Are Christians obscessed with sex and violence?

[Cmass]

For several days I made a very honest attempt to experience being a Christian. During that time I spent several hours in our local Christian bookstore. My preconceptions about the contents of that store were shattered when I found it was not a store of hope, peace, calm and goodwill. I can only describe it as a house of horror and a bizarre form of pornography.
Book after book after book concerning the apocalypse, about who will burn in hell, about what hell torture is like, graphic depictions of suffering and pain. Some were even devoted to talking about why God thinks war can sometimes be a good thing. (I'm not kidding!) There was an incredible amount devoted to our "enemies" and violence and God's punishments. I was repulsed.
There were also many, many, many books about sex: The role of sex in marriage, how to make sex in your marriage better, how God views sex, how men should manage there lust, what teenage girls can and cannot do with their privates, how teenage boys can keep their virginity and what God thinks about masturbation. Of course there were plenty of the obligatory gays and why they are doomed to eternal hellfire and methods for overcoming their gay lifestyle. Some books even combined the sexual and violence when talking about gays. It was truly bizarre and unsettling.
And then, of course there are the sexualized drawings of Jesus - even in the children's books.
And, of course, ironically there were books about "family values" and how terribly sexualized our culture has become.
The sheer volume of this material along with it's prominent display was shocking.


Are fundamentalist Christians obsessed with sex and violence?
I think it would be immoral to bring my child in there and expose him to all that. Am I right?

[Easyrider]

Well, Phelps doesn't represent the true Christian faith any more than pedophile rapists represent the homosexual community at large, so you've succeeded in doing nothing except showing a profound ignorance of true, Biblical Christianity.

As for the sex books, they probably have helped a lot of individuals overcome the hedonistic, sexual debauchery of the anti-God "anything goes" mentality.

Now, learn a lesson of wisdom:

Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

Finally, I am quite sure the real reason many in the radical left seek to denigrate / defame Christianity is so that their consciences won't be tweaked by moral judgments, and because Christianity stands in the way of their pursuit of a liberally "progressive" (degenerative, IMO) society.

Jesus is Lord!

[Cathar1950]

Well, Phelps doesn't represent the true Christian faith any more than pedophile rapists represent the homosexual community at large, so you've succeeded in doing nothing except showing a profound ignorance of true, Biblical Christianity.

Finally, I am quite sure the real reason many in the radical left seek to denigrate / defame Christianity is so that their consciences won't be tweaked by moral judgments, and because Christianity stands in the way of their pursuit of a liberally "progressive" (degenerative, IMO) society.

Jesus is Lord!

It is your conscience that is the problem. If Jesus stands in your way you have a problem. But your denigration and defaming of liberals and atheist does not get you off. Christianity has never stood in the way of anything and you do not understand "progressive" ideas in any way, shape or form.
I am sure you are not sure of anything and your ideas seem to indicate you have problems with your own doubts.

Are those little fag haters cute or what?

As for the sex books, they probably have helped a lot of individuals overcome the hedonistic, sexual debauchery of the anti-God "anything goes" mentality.

And what fantasy world do you live in?
Even "anti-god" what ever that is, does not make kids "anything goes" I do see a lot of "Christians" hedonistic involved in "sexual debauchery" because they have lived a life of denial and stupid uninformed advice.

Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

This is about the most worthless think you could think or say.
I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?
Here you have denial and a stupid low view of humans and in this case your aim it at men, I can only wonder what you think of women. I am sure it is all biblical.

[Cmass]

You know what? I will buy all of this! Seriously. And I just paid you 10 tokens for it.

Phelps doesn't represent the true Christian faith any more than pedophile rapists represent the homosexual community at large, so you've succeeded in doing nothing except showing a profound ignorance of true, Biblical Christianity.

I agree! Phelps should indeed be equated with pedophile homosexual rapist - especially of the Catholic Priest variety - and locked up as such. I would not be surprised if we eventually found out his whole promotion of violence against gays using Christianity was due to some deeply buried feelings of his own toward men. Or large farm animals.

