Is Duck Dynasty a Good Example of Christianity?

S

sermonindex Aug 30, 2013

A&E’s hit show “Duck Dynasty,” a semi-reality comedy show following the antics of the Robertson family in Louisiana, has quickly become the biggest hit in reality TV history, according to the New York Times’ profile this week. The show has sparked a good bit of discussion among Christians not only because of its popularity and entertainment value, but also because the Robertsons are fairly vocal about their own faith.

I say “fairly,” of course, because the extent to which the family’s Christianity is displayed on the show has been a matter of some controversy. Thomas Kidd calls the show a portrayal of “cultural Christianity,” a Jesus-less, Southern, family-and-values life that is generic, unoffensive, and, Kidd charges, not specifically Christian in any meaningful way.

However, it seems that’s not how the Robertson family really think and live. The NYT piece quoted one of the show’s producers ...

P

proudpapa Aug 31, 2013

they are COC.

S

sermonindex Aug 31, 2013

You need to read the whole article.

The show is wholesome comedy, but does not and is not supposed to reflect their real life. It's a comedy show.

Jesus is a good example of Christianity. We are to look to Him. We are being conformed to His image not a duck hunter's image.

By the way, their duck calls work real good.

R

rookie Aug 31, 2013

I love the show. I love to see men stand up for Christ. And I love to see how Christ has changed them.

And I prefer "cultural Christianity" over all other "cultures."

P

proudpapa Sep 1, 2013

Duck Commander Phil Robertson - Deciding To Follow Jesus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KwrmlTPI8w

T

TMK Sep 1, 2013

I hope no one comes on here and starts bad-mouthing DD.

It is light hearted show that displays good values and it is obvious they are believers.

They don't have to be bible thumping every second of the show to prove they are a good example of christianity.

K

kjcword Sep 2, 2013

I don't think anyone should bash them either. They are much better than a lot of what is on tv these days.
But whether you consider them to be Christian is entirely different. Some are ok with the Church of Christ, and some people do not consider them to be orthodox Christians at all.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

The Lord knows those that are His and you can't and should not judge someone by the denomination they are part of. Too much of that going on. Let's get to know people one on one instead of judging them from afar.

Another thing is that a Christian without a sense of humor is going to have a hard time in their walk with the Lord, receiving correction, raising their kids and being married. And, one without a sense of humor who cannot laugh at themselves is going to be very hard if not impossible to live with. They are the type that never make a mistake, their doctrine is perfect and they make sure everyone else is aware of that.

So we can be like the tax collector standing afar off and judging and taking comfort in his own works of righteousness or we can be like the publican, smoting his breast and asking God for mercy.

Personally, I could hang out with Si or Jase for a weekend eating crawfish and going froggin. I think we would have some great conversations, too.

K

kjcword Sep 2, 2013

umm, judged? I just stated that some people do not consider the Church of Christ to be actual Christians because of their beliefs. I know a lot of COC folks who don't consider evangelicals as saved either.

Again, I don't think that they should be bashed. The original post was "Is Duck Dynasty a good example of Christianity". Just answering the question. Most people are split as to whether or not they are in fact Christian. That's not a "judgement", it's just an observation.

Whether or not you consider COC to be Christian or not has ZERO bearing on your walk with God, ability to receive correction, ability to raise kids, or be married. Discussions like this are meant to edify the Body. Nobody has said anything negative towards the DD family.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

Who said anything about COC? What's the "c" mean in kjcword?

K

kjcword Sep 2, 2013

COC is the church that the DD family belongs to. It was asked if their show is a good example of Christianity. Its debatable for some to even consider the COC as Christian.

The "c" in my user name is my middle initial in my name. Not sure why that's important to you.

Hope you understand this.

K

kjcword Sep 2, 2013

COC is the church that the DD family belongs to. It was asked if their show is a good example of Christianity. Its debatable for some to even consider the COC as Christian.

The "c" in my user name is my middle initial in my name. Not sure why that's important to you.

Hope you understand this.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

Their show is supposed to be about comedy not Christianity. You can maybe ask if their show is a good example of comedy. It seems you really want to ask if the COC is a good example of Christianity. Do you think the COC is a good example of Christianity? I don't know about the Robertson's personal faith walk.

You middle initial is not important to me, I was just curious because I thought KJ was King James and I couldn't figure out what the "C" was for. Now, I know KJ is not for King James.

K

kjcword Sep 2, 2013

I refer you back to the original question that someone asked. Do we think that DD is a good example of Christianity.
They didn't ask if we thought the show was a good example of comedy.

