Why are we so much more accepting of some sins?

[shotgunner]

Just wanted to hear some thoughts from my brothers and sisters. Why do we speak so much against homosexuality but we don't seem to treat premarital hetro. sex anywhere near as severely? Why do we speak against pornography so strongly but seem to think it is fine to watch someone to go on a murder rampage with a chainsaw? Is it just what we deem more acceptable because of society? Do you see some of these as more sinful to God?

I realize some sins effect us more strongly than others as far as the destruction it causes in our lives but do you see these things equal in God's eyes?

 

[3Scoreand10]

It seems that the sin that is being presented to us today as NOT sin, is what gets out attention.
I believe sin is sin, period.
But like others, I seem to respont to the PRESENT sin more than others.

 

[FreeNChrist]

"We delude ourselves into thinking that our own salvation can be achieved by keeping books on others…’I know I’m no prize, but at least I’m better than that lecher, Harry’ – as if putting ourselves at the head of a whole column marching in the wrong direction somehow made us less lost than the rest of the troops. It would be funny if it were not fatal; but fatal it is, because grace works only in those who accept their lostness. Jesus came to call sinners, not the pseudo-righteous; he came to raise the dead, not to buy drinks for the marginally alive.” - Robert Farrar Capon

 

[maxwel]

This whole issue arises because God gives us multiple perspectives of things in scripture, and we tend to miss that.

On many topics in scripture, God gives us many different perspectives, to help us to understand the topic more fully. It's just like walking around a house, and looking at it from different angles. It is only ONE HOUSE, but it looks different from different vantage points. The back does not look like the front.

Well, this is what God does for us in scripture, regarding various topics. He gives us descriptions of a topic from different points of view, so we can understand the topic more fully.

In scripture, there are different ways to view sin.

There is a sense in which all sins are equal.
All sins are equal in that they equally separate us from God, and condemn us to hell unless we have a savior.

There is a sense in which all sins are NOT equal.
All sins are NOT equal in that different sins create different types, and different amounts, of damage, in our current mortal life.

Both of these "senses" are in scripture, and both are true in their proper perspective.

If I steal a cookie, that is certainly a sin.
If I shoot you in the face with a handgun, that is a different type of sin.
Obviously these sins are different, and obviously they cause different amounts of damage and harm.

So, there is a sense in which all sins are equal,
and there is a sense in which sins are not equal at all.

Different sins OBVIOUSLY, and OBSERVABLY, have different effects on our lives.

It's silly, and unbiblical, to pretend all sins effect us in the same way.

 

[Galahad]

Just wanted to hear some thoughts from my brothers and sisters. Why do we speak so much against homosexuality but we don't seem to treat premarital hetro. sex anywhere near as severely? Why do we speak against pornography so strongly but seem to think it is fine to watch someone to go on a murder rampage with a chainsaw? Is it just what we deem more acceptable because of society? Do you see some of these as more sinful to God?

I realize some sins effect us more strongly than others as far as the destruction it causes in our lives but do you see these things equal in God's eyes?

Homosexuality is detestable.
Sex between a man and woman is not detestable. It is not homosexuality. It is sin. But is not as homosexuality.
Homosexuality is detestable even if the state says the two are married.
Sex between a man and woman is natural. How can that be detestable? It is God's creation.
Sex between a man and woman in the state of marriage is pure, wholesome, right. This can never be said of homosexuality.

Pornography is not an act. It is sexual immorality. That is always a sin.

The idea of person cutting up another person with a chainsaw as an act to entertain another person is not to my liking. It is morbid. Is a reflection of the corrupt heart of people. But there is no actual murder taking place. In pornography there is fornication.
It sounds like you are saying pornography and a murder movie are the same. I see a difference between the two.
I don't like either one. Wish both were removed altogether.

A murder movie is not a sin. Pornography is a sin.
Sex is not a sin. Homosexuality is always a sin. Homosexuality in a state of "marriage" is a sin.
Premarital sex between a man and a woman is a sin. Sex between husband and wife is not a sin.

 

[KennethC]

I agree with what Galahad said above as some things should not be compared side by side when it comes to sin, and yes all sins are sins rather a lie or a murder.

We should spend the same amount of helping to lead others away from all sins, which is what building up the body of believers is about.

The other thing we must realize to is that the bible does speak on how some things can be a sin to one person, but not a sin to another. It may not be edifying or helpful but that does not make it a sin !!!

