"my Savior Is Tougher Than Nails"

[LifeOnaPlate]

Furthermore, we are told in the Apocalypse (Revelations) 4:8 that the angels in Heaven never cease repeating, night and day, the canticle: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come."

You take this literally?

Also- most contemporary Christian music is just annoying.

[Nightingale]

Yes.

[LifeOnaPlate]

Yes.

for the sake of not derailing the thread further, can you pm me about this question? What in the apocalypse do you take literally, and what do you take figuratively, as symbolic, etc. and how do you tell the difference?

[Anijen]

I think we both LDS and EV's should be more respectful and reverent anytime we wear clothes that use terms that are holy.

I also have a tee shirt that has a big red cross (the red cross symbol) on the front it says give blood but on the back it says play church ball.

[PacMan]

Rhino,

Music is not blasphemous or irreverent in and of itself.

Nor did I say it was. Done so, it can be one of the grandest forms of worship.

One could make a tongue-in-cheek case that a Christian heavy metal concert is closer to Old Testament worship than a modern LDS service. At least, one doesn't see many cymbals or six stringed instruments at sacrament meetings, or any shouting or dancing, for that matterâ?¦

Then your experience is tremendously narrow. I have seen a good deal of stringed quartets and even a marvelous bell composition that were simply beautiful. Butâ?¦I think youâ??re going to be strained to show that dancing was part of the worship service. Thatâ??d really use up all their steps in a hurry. Letâ??s be sureâ?¦they never had drums!

I realize that many people would not be comfortable at a Christian heavy metal concert. I am one of them. But I do not use my personal preference as a benchmark to judge the sincerity and spiritual worth of an activity that (1) many people do find worshipful and meaningful, and (2) has no biblical warrant against it.

I donâ??t condemn themâ?¦I donâ??t know their hearts. But what they do is blasphemy, period! I donâ??t see the debate in the matter. I mean, itâ??s more gross than the money changers in the temple. Letâ??s be sure that if ignoratium is used to prove such activities, weâ??re in a world of hurt.

I am speaking from experience in both the music world and as a youth pastor. I've seen one kid in particular really turn his life around because he went to a Christian heavy metal concert, and got to talk to one of the band members in person for a while. The sincerity and faith of these individuals is not in question, and obviously God works through these kinds of things. Heck, the kid wants to go into ministry now!

Iâ??m happy that he did. Iâ??m not condemning him nor the band to hell. But their understanding is lackingâ?¦itâ??s blasphemous. And if his idea of going into the ministry is starting a Christian Rock bandâ?¦well, letâ??s talk about differencesâ?¦

And what about, â??Bongs for Jesus?â? What about if it were in the Netherlands or another place where itâ??s legal? Spread the good word, right?

LifeOnaPlate,

A lot of what bothers me about Christian music is 1) The vain repetition, especially in saying "Lord, Lord" etc. over and over and overâ?¦

And thatâ??s why itâ??s called blasphemy!

PacMan

P.S. Nightingaleâ?¦tone down the copy pastes, pleaseâ?¦

[Paul Ray]

Wait, I'm not getting why "Our God is an Awesome God" is getting picked on here. What about the song makes it "trite, superficial, and border[ing] on blasphemy"?

Nothing, IMO.

I like the song and I sometimes sing it, personally. I just wouldn't sing it in a Sacrament meeting.

... just like I wouldn't wear jeans and a T-shirt to a Sacrament meeting unless I had nothing better to wear.

I do wear jeans and a T-shirt on other occassions, however, and I don't see a problem with doing that.

Along those same lines, why would The Passion of the Christ be lumped in that category? I saw the film, and found it very reverent.

I thought it was a pretty good form of entertainment, but it's not what I would call reverent.

The only thing reverent was the subject matter, IMO.

I think the movie still conveyed some good thoughts, though.

If you want trite and superficial, perhaps the films currently showing on Temple Square might be more in order? I'm thinking of Testaments here...

Clearly our tastes are different.

And what is your definition of "worshipful reverence", and do you have any reason to conclude that this means of expression is the only acceptable one to God?

I define worshipful reverence as what makes me one with our Father as I seek to emulate him and his personality.

There are times when I play around, and there are times when I get serious, and I think that's okay with God as long as I know when he wants me to be serious.

[Ron Beron]

What's wrong with Christian heavy metal concerts?

