Re: Is it supposedly 'liberal' to let your son pierce his ears?
I've raised two sons. During that process, many things have been taught to me. Most of which I am still learning. Is there a lifelong learner's club? There should be.
When my son got his tongue pierced, I thought about it (didn't speak until after thinking, that time). While pondering it, I grabbed my tongue between thumb and forefinger and squeezed. It hurt, but wasn't all that bad. So later I told my son what I had done and we had a laugh about my tongue pinching experiment. He said his piercing didn't hurt at all and I turned to the internet for research (which is kinda my thing). I saw something in the Bible where a servant could be joined to the house (family) by piercing through the ear and into the doorpost of the home. You'll know more about this than me, as I've not studied it.
But back when I grew up (1950's and 60's) there were other "issues" between generations. Mostly it was about hair length and music choice. Beatlemania, as seen through the Ed Sullivan lens, Jerry Lee and his "inflammatory" song about balls, pelvic gyrations, and "free love". Of course, there were other more serious issues for the young to trip over. Drugs, for instance. Over the years, and as the old dog learned, unless something is sin, there need be no rebuke. Sometimes even the best intention merely causes the "gap" to widen.
Many have tried to make a case from Scripture about various behaviors being sinful and I do understand that we are to avoid even the appearance of evil. That thought requires balance though. It's something that is learned over time and may only be understood by those who are mature in the Word, having exercised themselves in it. One one hand is the possibility that a brother or sister may be stumbled by the liberty that is taken and preference should be given for the weaker. On the other is the fact that it is God and God alone who judges hearts. He declares that some things are left up to individual conscience. So that if a brother believes it to be sin, then for him it is sin. As I've said, a balancing act that requires skill.
But farouk, I know you know these things. I also know that you are able to walk people who are curious about the whole subject or even the small parts within it through the discussion. I could go on and on (and have) but just wanted to say that I meant my greeting, "Blessings to you also, farouk" and I do think it is good to have a place to talk about stuff here.
I know that I've left things out while discussing it above, but I like what John said in the close of his Good News Gospel: John 21:25 especially the 2nd "should be written," as in, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."
I'm saying you are led by a spirit in all your actions, the way you dress the way you comb your hair, what you say and do is all spirit driven, what spirit leads people to take on somthing that once was deeply rooted in paganism and occult practices, would you say the Holy Spirit is behind any Christian taking part of these things, that is really how this whole issue can be resolved, If you simply acknowledge that either the Holy Spirit is behind these actions, or merely doesn't care what you do to what is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, then you will have your answer
maybe you really think the Holy Spirit doesn't care what occultic symbols one embeds in their skin or daggles from their ears, this to could be the case, that people are not in touch with what the Spirit says about the practices of old pagan religions, and there practices
This isn't about me.
I've also read what you have said in a previous post:
As I have said I don't denote any of these things to be sinful...
Now you state that I am "led by a spirit in all [my] actions," which is simply untrue. Let us reason together for a moment about that. Turn your thought to a person who had just been delivered by Jesus. Now, while he/she may or may not have rejoiced and joined into the Spirit of Christ for the freedom that they had been given, the very next day and after having been delivered, this person may have rose up in the morning and made themselves breakfast. Let's say this is the case. So, perhaps one could say that since they made themselves breakfast but didn't offer to share it with their neighbor, they were guilty of following turning their back on a spirit of generosity. But what if they had offered to share their meal? Could it be said that they were now respecting persons? Is there any end to the suspicion that may be aroused? Kindly notice that I've omitted what may be a critical bit of information. I've not commented in this story (as is my prerogative, being the storyteller) nor have I relayed any information about the giving of thanks for the meal. He or she may or may not have. But let's give them the benefit of the doubt, shall we?
I think there is. The way I comb my hair is not a matter that other Christians may concern themselves over. A point could be made about short hair being proper for males, but the counterpoint from a careful review of Scripture would inevitably bring up the vow of the Nazirite. A debate thread could be created to discuss the OT Scriptural legalities regarding hair length (and probably has). The Greek student might point out that the word "covering" includes the concept of covering what is below, as opposed to covering upward. Perhaps there could be some agreement about covering the neck partially, but not covering the shoulders or back for men?
I don't know. Certainly others may come and point out that we are speaking about the cultural aspect of things and we should consider these things as such. Yet still others would point out the differences between being free and under the Covenant of Grace, and being bound by the Law of Moses.
In the meantime, and in much the same Spirit, other thread would be opened (and probably have). Subject such as dancing, going to movies, watching television, the sinful act of not voting, for if a man sees something good to do, and yet does it not, to him it is sin, may begin to fill our bowl like popcorn and after 3 minutes of heat is applied, such "discussions" would be popping off all over.
Suffice it to say, and to quote another Moderator (who is better at speaking a few well chosen words than I), there is no point in arguing about it. For what it is worth, I do understand what you are saying, I think you've stated it well enough and part of my internal process can agree. But that's the part of me that applies things only to me. Not the part of my (of my internal system) that considers the principles that you've stated (that I do not disagree with in spirit) and applies them to others. For that, my thought is, "Are you saying that you are the 'weaker brother' that Paul mentions, the one who is stumbled if I were to comb my hair different than your view of what the Holy Spirit teaches? You've already stated that you "don't denote any of these things to be sinful," so what I would say is, let's also give you the benefit of the doubt and merely assume that your comments are targeted at understanding the Principles behind various practices, and that you are not trying to necessarily condemn the practice itself, leaving each brother or sister in Christ to examine their own conscience before our Father in heaven.
Did I get that right?
It's pretty subjective.
