The only response I can really come up with is "it's just the age we live in." Hollywood's "job" is to cater to the flesh. Whatever it is that pushes the envelope is what makes them the most money.Originally Posted by Robinbobbin
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The only response I can really come up with is "it's just the age we live in." Hollywood's "job" is to cater to the flesh. Whatever it is that pushes the envelope is what makes them the most money.
Regular Member
I am saddened to see so many Christians around me reading them, even the pastor's daughter. I just don't get it. The Hunger Games sickened me, but everyone around me was all about how wonderful it was. Is everyone just deadened to the Holy Spirit and his conviction.
Pray for the recipients!
Well, we are all sensitive in different ways.
Some of us may not be as sensitive to violence, but very sensitized to sexual content in books. I would say that's me.
Since I'm married, I don't need a book.
Other people may not have a problem with the sex scenes, but very upset if they read about someone getting shot in one of my disaster books.
We each need to go to God and ask Him, to show us what's appropriate to put into our heads.
I just had an amusing thought: I only like romance novels when I'm having marriage issues. When things are OK, my inspirational romances collect a lot of dust.
" I have had an increasing burden to engage in some down and dirty, street evangelism." March 6, 2010
Isaiah 6:8 I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “ Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Matthew 22:9 NIV
'So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’
I'm praying for you daily!
I get my Bibles here
Regular Member
You know I was at the grocery store the other day and they had several of the books on end caps. I picked one up and said to my 20 year old daughter, "I'm hearing everyone is reading this book, I wonder what the big deal is? I think I'll get it; I've been looking for something new to read.." She immediately snatched it out of my hand and said, "Trust me, Mom, you do NOT want to read this book." She then explained to me that she was also curious about it so she checked out the reviews on Amazon and was shocked at what the book was about and gave me a brief explanation.
After that I did a little digging myself and I was also shocked! I just know so many people who have read it and absolutely loved it! And yes, many are Christian conservative, sweet and innocent types who blush if they even hear a curse word...these are the people raving about how much they love it! My daughter and I joke that we are just fine being the only "dorks" who haven't and won't ever read it. Whoever would have that a pronographic book would be so popular to women?!
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Most likely, they aren't really as you describe them here. If so, then they are a real live 'oxymoron' and few people can keep up this kind of double-mindedness for very long.
So many churches today refuse to preach/teach about 'sin' any longer, and as a result, people's hearts have grown harder & are now more open to sinful ideas, whether in books, on TV, DVD's, etc.
-Lynn
Regular Member
There are a lot of dorks out here I am sure I am one. I didn't even know it was a book. I heard people talking about shades of Grey but never asked about what it was. I read a lot but this would not be a book I would be interested once I had read what amazon had to say about it I wouldn't have even thought another minute about it I am not fond of overly romantic novels where someone falls in love with one look from across the room and then goes on to describe their sex life with them. I like sci fi, mystery, adventure and disaster books. I usually don't find to much garbage in the books I buy. I really would have stopped reading it if I came to bondage sex no matter what book it was in. I am not being critical of what others read it just isn't something I care to read about or have in my mind at all. I turn off my TV a lot more often these days than I use to too. I won't watch any junk either it just clutters up your mind. I like reruns and some old movies and a few new shows. I think familiarity kind of gets us use to the dark side of life and after awhile we aren't sure what is right or wrong and that is what has happened to a lot of people I know. I don't intend to be one of those people.
...a cruce salus...
No, not everyone is deadened. Sadly, some Christian men are encouraging their wives to read it, thinking that they will get the fringe benefit of heightened "desire." My husband encouraged me to read it. I got through the first few chapters and had to put it down.
I'm one of those people who is very careful about outside influences - music, literature, television... We do need to be careful what we put in our minds. Unfortunately, quite a few Christian women have been caught up in the tide because everyone's reading it. Most of my co-workers have either read or are currently reading it.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9
Member
This is an interesting discussion. I have never heard of the book, but then I checked out of pop culture quite awhile ago. I'm pretty sure I would never read anything on the NYT best seller list, because if the masses are reading it, that's a good indication that it's not for me. I stick to classics, like Jane Eyre or Little Women, or non-fiction, such as American history (which is a bit of a depressing read these days, considering how much our country has changed in the past couple of decades) and biographies of Presidents. Or books about antiques or how to restore vintage furniture, that sort of thing. Pretty dull by most people's definition, but it keeps me out of trouble.
Erica, thanks for this scripture - Phil 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things". I think I'll memorize it.
A couple of other ones that come to mind are 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." And 1 Corinthians 3:11-15: 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, [a]precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Inordinately Blessed
Yes, I agree! One of the greatest liberating aspects of being born again for me was to realized that I am and I have always been a sinner and that was why I was so unhappy all the time. The refusal to teach about sin is like teaching driver's ed. without graphically impressing upon your students the horrific consequences of careless or reckless driving.
Proverbs 11:1
"A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight."
Regular Member
Well, you know, another thing is.... It's not just these books.... I've noticed the last few years there's been S&M related stuff coming into pop music and even music videos. (not a big mtv watcher, obviously, but occasionally see the little clips wherever...). This seems like the beginning of a "trend," which, as all trends do, will be adopted (or at least claimed) by lots and lots of young people who haven't the faintest idea what kind of mess they're getting themselves into.