My son was part of a Christian punk band! If you can, imagine a roomful of youngsters banging their hands and screaming, "Jesus loves me, yes he does" in unison. Pretty scary.

[rhinomelon]

Also- most contemporary Christian music is just annoying.

While I would probably agree with you, I would also point out that this is an expression of personal preference, not an absolute statement of fact. While it is annoying to some people at times, that does not mean it is blasphemous or irreverent.

For me, the music is a secondary concern. It is the lyrics that are the make-or-break deal for me. Some Christian songs have really lame lyrics, while others are quite deep and thought-provoking and worshipful. This goes for heavy metal stuff, or rap or whatever. I think if you are a Christian and you have a God-given talent for a certain instrument or musical style, you are not being blasphemous if you try to use your talents to glorify God. The result may not be the best, musically speaking, but that's not really the point. Where the music and musician stands before God is much more important.

I think Nightingale's post summed up a great deal of this already. Cultural aspects of worship are going to vary. While quiet reverence may be the status quo over here in America, in Africa that would likely be seen as completely unemotional and noncommittal. Where's the joy, the exuberance, the thrill of a life walked with a powerful and gracious God? Culture plays a large part in what is seen as comfortable or acceptable. I think it is wrong to impose our personal and cultural preferences on those who do not share them.

Take care, everyone

[Nightingale]

PacMan

"P.S. Nightingaleâ?¦tone down the copy pastes, pleaseâ?¦"

Yeah, I know it was long but I thought readers could just skim. I've read other appeals to please give some details rather than just post a link. Just shows how we all have different tastes and preferences and you surely cannot please everyone. I did try to just hit the high points there and did cut out some of the text, believe it or not. I thought each piece that I left in answered some of the comments from various posters on this thread. However, it's true. I have never been accused of being too concise.

[Paul Ray]

My son was part of a Christian punk band! If you can, imagine a roomful of youngsters banging their hands and screaming, "Jesus loves me, yes he does" in unison. Pretty scary.

I'd be laughing my head off and taking pictures. Or better yet, I would record it on film.

And then I'd say: Yes, Jesus loves you, but please go sing in the garage. Your Mom and I were listening to Mo Tab before we came in here and we would now like to continue listening to them.

[Paul Ray]

I think it is wrong to impose our personal and cultural preferences on those who do not share them.

Me too, so if a group of youngsters or older folks were being too loud when my wife and I preferred a more quiet and relaxed approach, and they were in an area we had the right to control, I would have no problem asking them, politely, to go to another area so my wife and I could do as we pleased.

People who lack the ability to be considerate of other people often get under my skin.

[rhinomelon]

Then your experience is tremendously narrow. I have seen a good deal of stringed quartets and even a marvelous bell composition that were simply beautiful. Butâ?¦I think youâ??re going to be strained to show that dancing was part of the worship service. Thatâ??d really use up all their steps in a hurry. Letâ??s be sureâ?¦they never had drums!

So stringed instruments in the Bible are those playing with a bow? And I don't remember bells being mentioned in Scripture. Any cymbals in sacrament meeting? As far as dancing, I would put forward Moses, Miriam, and David as people who danced before the Lord as a form of worship.

I donâ??t condemn themâ?¦I donâ??t know their hearts. But what they do is blasphemy, period! I donâ??t see the debate in the matter.

Do you have any Scripture or references beyond your personal opinion to support this conclusion? Where do you draw the line in terms of musical forms being blasphemous? Do they cross the line when they plug into electrical amplification? When they use harmony? A minor key? Drums? A time signature other than 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4?

Iâ??m happy that he did. Iâ??m not condemning him nor the band to hell. But their understanding is lackingâ?¦itâ??s blasphemous. And if his idea of going into the ministry is starting a Christian Rock bandâ?¦well, letâ??s talk about differencesâ?¦

Again, any actual reasons for the sentence of "blasphemous" would be appreciated. And this particular young man wants to use his musical talents in whatever way he can. Perhaps that will mean being part of a band, or perhaps part of a worship team at a church. Either way, he is using his talents to bring glory to God as best he can, and that is surely not blasphemous. Of course, his main instrument is the drums, so perhaps God gave him the wrong talent? God should have given this young man a talent that he could actually use to serve God, apparently.