I personally have no problems with the show, I've only seen 1 episode. I'm only pointing out that COC has a history of not being considered Christian.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

I think N. Korean saints under persecution would serve as better examples of Christianity.

My thoughts.

Bearmaster.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

So now we are comparing Christians with other Christians and we have been told in Corinthians not to do that. We lower our standards when Jesus is no longer the one we compare ourselves to.

I thought this was an interesting comment from Alan, Phil's oldest son on DD.

Alan noted that what people are exposed to by watching the TV show is the love that the Robertsons have for each other even when they have disagreements or different perspectives.

"When you see the show, you can tell we enjoy being around each other, and there's a prayer at the end, but you've kind of got to go a little deeper to find out what we really believe. And when you read Si's book, or you read dad's book, or you go hear one of us speak, then you know the real deal," Alan explained.

Elaborating on his Christian faith and the challenges it's brought him and Christine through, Si commented that he doesn't know to whom or what people turn to if they don't believe in God."

I think Alan sums it up pretty good, "you have to go a little deeper to find out what they really believe".

And he says,

"I think that without faith we wouldn't be that way," Alan affirmed. "We would've splintered apart a long time ago, and we wouldn't be together. So, obviously it's kept us together. One of the things that I like about the show is that it's subtle, and it kind of reminds me of when Jesus used to teach in parables. Jesus would lay out just a practical teaching, but you really had to dive a little deeper to know more about it. And I think it's that way with our family's faith."

Many in Jesus' time did not think He was a good example of representing God so they crucified Him.

Si says this,

"It's very humbling, number one," Si stated. "There's a lot of kids who look-up to me, and that's humbling. Because being human, I don't want to fail them. But being human, I will. That's why it's so important to have your faith put in something that won't fail you. And that means the son of God's kingdom."

I think they would be the first to say, they are not the example of Christianity that everyone should follow and that everyone should look to Christ.

I think the question we should all be concerned about is, "Are we a good example of Christ", but it always seems easier to talk about others and point the finger at them.

God bless the North Korean saints who I do not think would bash and criticize and compare others so that they could elevate themselves above others.

Sometimes, so-called Christians remind me of some rabbits that I used to raise. The mother rabbits would become fearful because they thought there was a predator in the barn and then they would eat their new born babies.

Galatians 5:15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

K

Koheleth Sep 2, 2013

The show is wholesome comedy, but does not and is not supposed to reflect their real life. It's a comedy show.
Jesus is a good example of Christianity. We are to look to Him.

I agree with this quotation, although I would like to hear a report from his Father on how much time Jesus spent watching comedy. I believe his followers should spend the same amount of time.

I hope no one comes on here and starts bad-mouthing DD.

Does this mean we should not discern and comment? Not label anything as Christian or non-Christian?

They are much better than a lot of what is on tv these days.

That is not really saying anything positive.

This world is plunging to hell. Does comedy have any connection to "Blessed are those who mourn?" Is a reality show a profitable way to use the time the Lord is giving us? Paul said, "Redeem the time, because the days are evil."

I watched about 30 seconds of this show last week. I had seen so many references to it that I decided to see what it was. That was enough for me to know that I will not give it another 30 seconds in this life.

If there is a Christian who finds that the best thing they can do for the Lord is to watch this show, it is only because they haven't spoken with him lately. So dear friend, if you want to be with the Lord, I recommend you "diligently seek Him."

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

What you are watching is the interactions of a family that loves each other. It is a "reality show". They wrap it up at the end of the show and tell a little story about what they have learned regarding relationships and how important it is to love one another and forgive. I would not say it was comedy like some stand-up comedian. You are being a bit harsh, aren't you? You would not last in my home with legalistic judgments like that.

I love it when those who don't approve of what you are doing, will pull out "the world is going to hell" card and try to put guilt on you and condemn you. Who said the "best thing they can do for the Lord" is to watch the show? I have not seen anyone say that. Did you read someone say that?

Those who are super spiritual are characterized by love and mercy and patience and don't go around condemning people. If Jesus did not condemn people (John 3:17) then we are not qualified to condemn people. I would like to know how you encourage people.

There is no way you can say that if someone watches this show, they have not spoken with the Lord, lately. That's a ridiculous, legalistic judgement.

So, the world is plunging to hell,,, would you allow me to judge whether or not you are redeeming the time? You wouldn't mind, would you? I am eminently qualified to determine whether the pursuits you are involved in are vanity or not.

