Should a Christian use a VPN or is that sort of like lying?

Bible Highlighter · Apr 27, 2020

Tom 1 said:
It’s not. If the govt was actually trying to track your online activities for some reason they wouldn’t think you were in Rio, they would see that your connection is routed through Rio and that you are using a VPN. You would be telling the govt that you are using a VPN, not that you are in Rio.

I know they have the technology to see that, but they would know that you are trying to hide or lie about your real location online. Lying online is no different than telling them on the phone about it (with them also having a way of them knowing that you are lying while on the phone).

The point is a matter of principle. People think that the fact there is no harm in it, so what does it matter? It matters to God. God sees what we do even when man will never see.

Tom 1 · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
I know they have the technology to see that, but they would know that you are trying to hide or lie about your real location online. Lying online is no different than telling them on the phone about it.
The point is a matter of principle. People think that the fact there is no harm in it, so what does it matter? It matters to God. God sees what we do even man will never see.

I think you are misidentifying lie with security precaution. A lie would involve setting up something that would lead someone else to believe you are in a different location for some reason. It is not the purpose of a VPN to try and convince someone that Bobby is in Rio, the purpose of the VPN is to protect Bobby’s privacy. You seem fairly stuck on this idea however. It might be useful to spend some time reflecting on it.

Bible Highlighter · Apr 27, 2020

Tom 1 said:
I think you are misidentifying lie with security precaution. A lie would involve setting up something that would lead someone else to believe you are in a different location for some reason. It is not the purpose of a VPN to try and convince someone that Bobby is in Rio, the purpose of the VPN is to protect Bobby’s privacy. You seem fairly stuck on this idea however. It might be useful to spend some time reflecting on it.

If that was the case, then the VPN would simply say "Encrypted location" instead of Rio or some other location that they really are not in.

I wish there was a VPN that did this. If there was, I would consider prayerfully in signing up with it.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
Again, in job applications I have filled out in the past (paper ones and not online ones), I remember clearly many of them having a section for your "real first name" and "real last name" and another section called "preferred name or nickname."

And they knew your real name. So your point falls short.

Tom 1 · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
If that was the case, then the VPN would simply say "Encrypted location" instead of Rio or some other location that they really are not in. Trust me. I wish there was a VPN that did this. If there is, I would sign up with it.

It says ‘Rio’ or wherever because that is where the IP address of the router server is logged. It has no meaning. It’s a piece of machinery that is part of a global network of pieces of machinery, it has nothing to do with where you are.

Isilwen · Apr 27, 2020

Is my girlfriend sinning because she is using a company provided VPN on her work computer that she brought home because she is working from home because of the pandemic?

JesseRaymondBassett · Apr 27, 2020

From what I have learned, if you have a home wifi network or a ethernet cord that you use to get online, then there is no need for a VPN? I would only recommend a VPN if you go out in public and use the device in question frequently at places like libraries, coffee shops, etc. Now personally I do not believe this issue is a "Should I as a Christian use or not..." A VPN is technology related and I feel is just a tool to help people use it safely. It is not a spiritual matter.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
If that was the case, then the VPN would simply say "Encrypted location" instead of Rio or some other location that they really are not in.

I wish there was a VPN that did this. If there was, I would consider prayerfully in signing up with it.

Why? You list your location here as Top Secret. That’s a lie.

Bible Highlighter · Apr 27, 2020

Tom 1 said:
It says ‘Rio’ or wherever because that is where the IP address of the router server is logged. It has no meaning. It’s a piece of machinery that is part of a global network of pieces of machinery, it has nothing to do with where you are.

But is it still not a lie? Lets say my real server is downtown of the suburb I live in. But if I said my server was in another big city, that would be lying. If it simply said, "encrypted" I would be fine with it because that is not lying. It is merely hiding.

Der Alte · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
I know they have the technology to see that, but they would know that you are trying to hide or lie about your real location online. Lying online is no different than telling them on the phone about it (with them also having a way of them knowing that you are lying while on the phone).
The point is a matter of principle. People think that the fact there is no harm in it, so what does it matter? It matters to God. God sees what we do even when man will never see.

