Law and Order! Or a good place for a friendly argument

Beth_Applemine 2022-09-16 18:34:41 UTC #5190

Exactly, he was created with powers to combat the evil in Middle Earth.

Sierepica_Fuzzywalker 2022-09-19 05:53:03 UTC #5191

While we're banning all witchcraft, we should add Narnia to the list for including an actual witch. That clearly is worse than Lord of the Rings, which doesn't actually include any witches, just powerful rings and wizard dudes with weird powers.

Beth_Applemine 2022-09-19 22:17:29 UTC #5192

Beckendorf_Direscope 2022-09-19 23:16:34 UTC #5193

Also, you should take in to consideration how the sorcery is portrayed. (For example, the white which is a villain, not portrayed as virtuous)

Sierepica_Fuzzywalker 2022-09-20 04:35:19 UTC #5194

In that case, we have evil sorcerers in Harry Potter, so that is clearly redeemable. Harry is just a poor unfortunate child who is led by the dark powers into fighting fire with fire. Obviously, calling upon God would be the better solution, but poor Harry doesn't know this. RIP.

Ethan_Burnkeep 2022-09-22 20:12:11 UTC #5195

Yes and No. Remember the Witch King of Angmar?

Ethan_Burnkeep 2022-09-28 20:08:42 UTC #5196

Welp okey dokey:

Chick-Fil-A is the Best
Chick-Fil-A is Supreme

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Emily_Purplebottle 2022-09-29 01:30:22 UTC #5197

Not to start a controversy or anything, but Chick-Fil-A is overrated.

Beckendorf_Direscope 2022-09-29 02:08:37 UTC #5198

Their sandwiches are too dry, even with sauce, I just like the nuggets and mac and cheese. (Which are amazing)

Eerie_Coppernight 2022-09-29 02:31:55 UTC #5199

I suppose it is a bit late to throw my hat into the Lord of the Rings vs Harry Potter discussion, but here it goes.

I will admit to bias having been brought up in a house pro Lord and anti Potter. I myself love Tolkien's work and will one day sit down to read the Silmarillion. That confessed, this is my humbly offered opinion.

Lord of the Rings was written to show that anyone could be a hero. It wasn't Aragorn, the long-awaited king of Gondor who dealt the killing blow to the great darkness. It was a young gentry and his gardener, neither of whom were of any real importance on a world-wide scale. The heroes are not even assured of their victory. They press on fully prepared to lose, to die. They continue in the face of despair towards the ultimate victory.

I don't think we, as Christians, should be touchy about books containing evil portrayed as such. We are already aware that evil exists. The stories remind us that evil can be conquered, that darkness is not forever, and despair should not stop us from doing what is right. As Sam said in the movies,...

The Lord of Rings centers around Christian values we should keep in our lives. That is why I believe it is worth something as literature.

As for Harry Potter, I've never felt an intense desire to read it. I've heard that the quality rapidly deteriorates after the first three books. Even so, I don't find what I've heard about them encouraging. That's all for tonight and thank you.

Ethan_Burnkeep 2022-09-29 15:11:19 UTC #5200

Thank You Madame Surreal.

Beckendorf_Direscope 2022-09-29 23:31:08 UTC #5201

Always value your opinions. Please read the Silmarilion.

Jayhawk_Greencape 2022-10-01 17:32:47 UTC #5202

I agree. Their sandwiches are okay, but should come in packs of 2 or something...

(To enter this lingering HP vs. LOTR convo...)
I like both, however, the first HP book is my favorite. Some of the later ones could have been better. Depends on your interests I guess.

For LOTR, I need to re-read them again, it's been a little while, but they are good (If a bit hard to read at times). I think my fav would be the Hobbit. IDRK why tho.

(Still working on trying to read the Silmarilion...)

Sierepica_Fuzzywalker 2022-10-02 03:49:12 UTC #5203

It is the best fast food restaurant of all time, and thus proof that Christians do everything better. Have you ever tried the lemonade?

I basically unload an entire container of BBQ sauce on my sandwich when I go.

Eerie_Coppernight 2022-10-08 15:02:37 UTC #5204

Consider this problem, my friends. There is a woman who hates God and blames Him for all evil in the world. What would you say to such a one?

Sierepica_Fuzzywalker 2022-10-08 17:41:03 UTC #5205

I would start by pointing out that sinful humanity and Satan are the source of evil in the world, and suggest that she direct her anger there.

I would be prepared to face a debate about creating evil versus allowing it. I also would question the person’s understanding of what evil is, because sometimes people who voice that opinion do not understand evil.

The solution is that evil is defined by actions, thoughts, and plans that rebel against God. Since God defines what evil is and the standard for non-evil, He cannot be its source.

But I would start with the redirection and the question about how she defines evil first, because you have to deal with emotion of intense hatred. If she defines evil in any other way than what I just said, she is hating something or someone else and taking that anger out on God, a common mistake. Trotting right out with the intellectual solution just leaves that emotion in place and can lead to her displacing her anger onto you as God’s representative. Her displacing her anger and hatred onto you will not likely lead to a successful evangelism project. Deal with the emotion first, and then when the anger has been clarified, then you can bring her to an understanding of God.

Beckendorf_Direscope 2022-10-08 18:53:14 UTC #5206

I would point out the alternative to God giving us free will to either sin or not to: a micro-managing and completely controlling God who leaves no option of choice in our lives. She might see our current situation differently.

Eerie_Coppernight 2022-10-08 20:00:57 UTC #5207

Thank you both, Anything anyone else would like to add would be greatly appreciated.

Beth_Applemine 2022-10-08 20:51:22 UTC #5208

I believe the reasoning behind that sort of thinking is ‘God doesn’t care about me.’ So, I’d show her that he does, indeed, care very much for her.

First off, I’d encourage her to read the Gospel of John and then the rest of the Bible, if she’s willing. Then I’d answer any questions she has. Keep in mind also that non-Christians tend to see God the way they see Christians; thus it is very important that we do our best to mirror Him in all we do.

Quite often a person who sees God in this light is unwilling to listen to reason. If that’s the case, then arguing with them will only work them up into a frenzy. Be kind, gentle, speak truth in love, and show them the real Jesus.

Edit Requesting

Jayhawk_Greencape 2022-10-08 23:50:47 UTC #5209

I would pray for them. After doing so, I would do what the Lord wills.