As for the sex books, they probably have helped a lot of individuals overcome the hedonistic, sexual debauchery of the anti-God "anything goes" mentality.

LOL! This is an excellent line. I love it. Another 5 tokens for you!
A couple of these books, tapes and articles may indeed have "helped" a few people. Perhaps they helped a few gays out of their Sinful "lifestyles" and perhaps a few chronic masturbators and maybe even a few married couples otherwise embarrassed about their sinful sexual feelings toward each other. However, I would bet most of these sickos were probably "helped" more by personal support from their church or friends. Personal support and counseling are always more effective than books.

The presentation of sex and violence, like the sexy movie Jesuses, are part of good God marketing. Plain and simple. The Christian marketing machine is modern, slick and extremely powerful with profits into the many billions of dollars. In claiming the moral high ground, Christians take on a certain burden of credibility. Therefore, I think they need to take a good, long look in the mirror before they start accusing others and other industries of being immoral.

Now, learn a lesson of wisdom:
Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

Thanks for that. I am completely serious when I say I like the flowery language many Christians use when writing or speaking. I'm not always sure they are speaking in their own tongues, but it sounds very cool. As much as many sermons make me ill in content, there is no substitute for a good preacher for pure entertainment.
As to your wisdom: The interpretation that I will choose so that I can agree with you is: Occasionally, horny guys who like sex and perusing sexy women become obsessed with their pursuit to the point that it begins to have a negative impact on their lives. Now I can say, yes, I agree with you.

Finally, I am quite sure the real reason many in the radical left seek to denigrate / defame Christianity is so that their consciences won't be tweaked by moral judgments, and because Christianity stands in the way of their pursuit of a liberally "progressive" (degenerative, IMO) society.

This is an excellent rant!
But, one step at a time:

Finally, I am quite sure the real reason..

.
I am quite sure you are not quite sure.

many in the radical left seek to denigrate / defame Christianity

I certainly hope you don't think I am denigrating Christianity by pointing out my own observations and then asking a question about it. There are many, many ways you could have responded to this topic but the tone in your text indicates frustration - and although it is entertaining, I feel bad that you feel threatened.
I see irony and a bit of humor in this topic and hope you can too.

Christianity stands in the way of their pursuit of a liberally "progressive" (degenerative, IMO) society

OK, now this part I can't let go. Progressive society is hardly "degenerative". It is in fact the progressives in society that brought us all the advances of a liberal democracy that you enjoy today. And if you are an African American or a woman you can thank progressives for giving you the right to vote.
And.......If you are gay you can thank progressives for forcing the gay agenda down others throats (so to speak) so that billions of people worldwide fall into the gay lifestyle and thus reduce over-population. If you are Christian, you can thank the progressives for introducing you to your hidden gay-ness and thus making it OK for you to run down the street naked humping anything in your path - as everyone secretly wants to do.

[Cmass]

Forum: Debasing Christianity & Religion

This is about the most worthless think you could think or say.
I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?
Here you have denial and a stupid low view of humans and in this case your aim it at men, I can only wonder what you think of women. I am sure it is all biblical.

Harsh. Another superb rant! 5 tokens to you Cathar!
But I don't agree on this one.

This is about the most worthless thing you could think or say.

No, I thought is had a nice ring to it. Besides, the most worthless was in another thread where someone (I forget who) claimed that original thought was of no use.

I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?

Uhhmm. Gulp. Well, uh, when I was in university, I went to several Christian bible studies and social gatherings in hot pursuit of the daughter of a local minister. (I sang at his church a few times - nice guy. She was in the music dept. with me) So, I guess you could say that I HAD to use religion in order to quench my lust for her. The result? "You are daddy's naughty, naughty little girl aren't you! Bad, naughty girl. Woof!"


