The Bible is based on principle. I know a number of people who do not need the internet to function. That is a fallacy. I don't need the internet at all. It is a convenience.
The Bible doesn't permit one to throw principle out the window because of a perceived necessity.
Unfortunately, principles were compromised for convenience. Does anyone really think the preachers on the forefront of the anti-television movement would be gung ho for the internet? Their integrity suggests they would be quicker to denounce the internet than they did television.
The legalists today who hijacked the conservative movement are more concerned about keeping unscriptural mandates as part of their identity than finding out what God really meant on their own.
Outside or inside, the inconsistency is there. If one is permitted to judge the internet on its own merit, than one should be given the same opportunity to judge wardrobe on its merit. We know the fryer will freeze over before that happens.
Perception is not the problem. Inconsistent application of principles is your source of trouble.
The television issue would have stayed dead in the upci if the upci used the same principle for the internet as they did for television.
If anyone reads the upci manual's resolution against television and their resolution for internet, one would almost think they are reading the same resolution. Except, television is a no-no. Internet is okay.
If the best argument you have for violating principle is I need the internet, than you never had a strong position to begin with. Legalism shows that people can be bought for the right price.
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Originally Posted by 2020Vision
Decisions are not blanketed. From the outside, it can seem inconsistent, but in reality, the spiritual community has the right and duty to make decisions about things on their own merit. While the internet may have far worse potential, the issue is television, which has been settled long ago and is still not needed in the sanctuary of our homes. On to internet, there's such a day-to-day use in education, business, etc that you couldn't exist in society at all without one. So we encourage filters, accountability, computers in open places and not bedrooms, etc. It's not full proof of error, and yes many are wrecking their lives over this. But this does not resurrect the tv issue from the dead. It just means we need the Holy Ghost to give us wisdom in this ever-changing society that is leaning toward "Barbarism in the 21st Century" (another great LB message that someone sent me).
Too many are trying to appoint themselves as lawyers. In reality, these are humans making decisions that they feel are best for the community. If people don't like it, they can leave. In my church, and others that we fellowship with, the proof is in the pudding. And people love and appreciate the community. The antithesis to godly, Holiness preaching is not always ugly, power-hungry, legalistic, bitter, angry men. Believe it or not, sometimes there are men that truly love God and want what's best for his flock.
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