Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

[rebelgirl]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb]Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone" (1Peter 5:8). [/qb]

So we come back to the anyone who isn't christian is the devil again

Sorry Kumba but I think you are painting non Christians with a very broad, very unpleasant brush. I'm quite sure that your view doesn't reflect the view of a majority of witnesses either, as I have witness friends and family that seem to have no trouble hanging out with me and engaging in non Christian devil talk [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[kthydvs]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by rebel:
[qb]

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb]Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone" (1Peter 5:8). [/qb]

So we come back to the anyone who isn't christian is the devil again

This is not saying that anyone who is not a Christian is the devil. The Scriptures tell us quite clearly that we have an enemy, Satan the Devil, who is out to devour anyone who is susceptible to his anger.

Sorry Kumba but I think you are painting non Christians with a very broad, very unpleasant brush. I'm quite sure that your view doesn't reflect the view of a majority of witnesses either, as I have witness friends and family that seem to have no trouble hanging out with me and engaging in non Christian devil talk [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [/qb]

This isn't painting Christians with a very broad and unpleasant brush. If you follow the teachings of Jesus, you cannot pick and chose those Scriptures that suit you and those that don't. "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight for disciplining in righteousness" (2Tim 3:16). Nowhere did I remark that non-Christian talk is devil talk. We talk about other things besides Jehovah, but He takes prescedence in our lives. This issue is about mixing with non-Christians and how it can make you feel. If, as you say, your friends and family engage in devil talk (your words not mine) then I would question whether they are cultivating the right fruits in their lives. Ask them and see what they have to say.

[kthydvs]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by rebel:
[qb]

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb] possibly yes, people who do not have God in their lives may have boundries, but i suspect the ones' given to us by God would be higher than those determined by man. [/qb]

Uh..... not quite. [/qb]

I gather by your response you don't agree with the statement that the boundries set down by God are not necessarily higher than man's. Now if you don't believe in our Creator, then yes, I can see where you are coming from. But for anyone who believes in God, they could not say that man's viewpoint is higher than God's. We are imperfect with imperfect values. God is perfection, so his values would be perfect. But there again, you could argue what is perfect.

[rebelgirl]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb] This isn't painting Christians with a very broad and unpleasant brush. If you follow the teachings of Jesus, you cannot pick and chose those Scriptures that suit you and those that don't. "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight for disciplining in righteousness" (2Tim 3:16). Nowhere did I remark that non-Christian talk is devil talk. We talk about other things besides Jehovah, but He takes prescedence in our lives. This issue is about mixing with non-Christians and how it can make you feel. If, as you say, your friends and family engage in devil talk (your words not mine) then I would question whether they are cultivating the right fruits in their lives. Ask them and see what they have to say. [/b] [/qb]

The devil talk comment was a joke [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] (expanding on the devil, lion, devouring thing)

Actually I can't see if ones faith in god is strong and stable how mingling and socializing with Non-Christians would threaten their faith, or make them feel any different. If someone's belief in God is so impressionable that mixing with non Christians socially is a threat than one would question if they were really Christian to begin with.

To expand on my initial point a little being as i don't believe in the devil it is very difficult for me to see how one could look at all non believers as potential servants of the devil as it were (extrapolating again).

Of course it's also hard for me to see one wanting to only mingle with those of a like kind be it religion or anything (colour, social standing etc) Granted if your believe in something it is nice to have people to share that with but at the same time it is a wide world filled with immense variety out there and keeping to our own not only seems like it would be culturally stifling, but intellectually as well. Do you really only wish to socialize with people that talk about Jehovah? I guess I really don't understand. i myself seek knowledge an companionship in as many unique and knowledgeable people as i can, I want to know everything I can, and experience as much of what the rest of the world has to offer as I can. I could not do that if I sought only companionship and socialized within my own insular community of like minded people. It seems so limiting and stark. For centuries people were isolated in countries of their own kind around the world look what that led to. i don't think it is healthy or beneficial to anyone to foster that type of spiritual and intellectual isolationism personally.

[britisha]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

One of your best posts Rebel. ^5 to you girl!!

[rebelgirl]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb]I gather by your response you don't agree with the statement that the boundries set down by God are not necessarily higher than man's. Now if you don't believe in our Creator, then yes, I can see where you are coming from. But for anyone who believes in God, they could not say that man's viewpoint is higher than God's. We are imperfect with imperfect values. God is perfection, so his values would be perfect. But there again, you could argue what is perfect. [/qb]

Yes we come to an impasse. Not believing in a creator deity leaves me in the place that although (and i agree on this point) we are imperfect, it is only our own moral guidelines that we have to follow, no i don't believe the bibles guidelines are more perfect because I believe the bible was written by man not a God, so therefore those that follow the moral precepts in the bible, are following mans moral guidelines. and what i have read of the bible I don't consider it a perfect moral compass either.

