True, but there was to be some enjoyment in life. Your opinions are respected. Note: Are you implying that I am sinning by watching T.V. and movies?
No, I'm not.
Keeping in mind that we're talking T.V. and movies that are not full of content that is questionable, of course. I'm just simply saying that it might not be what God is intending us to do with our time in this life, and that there are more important things we could be doing.
Sarah, you are wise beyond your years little sister.
Life would be worth living even if we were being held captive without any entertainment (like Joseph). It's worth living if we can touch even one person with the love of God at ANY point during our lives.
Desire shall fail. That's the truth. The things I found important at your and Mankin's ages (well, I don't really know Mankin's age honestly), are so UNimportant to me now.
Thank you. I completely agree. And, ironically, my mom is always saying that about how when I'm older I probably won't be interseted in going to church and such. *lol* That can go both ways and can be frustrating sometimes.
Sometimes things do seem unimportant when you get a certain age. Also things that were unimportant when you where younger seem important when you get older. Should a person decide to rephrain from entertainment, I was never under the impression that many do, then so be it. But if someone still entertains themselves but is careful about what entertainment they are doing, then so be it. I find entertainment to be a form of fun, just like other things.
I thought the same as you at one time, that no one 'didn't' watch tv and such anymore. Except maybe the Amish and such. *lol* I've been surprised to see how many people I've met that don't watch tv/have a computer/go to the theater, let alone some who aren't even doing it for Christian reasons! Some people seem to see that it's becoming more and more 'life', than an extra to life to this world.
I'm glad you can find something enjoyable in this world, with all the bad and such. It all does come down to personal choice. Right now, I enjoy playing The Sims because I find it takes me away from the stress at home, but I've also seen how many times I've walked away after a couple hours and realized I've virtually wasted that time. Or when it's distracted me from spending time with God. For reaons like this, I have strong views on entertainment...I just need to get myself in a place where I follow them. I know that when I move out I won't both buying a tv. I'll keep my computer, but no tv I think. Too much temptation for me.
Entertainment is a broad word. It can cover many things. Some people live without it, but that is only because of their definition of entertainment. In my opinion, entertainment is anything that entertains you. Anything that find to be fun. God, work, and fun. These are three components that are part of people's lives. God is the ruler of your life and your work and fun should reflect His standards and love.
Keeping in mind this thread started out about theatres, though.
Yes, God wants us to enjoy life if we are lucky enough to get that chance...But it's very important that we do not limit our enjoyment to trivial things and can be just as happy in 'any' setting, by having a relationship with God.
If, for some reason, you were forced to go and live in some remote villiage on an island without power...could you be just as happy?
In the end, though...regardless of the secular entertainment, it's all about moderation. Many Adventists are health food people, but it's not to say God doesn't mind if we have a peice of cheesecake every once in awhile..as long as we don't like cheesecake become a controlling factor. Jesus said one cannot serve two masters, right?
Right on. His standards are much higher than ours are, so I'm always careful not to try to bring His down to my level.
Very true.
I think I am pretty much done with this thread. I have stated my points and case. I guess I have almost run out of things to say about this topic, except this, that many people old or young indulge in entertainment. Ultimately, what matters most is making sure that your choices in entertainment are not offensive to God. Entertainment is unnecessary but that doesn't necessarily make it bad in every instance.
Agreed completely.
It is phil 4:8. God does not say we should not go to the movie theater.
Technically, God also says that we should stone a sinner, no? That doesn't fit into modern times and people have learned to adapt it to do so, by looking for other, similar verses they believe applies.