Who Made You Judge? - Ask It Basket
November 25, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Ask It Basket, Christianity, Friends, Life, People
A friend on Facebook writes …
Why is it that when you share with a friend that the lifestyle they are living is wrong in the eyes of God, they immediately come back with you are judging me.. Ugh.. Walking in love with a close friend trying my best to walk in love and go the extra mile. And we have a disagreement she comes back with, ” I feel like you are condemning me.
If you are sharing with her that what she is doing is wrong in the eyes of God… you may not be judging the totality of her life and soul but you definitely are judging her actions. I personally think, and I could be wrong, that the broader view of the scriptures demonstrate that we should not judge others hearts but are too discern (judge) the actions of ourselves first and then others as they affect themselves, us and those around us. We have no right to judge a person’s soul or motives (intent.) But if someone is lying or participating in behavior that is sinful according to the scriptures … the scripture obviously tells us to teach, correct, exhort … all kinds of things … that assess (judge) actions and compel a response.
All of that is encapsulated in the golden rule of loving God with our whole being and loving others as ourselves. It also is tempered by making sure we are aware of our own frailty first so that we approach others with humility and not out of our own sense of righteousness.
Time is On Our Side … Really? - Ask It Basket
September 8, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Ask It Basket, Christianity, Civil Rights, Culture War, Current Affairs, People
Jay S. writes:
Why is it that time is the permission of our day? When we hear the phrase “This is 2008″ which is usually stated after a statement about a particular behaviour or act, why does time allow for liberal thought and actions? Is this an obvious answer - or is it just an excuse?
GREAT question and while it is probably out of my league … I’ll give it a shot :).
I honestly don’t think it is just a liberal issue. The declaration of time carries with it and underlying assumption that as time progresses so does wisdom and understanding in every avenue of the human experience. Usually people assume that their own opinions are manifestations of that progress. I have noticed an underlying conceit that moderns are somehow more wise and intelligent than of generations past.
On one hand, time being a barometer of progress is true. Who would have thought we would be where we are at technologically a hundred years ago? … or even twenty years ago. The sciences and medical fields have also progressed in a similar manner. We could come up with a bunch of different examples of how time does bring wisdom, understanding and progress. But my guess would be that most of those would be found in the objective disciplines and inventions. When it comes to personal and social progress the human track record is full of hills and valleys marking great gains (MLK and the Civil Rights Movement) and great horrors (WWII, Islamo Fascism.) On the personal and interpersonal levels … we are all over the place.
Packaging Disparity Between Hot Dogs and Buns - Ask It Basket
I am so glad someone finally asked. Jay writes …
So my dear Facebook friend - you asked recently if “we” had any suggestions for blog topics. Could you do a blog on why they make packets of hot dogs with 8 and yet they make packs of hot dog buns with 6. It leaves hot dog lovers with 2 less buns to work with. With all the research you do - and your insight to so much in life - I just had to consult with you on this.
You don’t know why? I am surprised. It’s really very easy to explain. (more after the jump)
The Quandary of “Gays” on HGTV - Ask It Basket
August 26, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Ask It Basket, Christianity, Culture War, Current Affairs, Ex-Gay, Gay, Homosexuality, People, Prayer, Television, art
SilverSurfersWave asks:
*While watching “House Hunters” on HGTV, do you change the channel when the couple turns out to be gay? Do you turn the channel if the couple is living out of wedlock?
I have a confession to make. For some, who rely heavily on stereotypes, it just may ruin my “used to be gay” creds but … I can’t stand that channel. Not because of the allegations of homosexuals running rampant through the shows but because … ::: deep breath ::: because, home design (fashion in general) is … not my thing.
I didn’t even know there was a show called “House Hunters.” Put the rocks down …
Sure, when I was looking for my home last year, I got into HGTV for a few days. And, if you make me focus, give me money and force me to do it … I can do a pretty darn good job. But, here’s an example of where HGTV falls on my cable list of frequently flipped to channels. Comedy Channel - 66 (Scrubs). Fox News - 28, CNN Headline News - 23, Cartoon Network - 36, TNT - 11, TBS - 12, USA - 39, FX - 70 …
HGTV - ?
