Pornography and Disability

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by notofworks

And it seems so innocent in the early stages.

James talked about having a "Circle of confession". I wish "The Church" were a culture where men (and women, it seems) could be honest about this and be able to say, "I have a problem" without the "Michaels" of this world saying, "You're going to hell."

We need a place where people can be open and honest without being condemned and sat down in our churches.

So idealistic but honestly I can't even picture it... some claim this level of honesty vindicates others in their passions... others say this level of honesty makes people too vulnerable... too much hubris.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Socialite

So idealistic but honestly I can't even picture it... some claim this level of honesty vindicates others in their passions... others say this level of honesty makes people too vulnerable... too much hubris.

It can be done.

Check with Keith and Elizabeth - they deal with people like this and it's working. However, in most of the churches that we are familiar with, it would never work.

I wanted to have an area here where some that were struggling with addictions could discuss their problems hiding behind usernames, but it wouldn't have worked - there would still be those that would attack and send them to hell without listening to their story or recognize they were reaching out for help.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

It can be done.

Check with Keith and Elizabeth - they deal with people like this and it's working. However, in most of the churches that we are familiar with, it would never work.

I wanted to have an area here where some that were struggling with addictions could discuss their problems hiding behind usernames, but it wouldn't have worked - there would still be those that would attack and send them to hell without listening to their story or recognize they were reaching out for help.

Yeah, I'm talking as a norm for the culture, not just those we identify as struggling people. Like where we are all open, confessing to one another, sharing our struggles, etc... We always tend to follow human nature and dress it up. Say things in a way we think will be best received, etc...

I'm familiar with a community that does pretty good at this, but a Looooooong ways from being there.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

It can be done.

Check with Keith and Elizabeth - they deal with people like this and it's working. However, in most of the churches that we are familiar with, it would never work.

I wanted to have an area here where some that were struggling with addictions could discuss their problems hiding behind usernames, but it wouldn't have worked - there would still be those that would attack and send them to hell without listening to their story or recognize they were reaching out for help.

There have been times in my life when I would have given anything to be able to "unload." The idealistic nature of the "Circle of confession" needs to happen. I make it an absolute, that anyone can tell me anything and I will, IN NOW WAY WHATSOEVER, treat them any differently than I did before. Obviously, there are legal issues to deal with, especially in California, but there must be a "Sanctuary" for the offenders in many different issues, not just porn.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by notofworks

There have been times in my life when I would have given anything to be able to "unload." The idealistic nature of the "Circle of confession" needs to happen. I make it an absolute, that anyone can tell me anything and I will, IN NOW WAY WHATSOEVER, treat them any differently than I did before. Obviously, there are legal issues to deal with, especially in California, but there must be a "Sanctuary" for the offenders in many different issues, not just porn.

Trusting that confidentiality and knowing people will be loved and not judged differently are the two biggest obstacles.

Pastoral counseling still tends to have longer lines that clinical counseling, though the "free" part of that may have something to do with that. But I also think people want to have a spiritual perspective on their issues.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Socialite

So idealistic but honestly I can't even picture it... some claim this level of honesty vindicates others in their passions... others say this level of honesty makes people too vulnerable... too much hubris.

I'm so sorry to say, I agree. I can't picture it either but I can imagine like Lennon did. I understand it can never really happen on a corporate level but at least, in groups? James DID say, confess your faults one to another. And "Fault" there is speaking of habitual sin, not a one-time occurrence.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by notofworks

I'm so sorry to say, I agree. I can't picture it either but I can imagine like Lennon did. I understand it can never really happen on a corporate level but at least, in groups? James DID say, confess your faults one to another. And "Fault" there is speaking of habitual sin, not a one-time occurrence.

Breaking down the language are we? On-going sin?

I think we need to get to a place to live fully Gospel-centered lives, where we speak the Gospel to each other in all situations. Where we open and share one another's burdens... not just when people are deep in the pit, but when people are being pulled to the pit.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Breaking down the language are we? On-going sin?

I think we need to get to a place to live fully Gospel-centered lives, where we speak the Gospel to each other in all situations. Where we open and share one another's burdens... not just when people are deep in the pit, but when people are being pulled to the pit.

Yes. "Fault" here is used in the same way as Galatians 6:1...."If a brother be overtaken in a fault", or, something that an individual struggles with on a frequent basis. Don't argue with me, I own a Strong's Concordance and I once took a class in Greek. Oh wait, I flunked.....but I still know what I'm talking about!!!

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by notofworks

Yes. "Fault" here is used in the same way as Galatians 6:1...."If a brother be overtaken in a fault", or, something that an individual struggles with on a frequent basis. Don't argue with me, I own a Strong's Concordance and I once took a class in Greek. Oh wait, I flunked.....but I still know what I'm talking about!!!

I forgot my smiley face... i wasn't arguing, only razzing.

Hmmm, so if that brother one time sleeps with another man's wife, it's not a "fault" because it's not "on going"? haha

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Socialite

I forgot my smiley face... i wasn't arguing, only razzing.

Hmmm, so if that brother one time sleeps with another man's wife, it's not a "fault" because it's not "on going"? haha

I'll have to check my Strong's Concordance and get back to you on that!