NOW I'm still not sure where I misrepresented you but I apologize. I assumed you were saying video/TV could not be used at all and I was trying to point out the manual makes loophole for inspirational films, etc. One has to have a TV or monitor to view them.
__________________ To be able to unite in difference carries more weight than all the opinions the universe can hold
Exactly and if the pastor does not do what he signed he would do, its a lie. I agree. I don't think I've sat under many though who haven't at least made it known their disapproval for TV or Hollywood movies and in fact preached that we shouldn't watch those. Thats as far as the statement goes. If a pastor doesn't do that, then in NOW's opinion and mine also, he has not been completely honest.
I think that there is a big difference in when the AS was constructed and the development of technology with television and the computer as well. They didn't used to have blocks, filters, choices in programming, etc., that continue to grow today. That is why, I believe, many could sign the thing because they can stand on this principle in the statement - "We wholeheartedly disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living.."
This part will naturally evolve into a change, because of technology and I believe everyone knows that -"Furthermore, because of the display of all these evils on television, we disapprove of any of our people having television sets in their homes." That is why I don't view it as dishonest to sign the thing.
I wouldn't go out handing out televisions, but I certainly wouldn't attempt to stop someone from getting one either.
I think that there is a big difference in when the AS was constructed and the development of technology with television and the computer as well. They didn't used to have blocks, filters, choices in programming, etc., that continue to grow today. That is why, I believe, many could sign the thing because they can stand on this principle in the statement - "We wholeheartedly disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living.."
This part will naturally evolve into a change, because of technology and I believe everyone knows that -"Furthermore, because of the display of all these evils on television, we disapprove of any of our people having television sets in their homes." That is why I don't view it as dishonest to sign the thing.
I wouldn't go out handing out televisions, but I certainly wouldn't attempt to stop someone from getting one either.
The statement surely needs an update. Doesn't deal with stances on Netflix, etc either as much. The way it seemed many ministers looked at it was their signing stated they would not own a TV. Thats not actually the bulk of the statement though. Its actually signing that they disapprove of their people having TV sets in their homes. Of course that doesn't deal with VCRs and DVD players where inspirational, religious, and educational venues could be viewed; so they made a loophole with monitors or TVs that aren't on cable/satellite in my opinion.
__________________ To be able to unite in difference carries more weight than all the opinions the universe can hold
The statement surely needs an update. Doesn't deal with stances on Netflix, etc either as much. The way it seemed many ministers looked at it was their signing stated they would not own a TV. Thats not actually the bulk of the statement though. Its actually signing that they disapprove of their people having TV sets in their homes. Of course that doesn't deal with VCRs and DVD players where inspirational, religious, and educational venues could be viewed; so they made a loophole with monitors or TVs that aren't on cable/satellite in my opinion.
I just know that I had an issue with that with one of my sisters. When I first got in church we didn't own a television. After there were more choices available via video players, we purchased a television. I was homeschooling and I needed the device for some of my classes and just because I wanted them to see some films on books we had read.
I certainly wasn't going to pay the high price for a monitor that people were trying sell at the time. It seemed ridiculous, because before I was in church, I didn't sit around watching television and knew I wouldn't if I had one.
Anyway, back to my sister, she was offended that I wanted to watch one of her plays that had been recorded. She thought I couldn't watch anything. I had to explain the balance to her.
Now, as I said, with technology, there are so many options, the rule will have to be re-worded and it eventually will be. Honestly, at the time the AS was written, I can see why they didn't want people to have televisions.
Today, I can still see why you wouldn't want to "hand" out a television to someone. As much as you can find whatever you want in the way of entertainment on the computer, it is basically an informational and business tool. The television is, basically, an entertainment tool. Now that both are beginning to be combined on the computer, you'd have to re-word your original stance on the subject and it will be done.
Likewise another could make a case it's dishonest to take citizenship and swear to obey all the laws of the land knowing they will break some.
I would argue it's the spirit and intent of the law that is most important.
Were talking about preachers who sign a paper saying they will preach such and such knowing they won't. Comparing to other failures of people doesn't take away from dishonesty of a preacher who signs it.
__________________
Today pull up the little weeds,
The sinful thoughts subdue,
Or they will take the reins themselves
And someday master you. --Anon.
The most deadly sins do not leap upon us, they creep up on us.
Question about those "cover letters". If you sign two documents, one that says you agree with something and another that says you don't, do they contradict each other? Or is that just another apparent contradiction, like the ones in a certain other document?
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Question about those "cover letters". If you sign two documents, one that says you agree with something and another that says you don't, do they contradict each other? Or is that just another apparent contradiction, like the ones in a certain other document?
Not really an actual contradiction if one provides additional clarity. It's just saying as written it needs further definition given what one believes is the intent of the statement, and that additional technology advances have matured in the 20 years since it was drafted.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Were talking about preachers who sign a paper saying they will preach such and such knowing they won't. Comparing to other failures of people doesn't take away from dishonesty of a preacher who signs it.
Like I said, the code thumpers will never be happy. ANY contract can be brought into question on peripheral interpretation.
You want to charge a pastor of "dishonesty" because of a gotcha moment and his level of approval/disapproval of his congregation's private possessions? Help yourself. Good luck with that.
Personally, I say don't sweat the small stuff. Give others the benefit of the doubt. In the grand scheme of things my code thumping and condemnation won't help bring them to a better understanding. It would only expose my own willingness to hone other's shortcomings when I myself depend heavily on a the Grace of God.
If you are a UPCI minister and see the difficulties in the affirmation wording, I wish you godspeed in changing it. If not, I ask you; "Are there any perceivable inconsistencies in your own life you may consider?"
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Question about those "cover letters". If you sign two documents, one that says you agree with something and another that says you don't, do they contradict each other? Or is that just another apparent contradiction, like the ones in a certain other document?
I think it's safe to assume that if you accompany your AS with a list of exceptions, and the organization accepts it, you're in the clear. You have signed and made your exceptions to the first document clear, and the organization with which you are binding yourself has accepted your stipulations.
I find that more palatable then a signature with the knowledge that you don't intend to follow all the guidelines.
That allows for honesty, and it puts the onus back on the organization.
__________________
"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
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