And thatâ??s why itâ??s called blasphemy!

P.S. Nightingaleâ?¦tone down the copy pastes, pleaseâ?¦

Again, what is your definition of blasphemy? LDS hymns often repeat a chorus. Are they now blasphemous? LDS prayer often follow the same basic outline. Blasphemous?

And I thought Nightingale's post was a good one, certainly not beyond the pale of what many others do on the boards here in different topics. Perhaps the length of her post was blasphemous.

Take care, everyone

[Gervin]

As someone who helps lead worship, usually with a Martin D-28 around my neck, I appreciate Nightingale's and Rhino's comments. I think the broadbrush of blasphemy is, in and of itself, a very narrow perspective. When Christ drove the money changers out of the temple he said that His would be a house of worship for all nations. I've always taken that to mean that different cultures, styles, and perspectives can be accomodated in the worship of Him, as long as the focus is indeed on Him. For His trouble, this event was instrumental (sorry) for his trial - the charge being blasphemy.

[TheFridge]

My family and I are travelling this week in New York. A couple of days ago, we attended a family reunion. We are the only Mormons in the clan.

T-shirt graphic.

One of the relatives wore a religious T-shirt with an image of glistening, bloody nails which included the headline, "MY SAVIOR IS TOUGHER THAN NAILS" set in bold graphic distressed text.

The effect was to somehow almost reduce the murder of Jesus Christ to some sort of commodity pop-culture slogan. While I sensed the sincerity of the wearer, I wondered where this sort of casual treatement stands in regards to reverencing the sacred.

It has always been my opinion that God has required respect and reverence. Yet, I wonder if this and other sorts of gimmicky marketing of Christianity lower the reverence we ought to have for God.

I wonder if this is a direct extention or evolution of the use of the murder weapon of Christ as an popular icon.

I understand the sincerity of using the cross. I also understand the spiritual and scriptural context for the cross. However, I wonder if the traditional Christian Church has turned the cross, and other icons associated with the Savior's atonement and death into something too casual.

Regards,

Six

Who are y'all to criticize another group's sincerely held positive religious beliefs?

[Gervin]

Rhino:

One small advantage of being in the DC area (over Waco) will perhaps be the chance to see some exciting and varied things going on in worship among a very diverse peoples (you know, JFK said that DC operates with the efficiency of the south and the charm of the north). Brian McLaren was pastoring in MD when I was first introduced to him. Somewhere in his archives of writing is a good essay about the need for more drums in worship, an article you or your friend might enjoy (our drummer did). His web site: McLaren Site

[Paul Ray]

Who are y'all to criticize another group's sincerely held positive religious beliefs?

By "criticize" are you referring to a "critique"?

We are who we are. Who are you?

If you would like to critique us on what we say, go right ahead.

[Paul Ray]

Rhino:

One small advantage of being in the DC area (over Waco) will perhaps be the chance to see some exciting and varied things going on in worship among a very diverse peoples (you know, JFK said that DC operates with the efficiency of the south and the charm of the north). Brian McLaren was pastoring in MD when I was first introduced to him. Somewhere in his archives of writing is a good essay about the need for more drums in worship, an article you or your friend might enjoy (our drummer did). His web site: McLaren Site

Why are you mentioning Waco, Gervin? Is that where you now live?

Just wondering because I was raised in Waco. And my Mom and two sisters still live there.

[PacMan]

Rhino,

So stringed instruments in the Bible are those playing with a bow? And I don't remember bells being mentioned in Scripture. Any cymbals in sacrament meeting? As far as dancing, I would put forward Moses, Miriam, and David as people who danced before the Lord as a form of worship.

I donâ??t care if theyâ??re with a bow or notâ?¦who cares? And bells are overgrown cymbalsâ?¦oh, but go to a primary nativity program and youâ??ll see some ding-a-lings for sure. But the real issue of dancingâ?¦Iâ??m surprised! Of course LDS dance! BYUâ??s is probably the greatest contributor to the sport in the nation (except for the art schools). The issue isnâ??t the dancingâ?¦itâ??s that the dancing for Sabbath service. Where the High Priest fox-trotâ??n their way to the altar? Moreover, David got naked. Is that part of the â??Christian concert tour?â??

