Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the issue of attending or refusing to attend entertainments can be a matter of personal conviction and discernment. The Bible does not explicitly address modern forms of entertainment, but principles can be drawn from Scripture regarding the potential offense caused by refusing to participate in social gatherings or entertainments.Biblical Principles and Context 1. Conscience and Liberty: The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of personal liberty and conscience in 1 Corinthians 8:9, where he warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." This passage suggests that while Christians have freedom in Christ, they must be mindful of how their actions affect others, particularly those who may be weaker in faith. 2. Avoiding Offense: In Romans 14:21, Paul advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." This principle can be applied to entertainments, where a believer's refusal to participate might cause offense or misunderstanding among others. The emphasis is on maintaining peace and edification within the community. 3. Witness and Testimony: Christians are called to be witnesses to the world, as seen in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Refusing to attend certain entertainments may be a way to uphold a testimony of holiness and distinctiveness, yet it should be done with grace and love to avoid alienating others. 4. Cultural Sensitivity: The early church faced cultural challenges, as seen in Acts 15:19-20, where the Jerusalem Council advised Gentile believers to abstain from practices offensive to Jewish Christians. This demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity and the avoidance of unnecessary offense in diverse communities. 5. Love and Unity: Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." When deciding whether to attend or refuse entertainments, the guiding principle should be love and the pursuit of unity within the body of Christ. Practical Considerations · Discernment: Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when deciding on participation in entertainments (James 1:5). · Communication: Open and honest communication with those who may be offended by one's refusal to attend can help mitigate misunderstandings and demonstrate respect for differing perspectives. · Respect for Conscience: Romans 14:5 highlights the importance of individual conviction: "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind." Respecting each other's conscience is crucial in maintaining harmony. In summary, while the Bible does not provide direct instructions regarding modern entertainments, the principles of love, unity, and sensitivity to others' consciences offer guidance for believers navigating these social situations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:18,24And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray you have me excused. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The True Nonconformist. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Resources What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Entertainment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn Entertainments: Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests, Entertainments: Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned Entertainments: Given by the Guests in Return Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Birthdays Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Festivals Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Harvest Home Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Marriage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of National Deliverance Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Return of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Weaning Children Entertainments: Guests At: Arranged According to Rank Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Entertainments: Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Entertainments: Guests At: Saluted by the Master Entertainments: Guests At: Usually Anointed Entertainments: Invitations to Often Addressed to Many Entertainments: Invitations to Often by the Master in Person Entertainments: Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends Entertainments: Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Men and Women did not Usually Meet At Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Entertainments: None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The Entertainments: None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At Entertainments: Offense Given by Refusing to Go To Entertainments: Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Entertainments: Often Given in The House Entertainments: Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber Entertainments: Often Scenes of Great Intemperance Entertainments: Portions of, often Sent to the Absent Entertainments: Preparations Made For Entertainments: Served often by Hired Servants Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Entertainments: Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast Related Terms |
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