[Hoovie]

I think the key is keeping things in proper perspective. It has been demonstrated repeatedly that even the more liberal among us have so required standards of conduct and even dress standards they would like the church to follow. There should be understanding as to what is clearly "sin" and what is becoming conduct for the church (in their opinion).

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

What are we really doing to our kids when we teach them and hold them accountable for things that are "not wrong" but are standards that some man has established as "his" standards?

Things are different than they were 30 to 40 years ago. In earlier days, in many cases, no one was allowed to question anything they heard from the pulpit. They made their children line up to whatever came across the pulpit.

Then as those children grew up in the 70's and 80's they left the strict standards and found their own way in the world and in religion. And I'm not just talking about the lowly members, I'm talking about the children of top leadership. And there are numerous examples of what I am talking about.

So, when we force rules on our kids that are non-biblical we may be forcing them from the church when they get to the point of thinking for themselves. Another preacher comes along, another set of rules and "standards" is demanded and how confusing to the the children.

Leadership needs to lead and not drive, and simply preach what thus saith the Word of God and leave the rest of the man made rules alone. Call them what you will, but un-biblical "standards" end up doing more damage in many cases than they do good.

Just my thoughts.....

Been Thinkin