Hey so these last few blogs I probably should have put up earlier to get like the debate feed back from my classmates but I'm a coward and didn't want them to be pointed out by Leeper and then I'd have to explain myself and stuff. So I have these thoughts that I'll be "Narcissistically" wrestling with myself for however long.
Anyway I had one main question that stayed with me throughout the semester starting from fridge and continuing on.
There was some discussion in class about the evangelical church and their Narcissistic way of confirming their ideas about Christianity off others who have the same mindset. We made the connection of this to secular works ..and you probably know where I'm going with this.
Why am I so against watching 'non-christian' content? Honestly I don't think it's about whether a Christian made it or not. I try to be very careful about what I watch. I just have this strong conviction that whatever I open myself up to when it comes to media. "All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial."
So saying we as Christians should watch a variety of art outside our little safety bubble for us to improve our art seemed a little bit off. Who's the Author of art? Not God, the one who created out of nothing? If I want to improve my art, why am I looking to the creation that is still figuring out the fact that it can create over the One who gave the talent to create?
Having said that, I just want to clarify. I don't think Christians should ignore the amazing work and talent that God has gifted those who are "lost". But I don't believe we should watch or consume any form of media once it's "good" art.
Oh well, maybe I'll just confirm my thoughts with a group of friends who'll never refute me.
I don't clearly remember what Leeper or anyone else said at the time, but speaking for myself, I think the important thing is to listen to different perspectives. When you engage with art from non-Christians, even from people with "vulgar" backgrounds, you learn to understand experiences and perspectives that you might otherwise be ignorant of. It's the same reason you want to form casual relationships with non Christians, to learn to understand them and better love them, and THEN maybe be better equipped to bring them to Christ.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I see. I guess I just still feel iffy about consuming media with messages against God's Word...
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