S

sermonindex Sep 2, 2013

The plain truth is we would rather sadly in North America esteem and enjoy Duck Dynasty as a model of a fruitful Christen than godly missionaries from the past. Christians want to be entertained to death.

"Entertainment is the devils substitute for joy." - Leonard Ravenhill.

Praying for the lost, witnessing, godly discipline and other things need to be our focus not watching silly programs that have zero influence on our eternity and the eternity of others around us. The world has embraced Duck Dynasty Christianity because its not the Christianity of the Bible. Jesus Christ our Lord said if that the world did not accept Him neither will it accept us.

Oh saints wake up. The great apostasy is not coming it is upon us and will result in a new type of Christianity that is divorced from the true Jesus Christ and His Word.

R

rookie Sep 2, 2013

Our lives as Christians should also reflect Scripture...

Ecc 3:4
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;

Ecc 3:5
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;

Ecc 3:6
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;

Ecc 3:7
A time to tear,
And a time to sew; A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;

Ecc 3:8
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.

Life is filled with circumstances which are not always dire. How can one be sure that a witness for Christ on a show like Duck Dynasty has "zero influence on ...the eternity of others?"

E

Elibeth Sep 3, 2013

Dear one's,
I realize that there are many,many that love watching these comedy shows.
Do you think that I want to offend you,..and stand the chance to be blasted? Oh NO !

Could these type of things be a means to 'ROCK US TO SLEEP ' ?
The Lord wants us to ' TO AWAKEN OUT OF OUR SLEEP ' !
Is it not for our own good that He says this ?
Why does He want us to be AWAKE ?...WHY ?

We must guard /watch this house,( that houses the Holy Spirit) else the thief,shall come and steal things that The Lord has worked / taught about His Way in our lives.

As we walk now into The stores,..seeing their pictures on many things,..Are these people being GLORIFIDED ?.....who ALONE is to be glorified ?

We all have to be on guard,..always ,...follows of God as dear children.

Out of much love and care I write these things,
Elizabeth

S

sermonindex Sep 3, 2013

As I posted previously, better to kook to the sants if N. Korea to be witnesses of true Cbrisimtianity.

Bearmaster.

R

rookie Sep 3, 2013

My Brother wrote:

"The plain truth is we would rather sadly in North America esteem and enjoy Duck Dynasty as a model of a fruitful Christen than godly missionaries from the past. Christians want to be entertained to death. "

You started this thread to get around to making the above point. God is not limited by our imaginations of what is needed in this generation. The past works of men have little "influence" on this generation. The salt of dead saints does not compare to the salt of live saints. God uses gang bangers, drug addicts, hipsters, and hicks to bring the good news to a lost world. Those who have been forgiven much often are those who are most merciful. And these the Lord will use to spread salt where there is none.

The more one's life is spent living under the Law of Moses the more one's life will reflect the fruit of scorn and condemnation. And we know from Scripture...

Psa 1:1
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

A man who live by the law is cursed by the law.

K

Koheleth Sep 3, 2013

I was inclined not to reply, since I have spoken, but just for the sake of conversation . . .

My reply, and others like it, have been called scorn, condemnation, and legalistic judgment. But is it so?

Are we not aware that the enemy has tools? Or even that there is an enemy of our souls?

If so, what does he look like? How does he come? Does he ever look like something good (even an angel of light)?

Jesus said to "judge with right judgment". There has been no scorn or condemnation so far in this thread that I have picked up on. But discussing and discerning and even warning about things that are affecting people's lives is entirely Christian.

K

Koheleth Sep 3, 2013

The past works of men have little "influence" on this generation.

You are right. Jesus Christ, Peter, and Paul have very little influence on this generation. But that is not a good thing.

God uses gang bangers, drug addicts, hipsters, and hicks to bring the good news to a lost world.

Never. God only uses saints. God uses people who used to be sinners, but they are now transformed. In our assessment of things, it is important to be balanced. While God uses former drug addicts, he also uses those raised in Christian homes who have never used drugs. While he uses hicks, he also uses the educated. God uses anyone who will come to him on his terms, and he resists all others.

I

InTheLight Sep 3, 2013

You started this thread to get around to making the above point. God is not limited by our imaginations of what is needed in this generation. The past works of men have little "influence" on this generation. The salt of dead saints does not compare to the salt of live saints. God uses gang bangers, drug addicts, hipsters, and hicks to bring the good news to a lost world. Those who have been forgiven much often are those who are most merciful. And these the Lord will use to spread salt where there is none.