I guess you could look upon my beliefs as traditional Buddhist when it comes to perfection, i do not believe it exists, at least the way in which man would like it to exist. I would say the atom is perfect, and so is the quark, but as far as perfection in creation or life, or nature itself, nothing is perfect in my belief. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[rebelgirl]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by britisha:
[qb] One of your best posts Rebel. ^5 to you girl!! [/qb]

Hi B thank you [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] , I guess maybe my brain is working a little better today [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[kthydvs]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Actually I can't see if ones faith in god is strong and stable how mingling and socializing with Non-Christians would threaten their faith, or make them feel any different. If someone's belief in God is so impressionable that mixing with non Christians socially is a threat than one would question if they were really Christian to

The Scriptures tell us "Bad associations spoil useful habits" (1 Cor 15:33). Now please don't get me wrong, I am not saying that non Christians are necessarily bad associates, you can also meet someone within your own congregation that dosn't hold firm to the teachings of Jesus. What it comes down to is that the Scriptural view can appear very strict and intolerant of anything that the world permits. Be it dress, language, entertainment, even secular work. But all Jehovah wants to do is protect us from spiritual harm. Mixing with people that do not hold to these values, can have a devastating effect on our spiritual development. The world can be so appealing and glamorous and wants us to believe that you can have its form of fun without pain. But not so. We only have to look around us to see the damage that mankind is suffering. Unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, need i go on. Shortly before his death, Jesus prayed that Jehovah would watch over his disciples because of the wicked one (John 17:15). Now if they needed praying for and watching over, dosn't this apply to us all.

To expand on my initial point a little being as i don't believe in the devil it is very difficult for me to see how one could look at all non believers as potential servants of the devil as it were (extrapolating again).

Of course it's also hard for me to see one wanting to only mingle with those of a like kind be it religion or anything (colour, social standing etc) Granted if your believe in something it is nice to have people to share that with but at the same time it is a wide world filled with immense variety out there and keeping to our own not only seems like it would be culturally stifling, but intellectually as well. Do you really only wish to socialize with people that talk about Jehovah? I guess I really don't understand. i myself seek knowledge an companionship in as many unique and knowledgeable people as i can, I want to know everything I can, and experience as much of what the rest of the world has to offer as I can. I could not do that if I sought only companionship and socialized within my own insular community of like minded people. It seems so limiting and stark. For centuries people were isolated in countries of their own kind around the world look what that led to. i don't think it is healthy or beneficial to anyone to foster that type of spiritual and intellectual isolationism personally.

Not all nonbelievers are potential servants of Satan. We all are. Every human being can be caught in his trap. Non of us are exempt. He is trying very hard to draw as many as he can away from God. That is his main purpose.

It isn't insular only wanting to socialize with people who are spiritually like minded. Don't forget we come from all over the world, from every walk of life. So all the experiences are there for the taking. Every culture, language, race, people who are doctors, lawyers, scientists, cleaners, bus drivers, cooks, etc. etc. make up the worldwide congregation of my brothers and sisters. so what a wealth of knowledge, experience and socialisation i have at my fingertips. We are not in anyway intellectually or socially challenged, but fullfilled in everyway possible. All our needs are met, we rejoice as we serve the "Happy God" (1Tim 1:11)

[DC]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

I enjoy socializing with my non-christian friends too and I don't have to compromise my faith to do that. Conversations can be quite meaningful. You'll be amazed at what you can learn from them and also learn about yourself..

[Fledgist]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by kumba1:
[qb] . also, if people do not have God in their lives, they have no boundries to guide and protect them.[/qb]

This is a lie. I have moral limits (I don't steal, don't kill, don't practice racism and so on), and I do not believe in your imaginary god.

[Dailybread]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by DC:
[qb] I enjoy socializing with my non-christian friends too and I don't have to compromise my faith to do that. Conversations can be quite meaningful. You'll be amazed at what you can learn from them and also learn about yourself.. [/qb]

DC, I'm curious when you socialize what exactly do you do? Do you just go out to dinner, the movies what are some examples?

[DC]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by Dailybread:
[qb]

Originally posted by DC:
[qb] I enjoy socializing with my non-christian friends too and I don't have to compromise my faith to do that. Conversations can be quite meaningful. You'll be amazed at what you can learn from them and also learn about yourself.. [/qb]

DC, I'm curious when you socialize what exactly do you do? Do you just go out to dinner, the movies what are some examples? [/qb]

Well, for example, I have lunch with a couple of my (ex) co-workers-at least twice a month. My purpose at these luncheons is to enjoy the company and enjoy my food [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] -not evangelize.

However, there have been many times when the topic of discussion was religion and of course they know where I am and they would ask questions. I would share my experience then. The rest-I leave up to the Holy Spirit. There's a lot of power in prayer. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

There have been times when my christian friend(s) and I have our plans(movies, parks, cultural functions etc.[Ilivein orlando] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ) and I would invite them to come along. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't and that's fine.

Hope I have answered your question.
Walk good! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Esther]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

This isolation is not good, regardless of religion, creed or culture. If Christians were only supposed to communicate with Christians, then they may as well go get an Island to themselves.

Jesus, while He was in the flesh, mingled with the non-christians, ate at their house...one of the problems the scribes and pharasees had with HIm.

Paul, said to the jew I am a Jew, to the greek I am a greek, I have became as all men so that I can win some to Christ.

If we as Christians isolate ourselves, not want to learn from others and relate to them, how then will they listen to us? How can we talk of our God to others if we have an "I am better than you" or "Holier than thou" attitude?

[Esther]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

By the way, I do have non-christian friends and hang out with them. Talk to them at length, go to the movies or mall with them, have dinner with them, support them in such things as graduations, marriages etc., by my attendance. Some of them are muslim, they know I'm a christian...They respect me as their friend and respect my religious beliefs as well. i.e. while they may not believe in Jesus Christ, I've never had speak derogartorily of Him or my religion to my face. I don't do that of their religion either. I pray for them, and still beleive some of them, if not all will give their lives to Christ. If I were to turn my nose up at them, their ears would be closed to me as a person and to what I have to say about Christ.

[Dailybread]

Re: Socialization - Outside the Christian realm

Originally posted by DC:
[qb] Hope I have answered your question.
Walk good! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [/qb]

Yes you did, thank you.