Do you have any Scripture or references beyond your personal opinion to support this conclusion? Where do you draw the line in terms of musical forms being blasphemous? Do they cross the line when they plug into electrical amplification? When they use harmony? A minor key? Drums? A time signature other than 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4?

I think when the music is listened to in isolation, itâ??s pretty easy to tell if itâ??s reverent or not. The exception of words certainly doesnâ??t change it. Iâ??m not going to let you bait me into saying what is, or what is not because to be honest, I havenâ??t thought about it musical terms. But more importantly are the wordsâ?¦the monotonous usage of the Lordâ??s name. Talk of Him, about His work, the beauties of the World. But when the whole song is, â??L-L-Lâ?¦G-G-Gâ?¦we love you, almighty L-L-L, G-G-G, G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L!!!â? itâ??s improper. Itâ??s excessiveâ?¦and that makes it all too common and blasphemous.

Again, any actual reasons for the sentence of "blasphemous" would be appreciated.

I haveâ??the misappropriation of the name of our diety. Using it irrelevantly, whimsically, casually, or all too excessively fits the bill. Thatâ??s blasphemy.

Either way, he is using his talents to bring glory to God as best he can, and that is surely not blasphemous.

I agree. I donâ??t think his intentions are blasphemous by any means, nor do I think he should be stoned. I think heâ??s probably got a heart of goldâ?¦but that doesnâ??t make the action right. Itâ??s like when I was on my missionâ?¦it took me a long, long time to realize that â??cabronâ?? meant bast-rd in English. But people called me that at church with a slap on the back and with a smile. They were good people--but a bit raw. Their intentions were greatâ?¦but they should at sometime really change their vocabulary because the expression was to say the least, inappropriate at church.

Again, what is your definition of blasphemy? LDS hymns often repeat a chorus. Are they now blasphemous?

Such as? Weâ??re talking about the name of the Lord.

LDS prayer often follow the same basic outline. Blasphemous?

Yesâ?¦sometimes it is.

And I thought Nightingale's post was a good one, certainly not beyond the pale of what many others do on the boards here in different topics. Perhaps the length of her post was blasphemous.

Jokes of blasphemy are blasphemous.

PacMan

[cdowis]

So stringed instruments in the Bible are those playing with a bow? And I don't remember bells being mentioned in Scripture. Any cymbals in sacrament meeting? As far as dancing, I would put forward Moses, Miriam, and David as people who danced before the Lord as a form of worship.

And what was the context of their dancing? Were they in a victorious parade, similar to a victory dance after a great BYU football victory. Or were they in the synagogue, dancing as the words of the scriptures were being read. Beating drums as the priests prayed.

This is the sign of priestcraft, where someone can take a few verses and prove almost ANYTHING from the Bible.

Do you have any Scripture or references beyond your personal opinion to support this conclusion? Where do you draw the line in terms of musical forms being blasphemous? Do they cross the line when they plug into electrical amplification? When they use harmony? A minor key? Drums? A time signature other than 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4?

Recently I saw a religious service where a "karate minister" broke bricks with his hand and head as a form of worship. A demonstration of "God's power", I suppose.

Fortunately we have living prophets to guide us instead of the priestcraft of man where anything goes.

Again, any actual reasons for the sentence of "blasphemous" would be appreciated. And this particular young man wants to use his musical talents in whatever way he can. Perhaps that will mean being part of a band, or perhaps part of a worship team at a church. Either way, he is using his talents to bring glory to God as best he can, and that is surely not blasphemous.

And the people on the temple grounds were using their God given gifts, their powerful voice, their rhetorical skills, to glorify God thru selling those sacrifical animals.

They were anointed to do His work thru selling, nicht wahr. Anything goes in a church service, because God gave them those talents, right?

Of course, his main instrument is the drums, so perhaps God gave him the wrong talent? God should have given this young man a talent that he could actually use to serve God, apparently.

Again, what is your definition of blasphemy? LDS hymns often repeat a chorus. Are they now blasphemous? LDS prayer often follow the same basic outline. Blasphemous?

If you don't see the difference between LDS hymns and the type of music we are talking about, if you cannot see the difference between noise and behaviour at a concert or football game and a church service, I cannot explain it to you.

And I thought Nightingale's post was a good one, certainly not beyond the pale of what many others do on the boards here in different topics. Perhaps the length of her post was blasphemous.

Take care, everyone

[Olavarria]

What's wrong with Christian heavy metal concerts?

