God & Fun

[Sparko]

They're on the radio. And they're all pretty well-written. If you haven't heard them then you must be living in a cave. But my point is that once I realized the bad messages that were being conveyed, it was sort of a turnoff.

I usually am listening to audio books in the car. And as far as music goes, pretty much either stuff I have on mp3 (oldies) or Country on the radio. I gave up on pop about 5 years ago. It all sounds like it was written and produced on a computer, or is Hip Hop crud.

[Obsidian]

Yeah, it's pretty bad. Almost as if God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do things that are not convenient.

[thewriteranon]

Y'all are definitely the kool kidz, delightful responses indeed. Now, let's turn our attention to James 4:1-11:

[Warning Against Worldliness]

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5

Please pay special attention to the bold portion. Do you think letting go of your inhibitions, losing self-control to varying degrees, and getting lost in songs that often times celebrate alienation from God is appropriate in light of what James touches upon? If the Apostle's, for example, could see me dancing and lip-syncing Taylor Swift in a delirious state -- do you think they would be OK with such behavior or would they liken it to ritualistic activity akin to Greek mystery religion? Didn't Jesus state that one must hate their own life in order to be a disciple? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the language Jesus uses is more forceful -- to the point where one needs to deny their "soulishness" -- even hate it in order to be truly "follow" Christ.

As an aside, precisely what OT scripture verse is James quoting in verse 5?

There isn't a precise scripture verse. It's an unknown reference or possibly a reference to a general statement or idea, according to my NRSV notes. The passage largely has to do with encouraging individuals in the community to not let their desire to sin cause them to fall and ultimately damage their relationships in the Christian community.

[Scrawly]

There isn't a precise scripture verse..

Precisely.

..Oh look, it's raining outside. Playtime!