Very well put Jeff, thank you for posting this.

In Christ,

Ron

S

Solomon101 Sep 3, 2013

Really? I mean...really?

I am amazed at the self righteous stance so many take toward anyone or anything that they are not in charge of.

Here is just an example of what so many here quickly oppose-

"I think the problems in our country are spiritual ones. Where there is no Jesus evil always reigns." - Phil Robertson, Duck Commander.

Why don't you critics go actually win some lost folks to Christ instead of criticizing others that are clearly sharing Christ is their Savior.

In their, " silly little show" they have more people actually considering how families and communities should care for each other through their differences and more importantly considering the claims of Christ and His Kingdom.

As you criticize them the question then becomes... exactly what have you done in comparison?

Well? In comparison exactly what have you done?

Experience and scripture teach me that the critics have done virtually nothing... but criticize.

As it has been said.....

Those who can, do. Those who can't criticize those who do.

Seems clear that a lot of people can't, or won't, do much for the kingdom.

They are to busy self righteously criticizing those who are doing something. A lot of them also seem compelled to criticize them on this thread.

Nothing new under the sun.

S

sermonindex Sep 3, 2013

You are right. Jesus Christ, Peter, and Paul have very little influence on this generation. But that is not a good thing.

This is the great thought here, do we have a NEW type of Christianity? Yes mercy, love, grace and humility need to abound in us and the testimony of Christ. But my grief in writing has been "how low can we set the standard and bar?" I personally have much grace for all the men in Duck Dynasty, the Lord knows those who are His.

But are they really examples for the Church to speak about, to emulate? Most saints are scared to speak of anything that is culturally accepted. The old revivalists would speak directly to the idols of the day that people adored enjoyed and spent time with more than the Lord.

I know God does not judge by the appearance and God raises up and uses any whose heart has changed and Christ dwells in them. But again to watch this show and think we can be like them is wrong and setting the bar of the example of Jesus Christ low. Even the emphasis on family is good but is family put before God? What verses have you heard shared on this TV program except John 3:16? The Word of God brings division. The true Gospel is not accepted by all. Especially by all Americans.

I am sorry if it comes across critical brothers and sisters. I accept all the brethren who have posted in this thread with love.

S

sermonindex Sep 3, 2013

You started this thread to get around to making the above point.

To be honest dear brother I did not. I simply thought that most saints on this website would not be excited about the confession of Christ by these men as an example to America but little or no Gospel being preached. I see it as added to the American gospel deception where people can confess Christ but never change their way of life.

L

Lordoitagain Sep 3, 2013

Take it from someone who grew up in West Monroe LA … the home of Duck Dynasty. At the age of 11 (now 48) I was convicted of watching TV, and though everyone in my house and in our church watched it, I quit watching TV at that age because of the content (of 98% of most TV) and the time waste factor, yet I was shocked when I found out that a TV series produced in my home town got more viewers than any in the history of TV.

Think about the issues here, saints. Our hunger and thirst has been for men to turn to Christ who transforms lives into Christ-likeness and we are grieved at the destruction that we see all around us because of people going the other direction – away from Christ. For many years the only thing that has gotten any high amount of viewers is TV that points people AWAY from Christ and toward every imaginable perversion. Then, in this moral disarray, a “reality show” is aired which exalts Christ-likeness as the preferred way of life, and more people watch it than any other show in the history of TV.

Can we not see this as a great indicator of a hunger in the hearts of most Americans for the very things that have been rejected for decades now? I have never watched the show on TV, but I viewed one over the internet. It was the 49th wedding anniversary. Forty-nine years of marriage is SUCH a rarity in the USA! Families that uphold Christian principles of “til death do us part”, and love and unity amongst siblings are almost unheard of in this morally wrecked country!

Personally, I can’t promote watching ANYthing on TV, and what I saw of DD, I did not consider to be the best training in Christian living available, but the whole crave for the show has shown me one thing: there is a hunger in the hearts of Americans for that which can only be found in Jesus Christ. The popularity of the show is an indicator. The SAD reality is that most Americans prefer to watch a show with Bible based morals because most American homes are so morally wrecked that a home and “happy, happy, happy” family like the Robertsons’ is only a dream for them.

Whether or not they are the best examples of Christianity should not be our focus. The wide-spread craving for a home environment that is openly attributed to Christian principles should show us that there is a hunger in many hearts for Bible based living. We may be closer to the possibility of genuine revival than we realize.

