SPPF Christian Alliance

[Matoro]

So, for example, is it possible for two people of one denomination to disagree on something faith-related and still both not commit a sin? Are there any points God leaves up to us?

[Chimungus]

I'm a Christian and I take my faith very seriously. I'm also a big Pokemon fan and was just wondering, how do my fellow Christian fans view what causes some Christians to consider Pokemon as "evil"? Thank you because this has been on my mind lately!

[Matoro]

I don't quite see how Pokemon conflicts in any way with Christianity.

[Roseheart95]

^Adding to that, if you took totally seriously anything that could possibly be considered evil even slightly, then you pretty much couldn't do anything at all ever. What kind of things are you most concerned about? If you are putting Pokemon before God, that's wrong, and if the Holy Spirit convicts you of playing Pokemon, then you shouldn't, either. But if you're on the fence, then probably it's fine, because you'd know 100% if you'd been convicted. A lot of things which gain mass popularity will be condemned by some Christians, but that doesn't mean that it is evil.

[Chimungus]

Yea that's exactly what I was thinking Roseheart. I know its just fantasy, and very tame at that, but some people might view things in different ways. Thanks for sharing your opinion! Have any of oyu heard of the band Flyleaf? They're a Christian rockk abnd and their music is just amazing!

[Dread Advocate]

I feel pretty much the same about it.

Heard Flyleaf. Not a fan. I never liked the way Lacy sung (though I hear she's left), and I'm not a big fan of bands that do angry love songs with lots of power chords only. Red, Pillar, Sent by Ravens, Disciple, I Am Empire, and Since October are the closest I'll get to that. I'm more of a extreme metal guy. Demon Hunter, Oh Sleeper, Becoming the Archetype, For Today, I the Breather, War of Ages, Impending Doom, A Plea for Purging. Stuff like that.

[Pikawho?]

welcome to the club, Matoro and Chimungus! I hope you'll enjoy your time here. =) There has been very little activity as of late but you're welcome to ask questions and start topics. Hopefully things will continue to pick up.

So, for example, is it possible for two people of one denomination to disagree on something faith-related and still both not commit a sin? Are there any points God leaves up to us?

My question is: is disagreeing on something faith-related a sin itself? That seems to be what you're implying. My answer to that is simply "no". The ultimate authority we have to look to for spiritual guidance is God's Word. The way I see it, if both sides are using scripture to back up where they stand, they can't be sinning. Although, of course, there are different interpretations to scripture. We're only human so naturally we won't be able to fully understand what God has said to us. This is why I don't see it as a sin to disagree about something of this nature.

Not sure if I answered your question or if I just typed up a rambling mess. lol

Chimungus: I know when it first came out most Christians were against it because it's a game about animals with supernatural powers ("magic"). Specifically, the presence of psychic types and witches within the game raised flags in the Christian community. The most obvious reason for hating the game is that the characters evolve. Since many Christians are against evolution, the use of the term raises more flags.

Roseheart does make a good point. On its own, the game isn't evil. If it becomes an idol in your life, then that's when you need to step back and check yourself. =)

Flyleaf is pretty good. I don't listen to them very often but they're not a bad group. My musical tastes are very similar to DA's. Metal isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's something I've grown to appreciate.

[Chimungus]

I really don't go on here much but I really like this club and will enjoy posting here. What I've learned about judging some form of fiction that involves fantasy or magic is how that subject is used and what the message about it is. Is it too close to what God forbids us to partake in, or is it something from the artists imagination? Like the psychic types, the only reason they're associated with that word is because the Pokemon are born with some kind of mental sensitivity or have a high IQ, so they're not like real-world psychics. At least, that's my take on things!

[ysmr97]

Hey! Can I join if I am Catholic?

[Dread Advocate]

Hey! Can I join if I am Catholic?

We hold no prejudices against any denominations. So long as PikaWho, jesusfreak, or ShinySandshrew say you can, you can.

[Skillfulness]

My memory escapes me. Do we have any Ted Dekker fans in the club? I really need to discuss The Circle, more specifically Green, with someone who's read all four books.

Oh ooooo! *raises hand* Me, meeee! I'm a fan and would love to talk about it. Green was a rather odd one in the series...

[Dread Advocate]

Oh ooooo! *raises hand* Me, meeee! I'm a fan and would love to talk about it. Green was a rather odd one in the series...

Were you underwhelmed and disappointed by the ending for Green? There were a couple serious theological flaws in the ending that gave me a sour taste in my mouth. I've been messaging ShinySandshrew about this as well.

[Nyberg.Brandon]

Evolution in pokemon is completly different than the theory of evolution, darwin's theory sais that evolution is one species evolving to another species. In pokemon they don't really "evolve" Firstly its the same being just changing forms. (ex. Bulbasaur evolving to Ivysaur, still same old Bulbasaur must reamped) Second im pretty sure devolving is not in the theory. Which is what happen's when you breed.

But ya there are some very conservative Christians in the church, which isn't necessaarily a bad thing. But it can hurt the church's image. Especially the ones who look down on unbelievers. Ive seen countless people hate on christians for that. Then they meet me and there like oh I guess christians arnt so bad. It's like some christians skip corinthians 13, if i dont have love im a resounding gong or a clanging cymbol. Jesus is all that seporates us from them.