I have said all that is necessary. If you want to keep arguing about go ahead.
Your entire argument rests on intent. Look at the language you use "trying to hide or lie.""Lying online,"""lying on the phone," etc. That assumes intent.
If a person wants to protect them self from criminal activity online and the only thing available at the present time is VPN there is no lying intent involved. Until something else comes along VPN will have to do.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
But is it still not a lie? Lets say my real server is downtown of the suburb I live in. But if I said my server was in another big city, that would be lying. If it simply said, "encrypted" I would be fine with it because that is not lying. It is merely hiding.

Who are you telling this to, and why are you trying to deceive them?

Bible Highlighter · Apr 27, 2020

Isilwen said:
Is my girlfriend sinning because she is using a company provided VPN on her work computer that she brought home because she is working from home because of the pandemic?

I can only express to you what I feel is good and right. I will ultimately let God make the final decision or judgment call. Maybe He will not find a problem with it. For me: The safer play is not to use a VPN that lies about my online location. The Bible gets pretty serious about lying in Revelation 21:8. I don't want to be anywhere close to what may be considered a lie because my soul is too important to play games with. But that's just me.

Tom 1 · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
But is it still not a lie? Lets say my real server is downtown of the suburb I live in. But if I said my server was in another big city, that would be lying. If it simply said, "encrypted" I would be fine with it because that is not lying. It is merely hiding.

You seem to be equating your router’s IP address with the kind of information you are legally or for other reasons required to provide for some things, like your address or other personal details. Whatever IP address your connection routes through is meaningless. If it were as you say then you’d need to get a static IP address as a dynamic one wouldn’t necessarily be providing consistent info to whoever you are concerned might be trying to track you. It’s same as thinking you are lying if you say your car is German when some of the engine parts were made in S Korea. It has no relevant meaning.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
I can only express to you what I feel is good and right. I will ultimately let God make the final decision or judgment call. Maybe He will not find a problem with it. For me: The safer play is not to use a VPN that lies about my online location. The Bible gets pretty serious about lying in Revelation 21:8. I don't want to be anywhere close to what may be considered a lie because my soul is too important to play games with. But that's just me.

If your conscience tells you not to, then it would be a sin to use one.

redleghunter · Apr 27, 2020

Might be time to check out some IPs on this site.

Isilwen · Apr 27, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
I can only express to you what I feel is good and right. I will ultimately let God make the final decision or judgment call. Maybe He will not find a problem with it. For me: The safer play is not to use a VPN that lies about my online location. The Bible gets pretty serious about lying in Revelation 21:8. I don't want to be anywhere close to what may be considered a lie because my soul is too important to play games with. But that's just me.

That proves that you really do not understand what you asked.

She is required to use the VPN by her employer because she is working with business tax accounts and people's banking information. The VPN shields that information from someone looking to steal said information. This is protecting others' welfare in protecting their personal and business information from those looking to do them harm.

If you feel God might call that sinning, then you really need to get down on your knees and have a serious talk with God and let him tell you for sure!

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

redleghunter said:
Might be time to check out some IPs on this site.

We do.

redleghunter · Apr 27, 2020

Hammster said:
We do.

You are more tech savvy given your work here. Isn’t using a VPN to protect surfing similar to using a firewall and virus protections? I believe a firewall prevents outsiders from collecting computer or device information and ID.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

redleghunter said:
You are more tech savvy given your work here. Isn’t using a VPN to protect surfing similar to using a firewall and virus protections? I believe a firewall prevents outsiders from collecting computer or device information and ID.

Honestly, I’m not that savvy.

Hammster · Apr 27, 2020

I don’t really intend to pick on the OP. But in my experience here, these types of ideas usually come from folks that don’t belong to a local congregation.

Should a Christian use a VPN or is that sort of like lying?

Should a Christian use a VPN or is that sort of like lying?

Yes, Christians can use a VPN; It is not lying.

No, Christians cannot use a VPN; It would be like lying.

It depends (Please explain).

I don't know.

Other (Please explain).

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

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Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

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Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

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