Nothing

there is nothing wrong with this either

[koakaipo]

I think sometimes some Mormons a little quick to judge what is considered reverent or not , especially music. I've mentioned this before, but at byu-hawaii, there was always tension between mainlanders and Polynesians in terms of what's reverent in how to sing hymns even, let alone other songs. Polynesians tend to love to do alot of harmonies and with no musical accompaniment and their styles can lend themselves to gospel influences. And for some mainland folks, this was considered irreverent, while to the POlynesian folks, they saw it as praising. And yet the Polynesians thought the tempo and somber tones of mainland styles were spiritless, and of course the mainlanders thought differently.

[Gervin]

Why are you mentioning Waco, Gervin? Is that where you now live?

Just wondering because I was raised in Waco. And my Mom and two sisters still live there.

I believe Rhino was at one time thinking of attending Baylor for post-grad work. I live in the DC area but grew up down I-35 from you - in San Antonio. Go Spurs, and all that!

[rhinomelon]

But the real issue of dancingâ?¦Iâ??m surprised! Of course LDS dance! BYUâ??s is probably the greatest contributor to the sport in the nation (except for the art schools). The issue isnâ??t the dancingâ?¦itâ??s that the dancing for Sabbath service. Where the High Priest fox-trotâ??n their way to the altar? Moreover, David got naked. Is that part of the â??Christian concert tour?â??

So you'd agree that one can dance as a form of worship (as long as one doesn't do it during a certain time of the week)? As far as "getting naked", I think David had stripped to his undergarments. But I could be wrong. That's immaterial. I know of no form of worship like that in evangelical churches in America, but that is likely more due to our own culture and preferences. There is no indication that God accused David of blasphemy for his exuberant dancing.

The exception of words certainly doesnâ??t change it. Iâ??m not going to let you bait me into saying what is, or what is not because to be honest, I havenâ??t thought about it musical terms.

I wasn't baiting you, I'm merely looking for consistency of application in your definition of "blasphemy". Of course, since according to you LDS can do it as well, you are at least being consistent.

But more importantly are the wordsâ?¦the monotonous usage of the Lordâ??s name. Talk of Him, about His work, the beauties of the World. But when the whole song is, â??L-L-Lâ?¦G-G-Gâ?¦we love you, almighty L-L-L, G-G-G, G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L-G-L!!!â? itâ??s improper. Itâ??s excessiveâ?¦and that makes it all too common and blasphemous.

And that is only your opinion, preference, etc. For some, it would be annoying and distracting, but for others it actually helps focus on God. Much like praying the rosary for Catholics, or the Jesus Prayer for Eastern Orthodox. What is the cutoff for how many times one can say the Lord's name in worship/prayer before crossing into blasphemy? I ask this not to bait you, but to show that this charge of blasphemy is not based on any objective standard, but on personal reactions and preferences.

Rhino:

One small advantage of being in the DC area (over Waco) will perhaps be the chance to see some exciting and varied things going on in worship among a very diverse peoples (you know, JFK said that DC operates with the efficiency of the south and the charm of the north). Brian McLaren was pastoring in MD when I was first introduced to him. Somewhere in his archives of writing is a good essay about the need for more drums in worship, an article you or your friend might enjoy (our drummer did).

I am pumped about the culture and diversity around DC. Even though Waco is more my speed, DC will be good for me in other ways. I'll definitely be looking around! And thanks for the link

And what was the context of their dancing? Were they in a victorious parade, similar to a victory dance after a great BYU football victory. Or were they in the synagogue, dancing as the words of the scriptures were being read. Beating drums as the priests prayed.

All of the above. From Psalm 149:

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

And Psalm 150:

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

I'm not sure about the drums, however.

This is the sign of priestcraft, where someone can take a few verses and prove almost ANYTHING from the Bible.

And this is a sign of prejudice, when one cannot see that their views are actually conditioned by their culture and preferences, and not universal absolutes.

Recently I saw a religious service where a "karate minister" broke bricks with his hand and head as a form of worship. A demonstration of "God's power", I suppose.

The point of these kinds of things is to demonstrate talents that wouldn't normally be part of a worship service, but still give one the opportunity to share the gospel and give a testimony. It may seem strange, but these kinds of things can go places and reach people that the more typical "church" things wouldn't. As I've said before, until the LDS church can learn to see something like skateboarding (or breaking bricks!) as a possible act of worship, there will always be people that the LDS church will never reach, always under their radar.