I haven't been in a Hot Topic or Spencer's store lately, but I bet my last nickel they've got 50 Shades accoutrement (or things loosely suggestive of it)for sale, and that's a really frightening thought, especially if you're raising teenagers!
Just A Piece Of Clay
Well, I guess I'm another "dork" to add to the group
.....I've no interest at all in reading the series.
"Even so, come Lord Jesus, come. Even so....come and take Your Bride away. How my soul longs to be with You, my Lord! Even so, even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!" (Rev. 22:20)...Terry MacAlmon Music Ministries
Member
With the current state that our society is in, we as Christians need to stand firm in representing Christ. We are NOT of the world, only in it. Christian women should act like Christians and reject such things as these books. I've only heard a little about the book from the media, but I know enough that its not for me nor should it be for any woman. I think it can border on abuse and exploitation of women. The fact that this book series has been on the Best Seller list for weeks speaks very loudly of where we are as a society. It is sad and downright sick. The enemy is at work in many areas. He wants to destroy and devour. It scares me to think that our young women can be dangerously affected by this type of content.
Regular Member
Well said, dear sister! In complete agreement.
deb
Regular Member
One of my co-workers asked me if I had read this book today (I am an avid fiction reader) and I told her no way and what I had heard about it about it and no thanks. I think (hope) she will pass on it also. I'll stick with my clean, harmless, fluffy Christian romance books. They are about all I can handle anymore. (Not saying that some non Christian themed books aren't fine to read, I just know that God has confirmed to me for me that if it isn't about Him to some extent (the book) then I don't need to be reading it.)
Jesus, please come back TODAY!!!!
Pray for the recipients!
I like the fluffy Christian romance novels, too. I don't have to worry about a kid picking up my book, or leaving it behind at the bus stop, and being embarrassed at the content.
" I have had an increasing burden to engage in some down and dirty, street evangelism." March 6, 2010
Isaiah 6:8 I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “ Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Matthew 22:9 NIV
'So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’
I'm praying for you daily!
I get my Bibles here
Member
"but then I checked out of pop culture quite awhile ago."
What a great line, mind if I borrow itIt describes perfectly how I feel about popular culture. Sometimes I wish I could live like the Amish as far as lifestyle, I don't even want to know what's going on. At my age, so many things over the years from my long-ago youth that I wish I had never allowed into my mind! It has taken many long years, repentence, and the mercy of Jesus to "wash" my brain, and even then, in this earthly life, once the bell's been rung, you can't ever "un-hear" it. Better if you can avoid ringing it in the first place.
This is an interesting discussion. I have never heard of the book, but then I checked out of pop culture quite awhile ago. I'm pretty sure I would never read anything on the NYT best seller list, because if the masses are reading it, that's a good indication that it's not for me. I stick to classics, like Jane Eyre or Little Women, or non-fiction, such as American history (which is a bit of a depressing read these days, considering how much our country has changed in the past couple of decades) and biographies of Presidents. Or books about antiques or how to restore vintage furniture, that sort of thing. Pretty dull by most people's definition, but it keeps me out of trouble.
Erica, thanks for this scripture - Phil 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things". I think I'll memorize it.
A couple of other ones that come to mind are 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." And 1 Corinthians 3:11-15: 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, [a]precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Regular Member
"but then I checked out of pop culture quite awhile ago."
What a great line, mind if I borrow it
My thoughts exactly. I was upset knowing my older daughter took my grandaughter to see the Twilight movies. They've had Twilight girls night out with their friends and Twilight themed birthday parties complete with glitter dust. Now she's taken her to see The Hunger Games and older daughter has read that Shades of Grey book. I read where someone called it "mommy porn." There have been times I thought about how nice it must be to be Amish and not know anything about worldly things. I even tried to teach my girls about guarding their minds against evil. You know how you can't unsee something once you've seen it? I have to ask Father to forgive me for thoughts I've had and have commented to my family that if I don't know something depraved or evil, I sure don't want to read or see something someone else's depraved mind has come up with. Like, if I didn't know it before, I sure don't want to know it now. Am I making sense? I'm stunned at the evil man can come up with to perpetrate on another human being. And I firmly believe you open portals in your life for evil to invade you.
When we go visit my husband purges my daughters home and we continuously pray a hedge around our grandkids. We can also see the effects on our grandchildren from the horror movies they watch and the ghost hunting trips. Please keep my family in prayer if you don't mind.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
...a cruce salus...
I think the song Slow Fade applies here.
"Be careful little eyes what you see..."
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9
Pray for the recipients!
I can't post it - it is graphic, but there is an article on the internet, written by a child services worker. She says it is clear to her, from the tone of the author, in writing the book - that the "character" is, in actuality, about 12 years old and not in her 20's. That is is pedophilia. She makes a compelling argument but, like I said, she included excerpts that would get me bannedif I posted them.
" I have had an increasing burden to engage in some down and dirty, street evangelism." March 6, 2010
Isaiah 6:8 I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “ Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Matthew 22:9 NIV
'So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’
I'm praying for you daily!
I get my Bibles here
Regular Member
My 15 year old niece posted a picture of herself "reading" this book, on facebook. I tried to talk to her and her mother...but they think I am a 'religious nut'...
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