Or, as in Monty Python and the Holy Grail:

Sir Galahad: Zoot!
Dingo: No, I am Zoot's identical twin sister, Dingo.
[He tries to get past her]
Dingo: Where are you going?
Sir Galahad: I seek the Grail! I have seen it, here in this castle!
Dingo: No, oh no! Bad, bad Zoot!
Sir Galahad: What is it?
Dingo: She has been setting a light to our beacon, which, I've just remembered, is Grail shaped. It's not the first time we've had this problem.
Sir Galahad: It's not the real Grail?
Dingo: Oh, wicked, bad, naught evil Zoot! Oh, she is a bad person, and she must pay the penalty!

[Easyrider]

Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

This is about the most worthless think you could think or say.

Really? So, alcholism (intemperance) sets people free? Addiction to kiddy porn / drugs is a good thing? There's a long list of such intemperate behaviors / states that screw people up beyond recognition. And you say the concept is worthless? What do you know, then?

I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?

Well, if they're really "good," as you say, then probably none. But I think there's probably quite a few of your "good" non-Christian men (and women) who wouldn't hesitate to use whatever means there are, including acting piously, to get into someone's pants.

Here you have denial and a stupid low view of humans and in this case your aim it at men, I can only wonder what you think of women.

Get a grip.

[micatala]

Moderator Note

Unsubstantiated speculation concerning the behavior of some people from a certain group could be considered against the rules.

Well, if they're really "good," as you say, then probably none. But I think there's probably quite a few of your "good" non-Christian men (and women) who wouldn't hesitate to use whatever means there are, including acting piously, to get into someone's pants.

I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?
Here you have denial and a stupid low view of humans and in this case your aim it at men, I can only wonder what you think of women. I am sure it is all biblical.

Remember, the tenor is to be civil, and statements are to be backed up with evidence or logic. If someone has data on percentages of Christians versus non-Christians who engage in promiscuous behavior, that would be relevant.

[Cathar1950]

Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

This is about the most worthless think you could think or say.

Really? So, alcholism (intemperance) sets people free? Addiction to kiddy porn / drugs is a good thing? There's a long list of such intemperate behaviors / states that screw people up beyond recognition. And you say the concept is worthless? What do you know, then?

I wonder how many good Christian men use religion to get in some girls pants?

Well, if they're really "good," as you say, then probably none. But I think there's probably quite a few of your "good" non-Christian men (and women) who wouldn't hesitate to use whatever means there are, including acting piously, to get into someone's pants.

Here you have denial and a stupid low view of humans and in this case your aim it at men, I can only wonder what you think of women.

Get a grip.

I see you are using the "no true Scotsman" argument.
What I object to is your low opinion of humans and others that do not follow your belief system. Anything you might say would not exclude Christians. Not all people that drink have these problems and those that don't drink also have these problems including Christians.

Addiction to kiddy porn / drugs is a good thing? There's a long list of such intemperate behaviors / states that screw people up beyond recognition. And you say the concept is worthless? What do you know, then?

This is meaningless in the context of this discussion. You are overstating your case as well as interjecting behaviors that have nothing to do with the topic. I complain about your so called "(carnal) passions" and you come back with kiddy porn and drugs and say such silly things like " So, alcholism (intemperance) sets people free? Addiction to kiddy porn / drugs is a good thing?" how is that even a fair question or even a real point? You spend to much time in the Christian book stores. Do you still beat your wife?

[bernee51]

Intemperate men can never be free because their (carnal) passions give rise to their bindings.

The buddha would agree with you. Our attachments re the cause of all suffering.

...I am quite sure the real reason many in the radical left seek to denigrate / defame Christianity is so that their consciences won't be tweaked by moral judgments,...

It could also be because they see through the sham that is organised religion.

[melikio]

Perhaps they helped a few gays out of their Sinful "lifestyles" and perhaps a few chronic masturbators and maybe even a few married couples otherwise embarrassed about their sinful sexual feelings toward each other.

BTW, just so everyone may consider it; being homosexual or having sex according to one's sexual orientation, is NOT properly classified as a "lifestyle".