Would you take that as my application to join the clup.

[Skillfulness]

Were you underwhelmed and disappointed by the ending for Green? There were a couple serious theological flaws in the ending that gave me a sour taste in my mouth. I've been messaging ShinySandshrew about this as well.

Yeah, I was expecting better. I feel like he just wanted another book to make a different ending for Thomas. I haven't read it in a while, but I do remember it having some sketchy analogies to the bible and Chrsitianity. The style did not fit, that's for sure.

[Dread Advocate]

Yeah, I was expecting better. I feel like he just wanted another book to make a different ending for Thomas. I haven't read it in a while, but I do remember it having some sketchy analogies to the bible and Chrsitianity. The style did not fit, that's for sure.

That is kinda how it felt. I feel like he portrayed Elyon, instead of God like he originally was, as a near God-like being that has immense power, but it's not enough to stop the scabbing disease (sin). I know he wrote an alternate ending for the book, bringing closure to the series rather than making it a cycle of endless misery for Thomas, but it's hard to find it, and it's really expensive because it the entire series in a single, two thousand page volume.

[Matoro]

Evolution in pokemon is completly different than the theory of evolution, darwin's theory sais that evolution is one species evolving to another species. In pokemon they don't really "evolve" Firstly its the same being just changing forms. (ex. Bulbasaur evolving to Ivysaur, still same old Bulbasaur must reamped) Second im pretty sure devolving is not in the theory. Which is what happen's when you breed.

But ya there are some very conservative Christians in the church, which isn't necessaarily a bad thing. But it can hurt the church's image. Especially the ones who look down on unbelievers. Ive seen countless people hate on christians for that. Then they meet me and there like oh I guess christians arnt so bad. It's like some christians skip corinthians 13, if i dont have love im a resounding gong or a clanging cymbol. Jesus is all that seporates us from them.

Would you take that as my application to join the clup.

I understand where you're coming from. But--and I am not making this up--I once met a kid who used to get ridiculously powerful lv. 100 legendaries, then go to route 1, encounter like a wild lv 2 patrat, then use like hyper beam or something just to see how fast he could get its hp bar to go down. But it's still a game. Is this cruelty? Against Christian theology?

[TheFightingPikachu]

Like the psychic types, the only reason they're associated with that word is because the Pokemon are born with some kind of mental sensitivity or have a high IQ, so they're not like real-world psychics. At least, that's my take on things!

I would like to post to express general agreement with this, and the several other statements on things some Christians have found fault with in Pokémon. I would like to add something to this one, though. I believe it depends entirely upon what one means by the word "psychic." The word "psychic" can be used in lots of contexts, and basically means "of or pertaining to the mind. I highly doubt that sci-fi mind powers like in Pokémon actually exist, but in the fiction, just about all of them are supposed to be mind powers, not supernatural, being-in-league-with-the-devil type powers. Only one definition of "psychic" is "medium." I am inclined to believe this is a modern departure from the original usage. I think some fortunetellers started applying the term "psychic" to themselves in order to appear credible as science gained more and more respect in our culture.

I understand where you're coming from. But--and I am not making this up--I once met a kid who used to get ridiculously powerful lv. 100 legendaries, then go to route 1, encounter like a wild lv 2 patrat, then use like hyper beam or something just to see how fast he could get its hp bar to go down. But it's still a game. Is this cruelty? Against Christian theology?

If someone's doing this for the sake of overt cruelty, then it is probably wrong in some cases. However, if one has an attitude of "I think this might be funny only in a game; it would be wrong in real life," then that might provide some balance. I hesitate to say something like that is always wrong. For some reason I'm thinking of people who laugh at painful things that happen in funny videos, but wouldn't laugh at someone's pain in real life. Not sure if that last part made complete sense. :/

[YamaskUnchained]

Wondering if I may gain admission into this club. Colt45 told me to try it out. I'm a non denominational Christian, have no reason to try and make you believe me as you should just take my word. Been a Christian for several years, have preached sermons at my church and public events, been to Acquire the Fire as a youth and as a chaperone for about 5 years straight, and always love a good debate as writing/speech is my forte.

[ShinySandshrew]

Umm well, I didn't see a sign-up form, so I'm going to come right out and say it: can I join?

I assure you I am a christian, I have had Jesus in my heart since a very young age, 4 years old to be exact.

I go to church every sunday, and, though I don't always do it, I try to read the Bible every day.

God bless!

Wondering if I may gain admission into this club. Colt45 told me to try it out. I'm a non denominational Christian, have no reason to try and make you believe me as you should just take my word. Been a Christian for several years, have preached sermons at my church and public events, been to Acquire the Fire as a youth and as a chaperone for about 5 years straight, and always love a good debate as writing/speech is my forte.

Colt45, YamaskUnchained, the only thing we really require is to post saying that you're a Christian...and since you've both done that...

Welcome to the SPFF Cristian Alliance! May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour during your time here! We don't really have any topics of discussion going right now, but we're open to suggestions.

[YamaskUnchained]

Having non-believer friends. Whats the general opinion of that on here? The bible clearly states not to hang out with anyone who is wordly as they can taint you and your relationship with God. Comparative to hanging out with the snake from the Bible. What do you do?