S

sermonindex Sep 3, 2013

Our nephew and niece came over today with their adorable baby girl and mentioned Duck Dynasty to us. They were shocked at the opposition that DD gets regarding praying on the show and talking about Jesus. We only discovered it a month ago and yet they have been watching it from the beginning. I think I heard the 4th season is coming up where the oldest son, Alan will be on it. We have been told that he is a pastor. Anyway, they told us that early on A&E network told them they had to stop talking about God and Jesus and they said they would just as soon quit the show if they had to do that. Needless to say, A&E backed off right away.

We only have antenna so we are definitely late comers to this show. But as my nephew and niece spoked endearingly about the Robertson's and defended their right to talk about Jesus, I could not help but think how incredible God is that He uses this family to open the hearts of many people including my Catholic relatives who are not very good Catholics (their own admission). They don't see the Robertson's as. Religious and maybe this is what has drawn them.

Of course we all want people to know about the deeper life in Christ, but this is usually not the starting point.

I know I probably would have made some people on this site proud if I condemned the show to my nephew and niece and took the opportunity to tell them that this is not representative of Christianity in any way, shape or form and then extolled all the true virtues of Christianity by talking to them about discipline, and sacrifice and daily reading of the word and how they must flee all these things in order to be accepted by God. That they should also fast and pray and witness because people are going to he'll everyday including them.

But, I did not. We laughed with them and loved on them and got to know one another a little more. They just moved into our area (Texas) from Alaska about a year ago and this is the 3rd time we have seen them. They actually live 45 minutes away.

We are sowing seeds of love with them and. Had some laughs over Si's strange idiosyncrasies.

Let's pray for the Robertson's that they draw closer to the Lord, that He reveals Himself more and more to them and that He protects them from all harm.

L

Lordoitagain Sep 3, 2013

I see it as added to the American gospel deception where people can confess Christ but never change their way of life.

Brother, with some of the things that I am reading, I find it hard to put them in that category. They are quite vocal on the subject of living a changed life to a generation that desperately needs to hear such things:

"'Duck Dynasty' Stars Jase and Missy on Abstinence Before Marriage

Jase and Missy Robertson from A&E's popular reality TV show "Duck Dynasty" said in a recent interview that they chose to remain abstinent until marriage as per God's desire, and also spoke about their family values and faith in God.

"We were both virgins when we got married until our wedding night," Jase said in an interview, whose video recording has been posted on the website of the non-profit group Abstinence Clearinghouse. "We decided to do it God's way and basically had a godly agreement that we would help each other get to heaven," he said.

********************
"What attracted us to each other was what we saw in each other in our faith," Missy, Jase's wife, said. "We've been very happy for 22 years before the money started coming in," she added.

Missy said they can now see the same commitment in their children. "And what an influence we can have on our children with that testimony. Our oldest son has been dating a great girl for over a year and a half and they also have the same commitment," she said. "So it's just such a wonderful joyous time as a parent to see that and the commitment they have as children wanting to do that also." "

http://www.christianpost.com/news/duck-dynasty-stars-jase-and-missy-on-abstinence-before-marriage-102537/

Another one:

"Phil Robertson, the patriarch of hit A&E show "Duck Dynasty," spoke at a community event at the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Tuesday, and said that "where there is no Jesus, evil always reigns."

"I'm not an ordained preacher," Robertson told the student-sponsored event, according to The News Star. "I'm just a guy who builds duck calls. I love my country. We have a great family structure that you see on television. I'm just trying to get America and the rest of the world to do two things – love God and love your neighbor."

Robertson and his family have often spoken out about their faith and love of God. The show, based around the family and their duck call making company, Duck Commander, in West Monroe, La., has been praised for creating family-friendly entrainment without sex, violence, and harsh language. It has also scored huge ratings throughout its run, hitting a staggering 11.8 million viewers for the premiere of its fourth season last week.

*****************
Robertson shared a quote from James Madison, the fourth President of the United States: "The belief in a God all powerful, wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man."

"Why don't politicians talk like that anymore?" the patriarch added. "I think our problem is a spiritual one ... Where there is no Jesus, evil always reigns." "

http://www.christianpost.com/news/duck-dynastys-phil-robertson-to-students-without-jesus-evil-always-reigns-102728/

Here is a video where one of them makes his views known about a changed life:

http://gnli.christianpost.com/video/duck-dynastys-willie-robertson-speaks-about-his-faith-8011

As I said earlier, I have only seen one episode over the internet and I have seen interviews like these. If there are fruit seen in other cases that would make one draw the conclusion that they are wolves in sheep's clothing, I haven't seen them yet. I only hope and pray that there is a turning point in this pagan nation, and if their popularity is an indicator of such a yearning for a return to The Book that has been so rejected, Thank God!

