David Stippick's Blog
Am I in it, or am I of it? / 07.02.09, 09:43 AM
I think toilet humor is funny. I like Nickelback and Jason Mraz make great music. I think Dane Cook is a silly B. But I just don’t know about all that anymore.
I’m currently reading a fascinating book called ‘Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus’ by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg. It’s all about understanding the Gospel message through the eyes and ears of a first century Jew, and I’ve already taken a lot away from it. I came across a quote the other day that sparked a conversation in my mind.
“The question is: Who or what do we want to shape our lives? Even the culture around us will try to ‘disciple’ us if we have not placed ourselves under the transforming influence of Jesus Christ.” p. 63
Several months ago, my roommates and I had a pretty intense discussion about how much of the culture we should be involved in as believers. I’m sure it’s a conversation you’ve had. Should we watch rated R movies, listen to music with questionable content, go to clubs/bars, and so on and what-not.
I think toilet humor is funny. I like Nickelback and Jason Mraz make great music. I think Dane Cook is a silly B. But I just don’t know about all that anymore.
I don’t have the answer, but it is something I struggle with. I think movies like Talladega Nights, and Superbad are hilarious. But they don’t exactly send a healthy message to a kid I might be disciplining (or friends/family members who are not believers) do they? In fact they send several messages that are in direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches, and what we claim to believe. There are bands that I love to listen to, and I think make incredible music…but I run into the same problem. For the first time ever, I found this problem with a book the other day. Within the first three chapters, I realized that I needed to throw it away if I was going be actively fighting an ongoing battle (My roommates literally threw the book in the trash.)
I know that when I watch movies like that, or listen to some of those bands, my thoughts wander where they wouldn’t have if I hadn’t done those things. And I start to sound more like a sailor than a ‘missionary’ when I’m talking. I don’t know if the laugh, or the enjoyment is worth it anymore. It desensitizes me to killing/violence, sex, language, sex, the use of drugs, killing/violence, the plight of the oppressed in the world, killing/violence, sex. I don’t want those things to be as normal to me as a cup of coffee in the morning. I don’t think Christ views them in that way.
But I also don’t want to be That Guy. The Guy Who Is Super-Ultra-Jesusy-And-Pious. Not because I’d be embarrassed if Christ was calling me not to be involved in the culture that way, but because even other believers are annoyed by That Guy, not to mention non-believers. It also would put me way out of the loop. There is something to be said for understanding the culture you are in, but being a current going the other way, it can be a powerful tool in your ministry (Acts 17). After all, we are called to be a counter-culture, not the sub culture we have become.
It’s not always great content, but I like it so I justify it saying that I’m doing strong enough in my walk that it doesn’t matter. If I’m being completely honest (If a bit cheesy) with myself, I wouldn’t watch those movies, listen to that music with, or lend that book to Christ. Although that whole ‘movement’ got kind of worn out several years ago, it holds a valid point. ‘Would you watch this, listen to this, do this, read this with Christ?’ I need to ask myself this question more often.
I’m not saying I’ll be 100% not watching movies like that anymore, or listening to bands I like because of what their content might not be 100% Jesus. But I’, considering it.
What are your opinions? Does those kinds of things bother you? Do you think that we, as believers should not watch those movies, or listen to that music? What do you think it says to the world if we don’t? If we do?
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“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words>” – Francis of Assisi
The more I grow with Christ in my life, the more I have come to realize that every single thought, words, or deeds result in me either bringing glory to the One True God, or (more often than I want) blasheming His Holy name that I claim as Christ’s follower.
This is the best blog I have read from you yet (or should I say – The Holy Spirit inspired you to write)
By Kenny / Jul 19, 03:33 PM / #