And the people on the temple grounds were using their God given gifts, their powerful voice, their rhetorical skills, to glorify God thru selling those sacrifical animals.

But they weren't doing it to glorify God. That was the whole point, why Jesus went nuts!

If you don't see the difference between LDS hymns and the type of music we are talking about, if you cannot see the difference between noise and behaviour at a concert or football game and a church service, I cannot explain it to you.

I can understand the distinction, but until you stop looking at the actions without regard for the heart or purpose behind the action, you won't understand the full meaning of worship. One can shout for Green Day, or shout for Jesus Christ. The action is the same, but the heart behind it and the purpose of it is radically different. LDS seem to have a hard time making that distinction, which only hurts the LDS church, in my opinion.

Take care, everyone

[PacMan]

Rhino,

So you'd agree that one can dance as a form of worship (as long as one doesn't do it during a certain time of the week)?

Sure. I think generally, if we use our body is clean, moral ways to have funâ?¦I think that (in a very basic way) is a form of worship. Considering the dancing on the Sabbathâ?¦Iâ??d tend away from it. But I think Iâ??d be careful to judge other on that one where often dance was their greatest medium of worship.

There is no indication that God accused David of blasphemy for his exuberant dancing.

Nor did Iâ?¦which begs to wonder why this is an issue of discussionâ?¦

And that is only your opinion, preference, etc.

Noâ?¦the over usage of the name of the Lord is blasphemyâ?¦and I donâ??t see how it is not. Itâ??s definitional, and this fits squarely with the definition of blasphemy. Recall, the Jews only said his name once a year. Certainly, time and time again in the same song might be excessive.

What is the cutoff for how many times one can say the Lord's name in worship/prayer before crossing into blasphemy?

Do you think Iâ??m a Pharisee or Sadducee? I havenâ??t quantified it, are you kidding? Letâ??s say this: When the theme is repeating the name of deity and it becomes the most commonly used word in the song, then I would qualify it as vain repetition.

One can shout for Green Day, or shout for Jesus Christ. The action is the same, but the heart behind it and the purpose of it is radically different.

Just because His name is Jesus, doesn't mean that one isn't treating Him more like a rock-star than the Savior of all mankind--a definitional boundry I'd be very concernend my children could honestly (not necessarily intellectually) make.

PacMan

P.S. I must have missed itâ?¦what are you going to be doing in DC?

[rhinomelon]

P.S. I must have missed itâ?¦what are you going to be doing in DC?

I'll be going to grad school at Catholic University of America over there. Going for a MA in Church History. Should be pretty fun! I'm moving in a month!

Noâ?¦the over usage of the name of the Lord is blasphemyâ?¦and I donâ??t see how it is not. Itâ??s definitional, and this fits squarely with the definition of blasphemy. Recall, the Jews only said his name once a year. Certainly, time and time again in the same song might be excessive.

But again, why is it excessive? Why is it blasphemous? Are Catholics likewise blasphemous in praying the rosary, or Eastern Orthodox in praying the Jesus Prayer? And when does one cross the line from "using" to "over-using"? I think using the Jews as a standard would convict us all of constant blasphemy. Again, I simply don't see any objective standard at work here, just your own opinion. And I think that blasphemy is a pretty serious charge to be tossing about on your say-so alone.

Just because His name is Jesus, doesn't mean that one isn't treating Him more like a rock-star than the Savior of all mankind--a definitional boundry I'd be very concernend my children could honestly (not necessarily intellectually) make.

But it also doesn't mean that people who shout (or dance or play electric guitar) do not make this distinction! I agree, some people could get mixed up, but that doesn't mean that all who do it are guilty of blasphemy. You do not know their heart or conviction, so you cannot judge. It is worship if it is directed to God with a eye for His glory. How that is done, as long as it does not conflict with established principles of right and wrong, does not matter.

For me, your attitude embodies the very attitude that Paul was so concerned to combat in Colossians and Corinthians. People have differing convictions about holy days, eating meat, etc. These distinctions do not matter, and we should bear with those who have different convictions from us on matters not relating to right/wrong. Do you think your attitude would fall under Paul's recrimination?

Take care, everyone