Luk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

When a person is spiritually dying of hunger, even just the whiff that he might get from Duck Dynasty (as faulty and lacking as it might be) could whet his appetite.

T

TMK Sep 4, 2013

just-in wrote:

"But, I did not. We laughed with them and loved on them and got to know one another a little more. They just moved into our area (Texas) from Alaska about a year ago and this is the 3rd time we have seen them. They actually live 45 minutes away.

We are sowing seeds of love with them and. Had some laughs over Si's strange idiosyncrasies.

Let's pray for the Robertson's that they draw closer to the Lord, that He reveals Himself more and more to them and that He protects them from all harm."

Amen to the 10th power!

I am truly amazed at what some people post on here.

It would seem the only TV show worth watching (to them) is Paul Washer or the like preaching for and hour or so.

Now, there is nothing wrong with Paul Washer preaching for and hour or so. But that is not what TV is designed for. TV is designed for less intense things. We need some less intense things in our lives. Someone previously posted the Ecclesiastes passage about there being a time for everything. How true this is. There is a time for Paul Washer and a time for DD. There really is.

S

sermonindex Sep 4, 2013

The thing about surrounding yourself with sermons from Spurgeon, Washer, C.T. Studd, Andrew Murray, A.W. Tozer, etc, etc, is that you get an idea of what they believe but not how they lived or interacted with people. In Jesus, we see how He lived and walked among people.

Somehow, we develop some spiritually romantic idea that these guys never laughed or had a sense of humor. That they never had any personality idiosyncrasies and spent all their time on their knees. We just assume they were excellent in a relational sense and knew how to relate to everyone and walked in love and were perfect evangelists. That they were perfect husbands and fathers, too.

This is unrealistic and could border on idolatry. When our answer to people's problems is always, "listen to this sermon", or "read this book", we are in real trouble, spiritually.

You can surround yourself with dead people and their teachings yet never get too close to other living human beings.

If we entertain an imagination that all of our "ducks are in a row" (excuse the pun), spiritually, we may even come to disdain those who we perceive as not spiritual. In fact, I see that all the time. We exclude people from our "inner circle" because they are not worthy of our fellowship.

What bothers a lot of people is that in the Richardsons we are seeing how they act with one another (warts and all) and somehow it is shattering our preconceived idea of what spirituality is supposed to be about...spirituality we have received from listening to too many sermons instead of getting out and walking as Jesus walked, getting involved in people's lives.

Personally, I don't have the slightest desire to be a Spurgeon, Tozer, Murray, Washer, etc. Sure, I like some of their articles, but I want to be like Jesus.

I see how He treated the saved and unsaved alike. He did not have any character change when He was with one or the other (like Peter did in Galatia).

I think many times, we treat unbelievers differently than those brethren we approve of and sometimes we treat brethren we don't approve of the same way we treat unbelievers (which is shamefully bad).

Our character should be consistent, like Jesus Christ, regardless whose company we are in. If we treated unbelievers and "lesser brethren" more like the people in our "inner circle", maybe we would see some revival.

Sinners experienced the love of God in Christ.

Jesus really did not like hanging out with the Pharisees. He ran into them every once in a while, but He would rather be with the hurting and the sorrowful. He came for the sick, not those who were under the mistaken impression they did not need a Physician (pride).

P.S. I do appreciate all the work that goes into SI and am glad this site exists. This post is only to caution our hearts and how we treat others.

S

sermonindex Sep 4, 2013

TMK wrote "That is not what TV was designed for. TV was designed for the less intense things.". Is TV not the biggest distraction to the American believer?

Bearmaster.

S

sermonindex Sep 4, 2013

I don't know. They just opened the first computer/internet addiction center in Los Angeles.

I hardly ever watch TV. I spend more time on the computer. Hopefully, I'm not addicted. :-)

T

TMK Sep 4, 2013

bearmaster wrote:

"Is TV not the biggest distraction to the American believer?"

Indeed it likely is. But part of it depends on how you define "distraction." It is a matter of discipline not to allow it to become too much of a distraction.

If you think every waking monent must be spent in prayer and Bible study, the everything else is a distraction, including our jobs, playing with our kids, hanging with friends, etc.