On some basic level perhaps so. Movies are usually all about glorifying things that are antithetical to Christianity. Blowing 50 bucks on a dinner that we could have prepared ourselves is probably not the greatest thing either.
Maybe that's why the gate is so narrow. I don't know. What I believe is that Christ will progressively "holify" (is that a word?) us so that these things become less and less frequent. In the meantime God understands that these things are part of the society we live in and that they're unavoidable to a certain extent. Total separation from society isn't the new testament norm.
Doesn't the movie theatre desire your money or someone else's money? A professional sports team gets your money. Is watching a sporting event idolatry? (it can be)Same with gambling. You'd need to see what's in the heart before making a judgement.
Then I don't ever want to see any criticism of catholics from you for praying to statues or dead saints because there is no difference as far as I can see. :-).
But you're right, I shouldn't be critical or judgmental of those who do gamble because except for the grace of God there I go.
Watch out for those low punches. Lol
Your right though, if we become spiritually passive, for fear of being called judgmental, then so be it.
JH :-)
Sorry Doug. Must of touched a nerve. I've always judged Catholic practices corporately and not individually. You should know that.
The $50 you spend on dinner helps support the incomes of the server, the chef, assistant chefs, the guy washing the dishes, etc. If everyone stopped eating at fine restaurants, these people would be unemployed.
There you go assuming everyone who "casts lots" has a problem. I think you should be critical and make a judgement on those who are compulsive and destroy their own lives and the lives of people around them by gambling. Same as drinking alcohol is not a sin unless its "excess".
On some basic level perhaps so. Movies are usually all about glorifying things that are antithetical to Christianity. Blowing 50 bucks on a dinner that we could have prepared ourselves is probably not the greatest thing either.
You sound awfully Puritanical.
Maybe that's why the gate is so narrow. I don't know. What I believe is that Christ will progressively "holify" (is that a word?)
"Sanctify"
us so that these things become less and less frequent. In the meantime God understands that these things are part of the society we live in and that they're unavoidable to a certain extent. Total separation from society isn't the new testament norm.
I don't think going out to dinner is something that we need to spiritually grow into avoiding. God really doesn't mind if we eat, drink and be merry from time to time.
SD