Example would be such as horror movies that you brought up that Galahad spoke on, and in no way can it be compared to pornography.

Pornography is sexual immorality as we are not to look on others nudity unless it is our own spouse, as for a horror movie for entertainment it may not be edifying to watch but if you don't become under the power of it and think murdering is acceptable then you are not sinning.

Personal preferences does not always constitute sin for all, as we are told let each of us be convinced in our own minds.

If you think it is that is fine for you refrain from it, but if another does not then that is their choice.
Only those things that are specifically pointed out in the bible as being sin are sin, and we can not go and just add a bunch of other stuff to it just because we may feel it is.

Just like food and eating certain things, we can eat anything we want but some think we are still held under the food ordinances of the OT. Rather a person eats or doesn't eat, neither are in sin, but if you then do it to cause another to stumble then you have sinned !!!

 

[shotgunner]

For the most part I agree with all the posts. Personally though, I see the act of watching someone's guts being ripped out just as bad as watching two people have sex if we are only talking about the act of watching.


When I was growing up I often thought it incredible hypocritical when my grandmother would see any kind of even PG rated sex scene on TV, she would immidiently change the channel. Often she would change it to some incredible bloody horror movie. She seemed to have no problem with that at all. I saw the bloody murder movie as worse than showing a couple in a PG rated sex scene.

 

[KennethC]

For the most part I agree with all the posts. Personally though, I see the act of watching someone's guts being ripped out just as bad as watching two people have sex if we are only talking about the act of watching.


When I was growing up I often thought it incredible hypocritical when my grandmother would see any kind of even PG rated sex scene on TV, she would immidiently change the channel. Often she would change it to some incredible bloody horror movie. She seemed to have no problem with that at all. I saw the bloody murder movie as worse than showing a couple in a PG rated sex scene.

Well now you are comparing PG with a horror movie, and a horror movie would be worse then PG by moral standings not necessarily sinning standards.

PG means there is no nudity in it, and if there was then they miss-rated that movie as it should have been R-rated.

Any viewing of nudity other then that of self or spouse is automatically sin, but watching a horror movie is not necessarily sin. That comes down to perspective, how you feel/convinced, and rather there is nude scenes in it as some horror movies do not.

 

[JustAnotherUser]

Just wanted to hear some thoughts from my brothers and sisters. Why do we speak so much against homosexuality but we don't seem to treat premarital hetro. sex anywhere near as severely? Why do we speak against pornography so strongly but seem to think it is fine to watch someone to go on a murder rampage with a chainsaw? Is it just what we deem more acceptable because of society? Do you see some of these as more sinful to God?

I realize some sins effect us more strongly than others as far as the destruction it causes in our lives but do you see these things equal in God's eyes?

I'm no expert since I'm a pretty bad sinner myself (if we were a few centuries back then I would've been long burned at the stake...) But the reason some are more accepting of some things than others can come down to this:

- The type of environment setting that places certain subjects and actions as a life or death situation and if you choose death (being the actions they condemn) then it will be most loudly spoken once it's found out.
- The controversial issues that revolve around gay marriages and religious freedom that has been going on within the recent years that is bringing more people to discuss such a subject.
- Unawareness of doing and saying certain things and how it can affect the person(s) involved, such as gossiping and trash talking that can go on within a congregation. Bearing false witness tends to be an issue that gives sides to pick on who that person will accept based on what they hear about another, which has that group become involved, so it cannot truly be encountered as to what is the truth if a gossip is spread out and then treat it as everyday discussions.
- News reports are rampant on murder cases, drive by shootings, holding at gun point, etc. that it becomes an everyday norm of an occurrence to the point it's not the first thing people will discuss unless it personally involves them.
- Pornography and fornication are often kept private even though the topics itself have a conclusion drawn that it's not acceptable to do (which I'm not suggesting otherwise.) Because it's something to talk about with no finger pointing unless it is found out by someone (and for a woman to be pregnant while not married known as wedlock), it will not be often discussed until then.


That's as far as I can think of. All sin is generally bad, but I'd say that certain sins seem more acceptable since even the 'perfect people' can slip and fall under certain categories that violate the commandments without them knowing it, like gossiping.

 

[BenFTW]

Comparing pornography to a horror film doesn't really pan out because porn is meant for the purposes of lusting, to bring you to a particular sin. Where as horror doesn't really bring you to a particular sin, it is just telling a story. Even if a movie has sex in it, if it is within the context of the story it isn't out of line. Its like the bible records certain things of a sexual nature, are we to conclude reading those verses as sinful or is it told because its part of the story?

