Check with Keith and Elizabeth - they deal with people like this and it's working. However, in most of the churches that we are familiar with, it would never work.
I wanted to have an area here where some that were struggling with addictions could discuss their problems hiding behind usernames, but it wouldn't have worked - there would still be those that would attack and send them to hell without listening to their story or recognize they were reaching out for help.
There have been times in my life when I would have given anything to be able to "unload." The idealistic nature of the "Circle of confession" needs to happen. I make it an absolute, that anyone can tell me anything and I will, IN NOW WAY WHATSOEVER, treat them any differently than I did before. Obviously, there are legal issues to deal with, especially in California, but there must be a "Sanctuary" for the offenders in many different issues, not just porn.
There have been times in my life when I would have given anything to be able to "unload." The idealistic nature of the "Circle of confession" needs to happen. I make it an absolute, that anyone can tell me anything and I will, IN NOW WAY WHATSOEVER, treat them any differently than I did before. Obviously, there are legal issues to deal with, especially in California, but there must be a "Sanctuary" for the offenders in many different issues, not just porn.
Trusting that confidentiality and knowing people will be loved and not judged differently are the two biggest obstacles.
Pastoral counseling still tends to have longer lines that clinical counseling, though the "free" part of that may have something to do with that. But I also think people want to have a spiritual perspective on their issues.
Ironically, many forget self-control has anything to do with Grace or the Spirit, and aim for self-control through self (sounds like the meaning of the word). But the irony is that self-control is the outflow of a life lived in the Spirit... a life smothered in grace, growing in grace, etc...
AMEN!!! "Self-control" that is through "Self" leads, very often, to misery. But when empowered through the Holy Spirit, leads to victory!
AMEN!!! "Self-control" that is through "Self" leads, very often, to misery. But when empowered through the Holy Spirit, leads to victory!
Amen...
Moralists try to push moralism, and a repentance of "I won't do that again" self-will, self-saving efforts. There's is a world that is not grace-empowered.
I think we need to get to a place to live fully Gospel-centered lives, where we speak the Gospel to each other in all situations. Where we open and share one another's burdens... not just when people are deep in the pit, but when people are being pulled to the pit.
Yes. "Fault" here is used in the same way as Galatians 6:1...."If a brother be overtaken in a fault", or, something that an individual struggles with on a frequent basis. Don't argue with me, I own a Strong's Concordance and I once took a class in Greek. Oh wait, I flunked.....but I still know what I'm talking about!!!
Yes. "Fault" here is used in the same way as Galatians 6:1...."If a brother be overtaken in a fault", or, something that an individual struggles with on a frequent basis. Don't argue with me, I own a Strong's Concordance and I once took a class in Greek. Oh wait, I flunked.....but I still know what I'm talking about!!!
I forgot my smiley face... i wasn't arguing, only razzing.
Hmmm, so if that brother one time sleeps with another man's wife, it's not a "fault" because it's not "on going"? haha
I hate pornography. To a disabled person engaging in it. I can only ask if they would be okay with their mother or sister or daughter performing in it.
__________________
Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it. ~Chinese Proverb
When I was young and clever, I wanted to change the world. Now that I am older and wiser, I strive to change myself. ~
I hate pornography. To a disabled person engaging in it. I can only ask if they would be okay with their mother or sister or daughter performing in it.
Good point.
Wait.. I don't even like the thought of my mother/daughter/sister engaging in sex period!
And Lord knows how many men have made their own porn movie in their minds about them. Yuckie.
Linear Mode
