Am I doing wrong?

[StingRae]

I've been a Christian all my life. But recently, I've been doing things that go against my perception (more like my parents' perceptions) of what I should listen to, watch and read about.

Since I'm still a minor (therefore in the eyes of God I should be obeying them at all costs), I don't know whether my concerns still apply. But it's been bothering me lately.

A few things I have gotten myself into are: reading and writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Yes. this may or may not include magic as a fictional plot device), listening to Heavy Metal and Rock (I go for bands like Skillet, Fit For A King and Stryper. All are bands with a strong Christian faith.), having a liking for myths and legends of various cultures (such as Chinese, Nordic and Celtic.) and lastly (this may strike a chord with some) playing Dungeons and Dragons as the Dungeon Master (or D.M) of my friend group.

These interests have put me at odds with my parents, who think that all Heavy Metal is from Satan (Look, I also fear and dislike those groups who mock Jesus on the cross and rip copies of the bible in half at their shows.). I feel that not all Metal is from the Devil, but on the other hand, not all Metal is of God either.

In your honest opinion, am I sinning in the eyes of the Lord?

And what must I do to grow closer to Him?

 

[tturt]

My honest opinion is we have to be aware of what we allow to come into our minds. Once we see it, it's recorded in our minds.

It's great that you honor your parents and more importantly God.

Our youth pastor's advice was if you are comfortable watching it with Jesus or say or hear it with Him, you decide. Because as a believer, He is there.

 

[Job3315]

I've been a Christian all my life. But recently, I've been doing things that go against my perception (more like my parents' perceptions) of what I should listen to, watch and read about.

Since I'm still a minor (therefore in the eyes of God I should be obeying them at all costs), I don't know whether my concerns still apply. But it's been bothering me lately.

A few things I have gotten myself into are: reading and writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Yes. this may or may not include magic as a fictional plot device), listening to Heavy Metal and Rock (I go for bands like Skillet, Fit For A King and Stryper. All are bands with a strong Christian faith.), having a liking for myths and legends of various cultures (such as Chinese, Nordic and Celtic.) and lastly (this may strike a chord with some) playing Dungeons and Dragons as the Dungeon Master (or D.M) of my friend group.

These interests have put me at odds with my parents, who think that all Heavy Metal is from Satan (Look, I also fear and dislike those groups who mock Jesus on the cross and rip copies of the bible in half at their shows.). I feel that not all Metal is from the Devil, but on the other hand, not all Metal is of God either.

In your honest opinion, am I sinning in the eyes of the Lord?

And what must I do to grow closer to Him?

The fact that you are asking, makes me feel the Holy Spirit in you is stirring up His own concern for you. My best advice is to ask God to help you discern.

I used to own many horror movies, when I moved from my parents house and came back a year later to do a garage sale and clear my room, I wanted to get rid of the movies and asked the Lord if I should sell them. He gave me a dream where I had keychains that were good and others were rusty. In the dream I knew I couldn't sell the rusty ones, so I threw them away; and thats what I did with the horror movies. I also used to play an online game, but the Lord showed me it was a "spider web". He also warned me about certain bands. For example, one time I had a song stuck in my head. I felt the Holy Spirit ask me to check the lyrics, when I did, I realized it was a song about suicide.

I know it sucks, specially for youth because everything seems evil, but the devil has taken so people many captive and they are influencing others. Unfortunately these are the times we are living, but we must keep digging until we find the good. My rule is, if is not in God's heart and mind, I don't want it in mine, and I judge from there.

 

[Monksailor]

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Gal 5:22-23 NIV

'for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' 2 Tim 1:7 ESV

Do you find yourself growing in the fruit above or maybe the opposite and/or do you find the spirit of fear stirred or even manifested when you engage in these things?

 

[John Helpher]

Since I'm still a minor (therefore in the eyes of God I should be obeying them at all costs), I don't know whether my concerns still apply. But it's been bothering me lately.

At all costs sounds rather extreme. Parents don't always get it right and as an emergent adult you'll need to start recognizing these areas. This honor parents thing is often one of the most misunderstood teachings. It doesn't mean you become a robot who can only do what you're told. That would not bring honor to your parents. But don't forget that God is the ultimate parent. What happens when your earthly parents want you to do something which seems contrary to what your heavenly parent wants?