I see horror as an adrenaline rush, edge of your seat thrill. In reality I know that the name of Jesus would make that "whatever" flee. lol Some people don't wish to entertain fear, that's probably more edifying. Is fear sin? Eh, its a lack of faith I suppose but in the context of watching a film its not an applicable definition. You are fearing for the person within the story being told and of course the film is directed in such a way to make you jump, so its also for the aim of making the viewer have fear.

I think its all about immersion and so stories that have sinful things involved aren't necessarily sinful to watch, as that is part of the story. I can't tell you about Jesus without mentioning his murder by being put on the cross, for example. You watch Passion of the Christ and you are watching a murder take place. So is it sinful to watch sin taking place? It depends.

I think we have to be careful to not get legalistic with things. I like what the Apostle Paul says, "All things are permissible but not all things edify", or something like that. You can do it, but it has its consequences. Use wisdom in what you choose to entertain. Something are good, bad or neutral and its up to you to decide. If you choose the bad, you live with its consequences. If you choose good, you also live with its consequences. All choices have consequences, whether good or bad. So choose wisely.

 

[psalm6819]

Well now you are comparing PG with a horror movie, and a horror movie would be worse then PG by moral standings not necessarily sinning standards.

PG means there is no nudity in it, and if there was then they miss-rated that movie as it should have been R-rated.

Any viewing of nudity other then that of self or spouse is automatically sin, but watching a horror movie is not necessarily sin. That comes down to perspective, how you feel/convinced, and rather there is nude scenes in it as some horror movies do not.

So Michelangelo's David is sin? I'm not moves to lust by it....... can't speak for anyone else....?

 

[psalm6819]

We are but God's not. We tend to think that the other guys are worse.

Jesus said that He sees the intent of the heart.....

How many of us can stand up to that scrutiny?????

 

[shotgunner]

Ben, in general I agree with you. I have always just found graphic violence just as bad as graphic nudity. I think the example of the cross is a good example of context matters.

Given the example though of an R rated sex scene and an R rated graphic murder I see little difference as far as hurting you spiritually to watch such things. My mind just can't grasp the act of sex as worse than the act of murder.

It seems that the mind set and the heart of the one watching is just as important as the thing being watched. Suppose the watcher was gratified by the acts of horrendous violence in an extremely graphic horror movie, wouldn't that be just as bad as a person being gratified by the watching of a sex act?

I guess my whole point here is that we shouldn't allow certain things into our spirit just because they are socially acceptable. In my book a Texas Chainsaw murder is just as bad as a 50 Shades of Grey, though I've personally never watched either.

 

[BenFTW]

I realize I didn't really answer the question of the topic in my previous post but was addressing the analogy given. As far as why we are more accepting of particular sins... maybe it has to do with desensitization? I would also argue that any focus and comparison of sins comes from a place of self-righteousness and is lacking in grace. To compare sins is hypocritical, as all sin falls short of the glory of God.

We see some sin as more accepting because we ourselves partake in that sin, if we are honest. Or maybe we used to partake and see that their sin is a result of hurt and pain and they use it to comfort themselves. We don't look at the heart of the person and quickly lay judgement when rather they are trying to numb their feelings as a result of pain. So its not that we accept, but understand where they are. In this instance the disapproval is still there but the love is as well.

I think there can be a number of reasons, conformity (societal reasons) included, as to why we are more accepting of particular sins, but it all comes back to Jesus. We need to preach the Gospel that says He doesn't come to condemn the world but save it! We preach from a place of no condemnation knowing that Jesus took the sins of the world, he is their propitiation. Tell them that Jesus loves them, and he does even yet while they are in their sins. He died for them while they were yet sinners! So our emphasis isn't on sin but Jesus, we don't condemn but reconcile the world to Jesus. We tell them the Goods News!

 

[shotgunner]

I realize I didn't really answer the question of the topic in my previous post but was addressing the analogy given. As far as why we are more accepting of particular sins... maybe it has to do with desensitization? I would also argue that any focus and comparison of sins comes from a place of self-righteousness and is lacking in grace. To compare sins is hypocritical, as all sin falls short of the glory of God.

We see some sin as more accepting because we ourselves partake in that sin, if we are honest. Or maybe we used to partake and see that their sin is a result of hurt and pain and they use it to comfort themselves. We don't look at the heart of the person and quickly lay judgement when rather they are trying to numb their feelings as a result of pain. So its not that we accept, but understand where they are. In this instance the disapproval is still there but the love is as well.

