It’s Evil!
I hear it a lot. It’s evil! Don’t watch it! It’s evil! Don’t listen to it! It’s evil! Don’t buy it!
Ok? What is it that makes it evil? What is the basis of this claim?
Most often I just get the “it’s not Christian”. LAME reasoning. There’s a TON of cool stuff out there that’s non-Christian and to be quite honest, I prefer that over Christian produced things because it’s not as cheesy or childish. I can’t stand contemporary Christian music because it all sounds the same and it’s boring.
It puts me to sleep. There are a few bands that are Christian I do enjoy but it’s stuff like Demon Hunter, Skillet, Becoming the Archetype, P.O.D. etc. Everything else is just meh. Movies too, gosh most of them grab some of the worst actors, ok yes I know your budget is small but… at least find people who can act. Special effects too… most of them are remnants from the 80′s. I know it’s not THAT hard to find someone who can work with After Effects and do it for a modest budget. There are so many noobies out there that are just trying to break in… anyways.
I see a lot of people get so worked up over something simple, like Pokemon. Ok? I’ve played the games, I find nothing wrong with them. They were a super successful gimmick, just like My Little Pony, Pound Puppies, G.I. Joe. All of these were created to market toys and other stuff to children. So why is Pokemon singled out as the “evil” one? Because someone said that Pokemon, when translated, means pocket monster and are addicting. Ok? There are other things out there just as addicting to people. I think these were singled out since they were so addicting to children, but really if you teach your children to keep things in moderation I do not see the harm. It doesn’t teach you that witchcraft is good, it doesn’t teach you magic, the characters can use moves that involve elements but that’s no worse than Avatar: The Last Airbender. I find it really silly that people were burning these cards and games.
Harry Potter is the other big one. Ok yes it’s promoting magic and wizardry, but I could say the same for A LOT of other books and movies. So why was this one targeted so much, because it become a huge success. I used to be one that stayed away from them because people said they were evil, and because it was so popular I was just sick of seeing it everywhere. I finally sat down and watched the movies and honestly, they’re not that bad. If you keep in mind it’s all a fantasy story, it’s no worse than Lord of the Rings.
It’s only when people lose touch with reality and try to immerse themselves into things like these does it become wrong. When something starts to take over your life, then it’s time to re-evaluate why you have it in your life to begin with. Nothing should ever do that. This kind of goes back to my entry about Obsessions.
I think it’s kind of sad how so many Christians are terrified to step out of their little safety bubble of Christian made media. “oh no! I might sin because I’m listening to non-Christian music!!” If you’re honestly that worried that a song is going to sway you, then maybe you need to re-evaluate your faith. Yes, things like these CAN influence you, especially when very young, so be cautious, but don’t live in a bubble. You won’t accomplish things and that’s not what God wants either. Have a stronger will, the world is going to pass you by and you’ll miss all your opportunities if you stick to the safety shelter 24/7.
“FTR: The abuse of a national treasure.”
A video clip a friend directed me to that I felt like sharing:
Appreciate the Little Things
Life is chaotic. Let’s face it, as now we’re facing economic collapse, governments are being challenged, people are facing unemployment, it’s a scary time and so easy to get caught up in it all. I know I do sometimes, and that’s when I gotta sit down and remember that God is there. When I start feeling overwhelmed with it, or getting sidetracked with how much stuff is going on, I talk to Him. Now some may think it’s a waste, that I’m talking to the wall, or “How could God be there with all this going on?” But I don’t and I believe wholeheartedly He listens and wants nothing more than for us to ask Him for guidance. It’s not God that makes bad things happen, it is men and the one who influences them, Satan. Or a natural cycle of earth, as in the case of hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. God allows for them to happen, just as he allows us all a free will. But I’m getting sidetracked… back to my point. God has never let me down, when I’ve been at some pretty low points in life He has always come through. Always provided, when I thought it was almost done and over He shines through the darkness to light a path for me to follow.
Sometimes I forget to appreciate what is going on now in my life. I get swept away and distracted by money problems, job trouble, and whatever else. I sometimes forget to be happy with what I’ve got, rather I start thinking of all the things I cannot do or cannot get. For the longest time I’ve been stewing over the fact I cannot afford a car and that I’ve never been able to own one. Lately I’ve just decided it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ll buy me a bike when I can, and when it’s time to get a car, I’ll get one. I know that now is just not the right time. Sure a bike won’t work so well in the winter with icy roads, but come spring all the way through till mid-fall it can be very useful and heck I’ll get exercise to boot!
As all these negative thoughts swirl about my head, I have to stop, look around me and appreciate life for what it is. Listen to that small voice that’s trying to get through to me. And to listen to what God is trying to show me and what others are too. He doesn’t always go through the most direct route, sometimes it’s just small things, little nudges or hints. “Be content!” I am rich, not with material things or money, but with love, my family, friends and God. I may never have much money, but ya know, I’m cool with that. Heck even if I can never afford a car, at least I have two things that will last, Love and faith. Nothing can take that away.