As far as this subject goes, one problem with "Christians" as they are typically taught (in their approach to life), is that it often leaves them few to zero tools to actually handle the sexual nature of being HUMAN. Many tend to just hope/pray that they don't have to FACE that part of their humanity; they almost always DO end up facing it (mentally and spiritually unprepared).

That MANY Christians end up in lust, confusion and/or denial about many things "sexual", should surprize few to none. Just believing God can/will fix/prevent anything, unfortuantely steers many people into great trouble (especially where sex/relationships are concerned).

Even so, there is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to be "responsible" with whatever it is they possess (sexually). That is, the main emphases concerning human sexuality, should point to helping and not harming others (period).

As far as what is/isn't "moral", those arguments will continue (likely for all time). And outside of behaviors which victimize others, most Christians should be satisfied with what the Bible or their religion say to their own heart/mind; not PUSH moral views down the throats of other people.

Love (others-oriented regard; 1Cor13) is the best way to decipher what is basically right/wrong or even "moral". And because human beings are FAR from "perfect", disagreements must be handled with the same grace which God has shown all mankind.

Despite all of that, I'm hardly shocked that many "dysfunctional" approaches to human sexuality, stem from the very things some people are "taught" via religion (Christianity and others). That's not a putdown, but a statement based upon basic observations.

As far as violence, I think/believe that stems primarily from fear and hatred. I believe the main solution for that is to emphasize the LOVE of Jesus to a more significant level, rather than teaching people a bunch of (religious) rules which can easily lose their meaning over time/space.

Love is certainly the cure to what ails mankind (obsessions included); that's more of a "spiritual" trek, as opposed to just being "religious".

-Mel-

[Confused]

Perhaps they helped a few gays out of their Sinful "lifestyles" and perhaps a few chronic masturbators and maybe even a few married couples otherwise embarrassed about their sinful sexual feelings toward each other.

BTW, just so everyone may consider it; being homosexual or having sex according to one's sexual orientation, is NOT properly classified as a "lifestyle".

As far as this subject goes, one problem with "Christians" as they are typically taught (in their approach to life), is that it often leaves them few to zero tools to actually handle the sexual nature of being HUMAN. Many tend to just hope/pray that they don't have to FACE that part of their humanity; they almost always DO end up facing it (mentally and spiritually unprepared).

That MANY Christians end up in lust, confusion and/or denial about many things "sexual", should surprize few to none. Just believing God can/will fix/prevent anything, unfortuantely steers many people into great trouble (especially where sex/relationships are concerned).

Even so, there is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to be "responsible" with whatever it is they possess (sexually). That is, the main emphases concerning human sexuality, should point to helping and not harming others (period).

As far as what is/isn't "moral", those arguments will continue (likely for all time). And outside of behaviors which victimize others, most Christians should be satisfied with what the Bible or their religion say to their own heart/mind; not PUSH moral views down the throats of other people.

Love (others-oriented regard; 1Cor13) is the best way to decipher what is basically right/wrong or even "moral". And because human beings are FAR from "perfect", disagreements must be handled with the same grace which God has shown all mankind.

Despite all of that, I'm hardly shocked that many "dysfunctional" approaches to human sexuality, stem from the very things some people are "taught" via religion (Christianity and others). That's not a putdown, but a statement based upon basic observations.

As far as violence, I think/believe that stems primarily from fear and hatred. I believe the main solution for that is to emphasize the LOVE of Jesus to a more significant level, rather than teaching people a bunch of (religious) rules which can easily lose their meaning over time/space.

Love is certainly the cure to what ails mankind (obsessions included); that's more of a "spiritual" trek, as opposed to just being "religious".

-Mel-

While I might agree with some of what you have stated here, I have to say this: Love is an emotion. NOthing more and nothing less. It comes and goes at a whim and doesn't overcome fear or hatred because these to are also emotions. Love cant cure mankind, only enlightenment can. Love is so fickle that people apply to anything to make themselves or those around them feel better, but like any drug that effects emotions, how the person feels in the morning can be just the opposite of love. If you truly want to make a difference in mankind, then do it with knowledge, not some overused concept we call human emotions.