I think there can be a number of reasons, conformity (societal reasons) included, as to why we are more accepting of particular sins, but it all comes back to Jesus. We need to preach the Gospel that says He doesn't come to condemn the world but save it! We preach from a place of no condemnation knowing that Jesus took the sins of the world, he is their propitiation. Tell them that Jesus loves them, and he does even yet while they are in their sins. He died for them while they were yet sinners! So our emphasis isn't on sin but Jesus, we don't condemn but reconcile the world to Jesus. We tell them the Goods News!

That's a good word Ben! My mentor who trained me would always tell us ministers, " Preach the light, don't preach against the darkness."

 

[BeanieD]

But if is moraly wrong, isnt that a sin also???

 

[oldthennew]

ROMANS 8:1.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.

 

[BenFTW]

That's a good word Ben! My mentor who trained me would always tell us ministers, " Preach the light, don't preach against the darkness."

If you go on Youtube and look at street preachers, their comments and like ratio on the videos are positive. When I see that and what the person in the video is doing I can't believe Christians see that as proper preaching. The person is condemning everyone! Their complete focus is on the people's sins! Calling people filthy and whores! I kid you not, this is what they call preaching and Christendom approves.

Its baffling, if these people would wear a WWJD (what would Jesus do) wristband and compare what they were doing in the moment they would be ashamed. Did Jesus tear people down? Did he yell at them? No, He did it with meekness and respect. He did it in love and was gracious. These "ministers" are hardening the hearts of those the Holy Spirit is trying to soften. Its terrible and they are a disgrace to what the Gospel represents.

PS: Another mistake is that they trust in their "crafty" arguments and not on the Spirit's power. They have a form of godliness but are lacking power. Their confidence lies in their "wit" and not on the Lord. People want to argue God's existence, but why waste your time? The argument couldn't last but a minute if they needed healing and the Lord healed them. If they had a history no one knew of and God revealed it to you to their amazement. Even so, if the Lord gave you a prophecy for them and they call you back saying that it came true! It would open them up to the Gospel message, Jesus Himself had sign and wonders to confirm His ministry. So too the apostles. Why not us, if indeed Jesus is the example to live by? We are to be an extension of Christ to the world and Jesus healed the sick. I digress from the topic... lol

 

[just-me]

Just wanted to hear some thoughts from my brothers and sisters. Why do we speak so much against homosexuality but we don't seem to treat premarital hetro. sex anywhere near as severely? Why do we speak against pornography so strongly but seem to think it is fine to watch someone to go on a murder rampage with a chainsaw? Is it just what we deem more acceptable because of society? Do you see some of these as more sinful to God?

I realize some sins effect us more strongly than others as far as the destruction it causes in our lives but do you see these things equal in God's eyes?

The church is more concerned about a false interpretation of grace that compels people to just let things go. To me it's obvious. The proper way to see the truth in this respect is written in Leviticus 19:17-18

"Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."

I'm sure, if we really want God's will to be done in our lives, and truly loved others God's way, we would want to be corrected by others via God's grace.

Of course we think that we shouldn't judge people of their wrong doing (even if it is according to God's word) because we are all sinners. Correcting, and admonishing is then hypocritical. NOT. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24

IMO I think the truest statement would be, "I don't want to be corrected, so I'm not going to do that to another because I wouldn't want it done to me. I don't care if God says it's wrong! It's more right to not call others out on what I see as wrong according to God's word."

If we tolerate sin without correction, comparing God's commandments with what we have identified by the light, whether in ourselves or others, we will be loving others who continue in sin right straight into hell.

 

[mpaper345]

The Bible says if you offend in the least of the law,the moral laws,then you offend in all the law.

We as Christians sometimes will keep it down to a dull roar,if we do sin,and we would not get too crazy,and view some sins,although we know it is bad,as not so bad because of it's low impact on us,like some movies,or some music,but if it is sin,it is all bad,but we do not feel so guilty about some sins,and usually it is something we can repent of and leave it for awhile,as if sometimes we do sin but we make sure it is not so bad,as to not bother us as much,and something we can forget about for awhile and control it somewhat,and do it but not because it has such a strong hold on us,as if we are trying to only engage in sins we can control,and repent,and forget,and then do again,but not because it has a strong hold on us,but because we like it.