If you are living with them then it's reasonable to obey their rules but you don't have to think like them.

reading and writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Yes. this may or may not include magic as a fictional plot device)

It's not a sin to have an imagination.

listening to Heavy Metal and Rock (I go for bands like Skillet, Fit For A King and Stryper. All are bands with a strong Christian faith.)

Heavy metal is just a kind of music. There are a lot of bands out there that get into some weird anti-God stuff but that doesn't make the style of music wrong. That would be irrational.

having a liking for myths and legends of various cultures (such as Chinese, Nordic and Celtic.)

I really don't see any problem with this. If your parents think you shouldn't learn about other cultures then they are probably insecure. Jesus said that if we follow him then the gates of hell will not prevail against us. The interpretation is that if we're sincere then we can explore anything without fear; we could walk in and out of hell without a scratch.

playing Dungeons and Dragons as the Dungeon Master (or D.M) of my friend group.

It's just a game. None of this stuff is inherently wrong. It's the way you use it that will make the difference. Eating icecream could be sinful if God has asked us not to eat it. In fact, there are several rich, western countries out there that may be quite surprised at how harshly God judges their materialism. They nitpick at these little gnat-issues like music or board games while indulging their greed.

The best way to honor your parents is by examining the teachings of Jesus and doing your best to apply them. For example, did you know Jesus said we should not make promises for any reason? He said we should only say yes or no; there is no reason to make promises if you mean what you say.

Did you know he said we should keep our praying, fasting, and charity giving secret from everyone so that only God knows we're doing it?

Did you know Jesus said we can't work for God and money at the same time without cheating on one or the other and that our new, full time job is to work for God's Kingdom of love, first, by going into all the world to teach others to do the same?

Something to think about.

 

[Albion]

In your honest opinion, am I sinning in the eyes of the Lord?

No.

And what must I do to grow closer to Him?

I'd have to know more about your church membership and activities, but you can see the direction I'm looking at for a possible answer.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

I've been a Christian all my life. But recently, I've been doing things that go against my perception (more like my parents' perceptions) of what I should listen to, watch and read about.

Since I'm still a minor (therefore in the eyes of God I should be obeying them at all costs), I don't know whether my concerns still apply. But it's been bothering me lately.

A few things I have gotten myself into are: reading and writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Yes. this may or may not include magic as a fictional plot device), listening to Heavy Metal and Rock (I go for bands like Skillet, Fit For A King and Stryper. All are bands with a strong Christian faith.), having a liking for myths and legends of various cultures (such as Chinese, Nordic and Celtic.) and lastly (this may strike a chord with some) playing Dungeons and Dragons as the Dungeon Master (or D.M) of my friend group.

These interests have put me at odds with my parents, who think that all Heavy Metal is from Satan (Look, I also fear and dislike those groups who mock Jesus on the cross and rip copies of the bible in half at their shows.). I feel that not all Metal is from the Devil, but on the other hand, not all Metal is of God either.

In your honest opinion, am I sinning in the eyes of the Lord?

And what must I do to grow closer to Him?

There is a point in our lives that we have to fix in our hearts what we believe to be true. Some Christians are really extreme in their views, this can include our parents. The bible tells us:

Jas 4:17 The man who has knowledge of how to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

This scripture suggests that if we know something to be wrong and do it it is sin to us. If we don't consider something a sin and do it we will not be judged.

How I would normally advise people on such topics is the bible says:

Ecc 7:16-18 Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you? Be not evil overmuch, and be not foolish. Why come to your end before your time? It is good to take this in your hand and not to keep your hand from that; he who has the fear of God will be free of the two.

Basically it says, don't be given to the kind of righteousness that makes your life unbearably hard, take the middle road. This applies to entertainment, and the kinds of music we listen to, the kinds of games we play.

It is not a sin to listen to heavy music, and even games with magic of themselves are not sin. However, when it comes to stuff with magic, it would be better not to play, but God will not judge you if you do.

Let's discuss the magic in games issue. Stories like cinderella have magic, yet have wide acceptance in the Christian community. Yet things like Dungeons and Dragons, have far less acceptance. So what is different between the two, both have magic. I would suggest Dungeons and Dragons, have a deeper level of magic, it is closer to real magic. There is a line that we draw in the sand, a scale, as we move down that scale, as we get closer to real magic, and more Christians will find it unacceptable. Some will still feel "ok" before God. Really they are not sinning, any more than a person reading Cinderella. We have to be convinced in our own hearts as to God's will. It is between you and God.