Monday, October 31, 2011

It's Not The Rapper!

Every now and again, I am going to bring something in the form of Christian news. This is a gentle rant.

I was at the website Streaming Faith, and I saw an article that made me pause and shake my head. I gotta little upset because it's no different than what I read back in the 1980s and 1990s.

As Christians, we know that there are those pastors, evangelists, ministers, teachers, etc., etc., that can lead a Christian astray. Especially if said Christian refuses to read the bible on their own. I am absolutely sure if they did, they would pause in their following.

This pastor claims that rapper Lil Wayne is leading youths astray. Really? I am no fan of Lil Wayne. But it is not Lil Wayne or even rappers or Hollywood. The rampant immorality and debauchery is a people never knowing Christ or them turning away from him.

And really this is like Calvin Butts talking about gangsta rap back in the late 1980s. Every now and again, there comes a well-meaning pastor who in the book talks about the true causes, but uses the leading rapper/singer/celebrity to drive the point home.

I don't mind conferences where they teach the youth in the church about the ills of emulating the hip-hop community, but to title your book after a rapper? No. It's not fair to anybody when this happens.

You can read all bout it here. Is Lil Wayne a pied piper making teens follow his way? Each person must answer that question for themselves, and answer these, too. What about the parents? What about the pastors, ministers, teachers at this church and others? This pastor decided to write a book about it, but what are others doing?

I guess I just prefer teaching children and teens to make better choices that line up with God's word rather than attacking a rapper. And mainstream media? They'll just think this pastor is stirring up controversy and trying to make money off Lil Wayne.

If children and others who do emulate Lil Wayne and the rest of his kind saw people soldiering for Christ, and using His word as their guide, then they could hear Lil Wayne and see how his lyrics don't line up, and either stop listening or listen with a grain of salt, for lack of better terminology.

It's ugly out there, but the best way to combat it is to walk the walk.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a [lamp stand], and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

Is it Lil Wayne leading them astray? Who did the pastors and leading theologians rail against in your day?

Friday, October 14, 2011

Is Your Foundation Secure?

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
(Back To The Basics - Word of God by Mark Taylor creationswap.com)