Oye. Much to think about. I had not connected the current social (now political) law of "Thou shalt not offend" to the pagan mindset - but your argument is spot on! It now helps to explain their tendency to insane reactions which has been so similar to how the legalists of Jesus' day yelled "blasphemer!" with stones in their hands. No wonder they can not handle it when they cannot get true Christians to bow to their image. It would also now be interesting to rethink the implication of when Christians (especially leaders) acquiesce to the proverbial 11th commandment : Thou shalt be nice." Who then, truly, is their God?
Exactly right, Rebecca. People so often acquiesce to the gods of the age in the most seemingly innocuous ways. The depth of reaction often reveals the condition of the heart.
This article took me back to Daniel chapter 4. Nebuchadnezzar seeing himself as god, led to madness (Almighty God's judgement), being as the beasts of the field. What is becoming of the new gods of our age? They are becoming like beasts. We see this animal like behaviour in their response to "offensive" words. I pray for God's mercy, but I believe, that unless the gods of our age are humbled, destroyed and smashed to smithereens, the madness will only worsen. Repentance is the only way.
Amen, I think you're right about that, brother. If the unrepentant stubbornness and wilful madness continues, God is more than willing to hand people over to the consequences of their desires.
Oye. Much to think about. I had not connected the current social (now political) law of "Thou shalt not offend" to the pagan mindset - but your argument is spot on! It now helps to explain their tendency to insane reactions which has been so similar to how the legalists of Jesus' day yelled "blasphemer!" with stones in their hands. No wonder they can not handle it when they cannot get true Christians to bow to their image. It would also now be interesting to rethink the implication of when Christians (especially leaders) acquiesce to the proverbial 11th commandment : Thou shalt be nice." Who then, truly, is their God?
Exactly right, Rebecca. People so often acquiesce to the gods of the age in the most seemingly innocuous ways. The depth of reaction often reveals the condition of the heart.
This article took me back to Daniel chapter 4. Nebuchadnezzar seeing himself as god, led to madness (Almighty God's judgement), being as the beasts of the field. What is becoming of the new gods of our age? They are becoming like beasts. We see this animal like behaviour in their response to "offensive" words. I pray for God's mercy, but I believe, that unless the gods of our age are humbled, destroyed and smashed to smithereens, the madness will only worsen. Repentance is the only way.
Amen, I think you're right about that, brother. If the unrepentant stubbornness and wilful madness continues, God is more than willing to hand people over to the consequences of their desires.