Ten Sins That We Now Take Less Seriously - Part Two
He leads me …
In the previous blog we started to look at how some recognised sins in the first half of the 1900’s had progressively become ignored in the second half of the century. It happened as people’s way of life changed when personal standards became more relaxed.
One of the key changes was the loss of manners. Manners let others see that we cared about them, and this enabled everyone to feel comfortable in social situations. We saw that this was a practical application of, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ as taught by Jesus in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.
Manners covered many aspects of life, but they came down to some basic principles of etiquette - consideration, respect, and honesty.
But there was a frustration with these values which led to the unstable way of life in the 1960’s.[1] Cultural change was underway. In the process the Ten Commandments which is the basis of most of our laws were being disregarded. The ‘sins of the flesh’ listed in Galatians 5, were being ignored too.
We looked at buying lotto tickets but there are others that have become forgotten over the years too.
Let us look at some further examples –
2. Swearing
Crude language is no longer shocking in our modern way of life. The f-word is becoming quite regular in the movies, in television programmes, and in some literature. The word bugger and others like it have become a part of everyday speech.
In the church we have the example of Mark Driscoll, the founder of the late, great Mars Hill Church in Seattle. He was known in some quarters as ‘the cussing pastor’. He did repent, beginning with a public apology for having become known for ‘good theology, a bad temper, and a foul mouth’.
Critics like pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church challenged Driscoll over his use of sexually explicit language which they said degrades the Gospel and the pulpit.[2]
In 1982 American author Tony Campolo was speaking to a crowd at a church conference in England. He is quoted as saying, ‘I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.’
The use of the swear word makes a big impact in this instance because it comes from a respected Christian communicator who we would think did not swear. It was seen as a radical way to get everyone’s attention and helped make a significant point about Christian priorities.
So is it appropriate to swear as a legitimate way to make a point? For most Christians the answer is probably ‘No.’ Yet the tactic that Campolo used was based on a righteous concern for the children who died from malnutrition. Did Campolo’s use of a swear word serve to upset the listeners selfish emotions in the same manner as the Old Testament prophets?
Paul says that we should not allow foul talk to come out of our mouths. Whether we realise it or not, what we say has eternal consequences. Jesus makes this point in Matthew 12:34b–37 - For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. The good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things. But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (NASB).
See similar sentiments in Luke 6:45, Ephesians 4:29; 5:4 and Colossians 3:8.
Christians can control what they say, but what about swearing in literature and films? Is it justified in a crime or war story, for foul language to be included because it reflects how the people being portrayed actually speak?[3] Whether we should read or watch these works essentially comes down to what our conscience tells us and what we believe honours God.
We should also think about our example as Christians to others. Do we become like the unsaved around us so that they can identify with us and be saved, or do we maintain our higher Christian standards so that others can see that we actually stand for something worth striving for? Christians should be an example by having moral excellence reflected in qualities of honesty, respectfulness, courageousness, forgiveness, and kindness. These ethics enable us to do what is right, regardless of personal cost, and to perform acts consistent with established Christian values and principles.
3. Game of Thrones
Over the past few years, Game of Thrones has set a new standard for explicit content which is found to be acceptable for a TV show. The show has become high profile for its graphic sexual scenes throughout the series—incest, rape, brothels, full frontal nudity and all kinds of sex scenes are all standard fare.
This taints a presentation that is otherwise of a good standard. As expected, Christian opinions are split on whether Game of Thrones is alright to watch.[4]
Of course, many would say, ‘I close my eyes during those parts, I do not look at them.’ Yeah right! That is like the readers of Playboy and Penthouse who said that they bought the magazine for the articles. What is the point of anyone watching Game of Thrones if they have got to be on their guard all the time just in case there is a scene where they have to look away? Are they going to be fast enough to miss all of it?
Statistics show that Christians spend seven times as much time on entertainment as they do on spiritual activities.[5] From a biblical standpoint, it may be argued that those who place culture above their belief in God do not have God’s wisdom in allowing His ways and reasoning to guide their lives.
Most Christians are hypocrites in watching graphic sex scenes because, on the one hand, they indicate that by watching them that it is okay, and yet on the other hand, deep down they would not want their daughter or their wife to be playing the same role. That is hypocrisy.
Jesus died to purify His followers from their sin. He suffered to set us free to become the person we were created to be (Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11). Are we doing our part to honour this?
Dear Reader – If you have found some value in this blog, please feel free to send a copy on to your family and friends. Kind regards, John
[1] Definition of Etiquette, Emily Post, emilypost.com;
https://emilypost.com/advice/definition-of-etiquette
[2] Driscoll’s Vulgarity Draws Media Attention, Staff, https://www.baptistpress.com;
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/driscolls-vulgarity-draws-media-attention/
[3] Ten sins that we now take less seriously, Martin Saunders, ChristianToday.com;
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/ten-sins-that-we-now-take-less-seriously/43564.htm
[4] Some Thoughts on Game of Thrones, Ben Keiser, Summit Ministries;
https://www.summit.org/resources/reflect/game-of-thrones-christians-sexuality/
[5] George Barna, “Statistics for the Changing Church,” Kjos Ministries, 2008, accessed November 25, 2017, https://www.crossroad.to/charts/church-statistics.html
