I may lose some followers with this blog, but that’s okay. It’s been on my mind for a long time. And, no, it’s not about Sedona, although the photo would lead you to think so. As usual, I will tie in the photo with this post at the end.
As I write this, my mind is spinning. How can I express what I want to say in a loving respectful way? How can I get my point across? How can I explain why I feel as I do?
Here is what I’m thinking. As a Christian, I believe in honoring the God I serve, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I know some of you reading this do not believe that way, and that is your right. This blog post is not intended to convert you to my way of thinking, although I would love to share my faith with you.
The purpose is to make Christians and non-Christians think about what they’re saying.
TV shows and movies are full of people profaning the name of God and Jesus. Every time I hear it, I cringe and am offended. Yet those same actors would never use “Allah” or “Buddha” or any other deity/prophet of another religion.
I get it. We live in a country of free speech, so I’m not suggesting we have laws to prevent people from saying “GD” (the words, not the letters) or “JC” in a profane manner. We once had that kind of censorship, but now anything goes.
“You don’t have to watch those movies or shows” you say. “It’s your choice.”
The problem is, those words have infiltrated network programming. We were watching “Chicago Med” the other night, and one of the doctors used “GD” (the words, not the initials). In a 7:00 P.M. broadcast, which used to be the family friendly time.
I won’t go into the culture we live in today that is violating other Christian beliefs and is displayed without shame and with pride in our programming, but it may be getting to the point Christians who feel as I do may be relegated to children’s shows and Angel Studios because of the themes and language in other programs.
“You’re showing your age,” you say. “Everyone talks like that.”
No, I’m expressing my faith. I know the “F” word is rampant, and although I don’t like it and find it a vulgar/gross word to throw around like it’s nothing. It’s ironic to me that programs will bleep out that word yet allow the “GD” and “JC” multiple times. They even bleep out the “sh” word. But not taking the Lord’s name in vain.
A lesson in theology in case you don’t know it. The name “God” is our English terminology for al the names of God used in the original writings: Yahweh, Adoni, Elohim…there are many names. And maybe you’re thinking that since “God” is not his actual name, you’re not really profaningGod’s name, but since we think of God in that way and not the others, to me you are.
Please understand. I realize each person has the right to his or her beliefs. But in this politically correct climate in which we have to be careful about using words that offend, it’s interesting to me that no one worries about offending people of the Jewish and Christian faiths. Those same script writers would never offend Muslims and other religious groups…or would they?
So, why the photo of Sedona for this post? Sedona is an area known for its almost supernatural feeling, and obviously, a belief in God is the epitome of the super natural.
I know I can’t change our culture, but with the blessing of free speech given me by our laws, I am expressing my viewpoint. You either agree with me or you don’t. That’s okay. But if I’ve given you food for thought today before I get dressed to go worship the God I believe in, I wanted to stand up for him in my own small way. You either believe in him or you do’n’t.
I do.
Life As I know it 