saying "porn is wrong and horrible" or things of that nature, without backing up your argument- then they might be right- though I'm not guessing that's the case. And no offense to you or anyone else here on the forum, but I do see a lot of people simply making calls on what they think is "right" or "wrong" and quoting the bible- but they don't take the time to provide thoughtful, relevant arguments for why they believe what they believe as well. I'm not saying you do that- based on your post you sound very reasonable, so maybe those on that board were just not very reasonable themselves! But in fairness, just take a moment to think about what you say, and how you say it- no matter how well intentioned you mean to be, what you say might come across differently to others. And when trying to discuss things with people other than on a forum where you KNOW people are christian- it's best not to make your faith an issue. Because it isn't, to anyone but you- faith is personal. You are who you are, and you believe what you believe- for example, based on what your post says, I guarantee that when it comes to porn your beliefs are firm enough about it that there is no need to bring up religion. Using religion is often a person's way out, or way to explain something when they don't have the sense, logic, or basic explanation for something. Nobody can be blamed for feeling antagonized and judged if someone waves their flag of faith as a sole means to condemn or criticize. And you sound strong and bright and not in need of resorting to that, so don't worry- keep sharing how you feel, just remember to take time to explain your feelings and why you feel them- exactly how you did in the subject of this thread. Nobody who is reasonable will ever give you a bad time for doing so. But if they do- now THAT is where you can use your personal faith and simply thank god for giving you the strength to forgive them for their rudeness and lack of understanding!
I think a paragraph break once in a while would be nice....
Sorry! You're right- I just get going sometimes and forget that I can be a little long winded...
At any rate, I came back on here to say that I did a little snooping cos I was curious, and found that thread and your posts, Raelyn. I have to say that from what I read, you were (as I suspected) totally reasonable and being very polite to others- obviously to no avail, because a good lot of people on there were jumping down your throat for no good reason- where you made mention of your faith was not "in your face" or anything like some made it out to be. Gotta say that from what I've seen there is really no difference between adamant atheists and extreme christians- both are equally obnoxious, and neither seem to realize just how similar they are to each other!
If I am to be honest, though, I should say that there was one thing I took issue with- the ONLY thing I could really find- was when you said that porn is outright WRONG. While I understand that you have good reason to not want it in your life, and that it can be bad for many reasons, to say it is wrong- or that ANYTHING is wrong in absolution, for that matter, might be jumping the gun a bit. But my goodness, you said enough heartfelt and valid things that if anyone were to flame you for that one thing, then they'd be jumping the gun too. Keep posting and saying what you do- anger and all if need be- but keep your cool and don't let 'em see you sweat!
Hi, I guess I am just venting here but I just became really frustrated with a moral discussion on a secular thread. I really don't know why I commented other than I felt the OP had a real problem and needed help. I was blasted for stating a moral view regarding the subject of porn. I felt like I was in a den of lions. Wow!!
Do you guys/girls think that non-believers even get what we are trying to say or should we just shut up regarding the issue of morality? I see over and over in scripture how Paul and the other diciples, even Jesus, confronted others in sin and even openly rebuked them. In fact Jesus didn't spare any words when it came to certain subjects.
Maybe I am coming across as being too judgemental which is what I was told. I just don't have any tolerance with certain issues and porn is one of them. I have seen too much distruction with this addiction during my lifetime and I feel I have a right to my own belief and answer to a question that was asked. Just because my answer was different than the majority of people on the thread I became a target for argument.
I need some help here. Should I stay off of the secular threads, shut up, or change my approach? Give me your thoughts, I welcome them.
And please no offense to intended...if you are not a Christian, this question is not directed towards you. I need to hear from my sisters and brothers in Christ.
Thanks.
Morality isn't just for believers. Morality is for the entire human race. An unbeliever, that is, a non-Christian can be every bit as moral as a believer. The Christian way of life, the believers spiritual life goes beyond morality, and is something a non-believer can never have.The Christian way of life is a supernatural way of life that is dependent on the filling of the indwelling Holy Spirit for its execution. But morality is a code of conduct or a set of beliefs that distinquishes between right and wrong, and is a necessary principle for the orderly function of the human race.
Therefore, a believer can certainly discuss issues of morality with an unbeliever. Morality is for everyone. Of course, not everyone is moral. But then, if everyone were moral, there would be no need to discuss it.
When discussing issues of morality with an unbeliever, use your own discretion as to how you approach the subject. The unbeliever can't understand those things which pertain to the Christians spiritual life. The only thing an unbeliever can understand is the Gospel. So if the issue of the discussion with an unbeliever is not the Gospel, but is only about morality, then discuss it with that person on their level.
The OP is assuming that nobody in the Relationships thread she's speaking about are Christian. She just took it upon herself to proclaim her beliefs as "moral" and everyone else who doesn't share her beliefs as "immoral" or "pigs and swine" (those posts were deleted). Not everyone who may take a peek at porn occasionally are heathen, not all are Ted Bundy, not all are going to go out and kill people. In fact, before this OP came into our "secular" forum, we were ALL giving the OP valuable advice. This OP came in and turned it into a 3-ring religious circus.
As most people here would see pornography as highly immoral and extremely harmful to all people, it is likely the sympathy at the time of folks here would have been overwhelmingly on Raelyn's side, not on yours. Nonetheless, thank you for stating your side of the story.
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And I know what you mean by feeling like it takes alot out of you. It does.. because we are in a battle when we step into their arena. You can't win with fools no matter how hard you try.
Only God can do the impossible. May He truly help them. 
