So a few days ago, I was talking with a dear friend of mine. We were discussing different social "rules" and what they are there for. This discussion caused a question for both of us.
Who makes these rules anyway?
Who decided what words are considered curse words? Who decided what things are and are not socially acceptable? Why is it okay to drink in some parts of the country and around some people, but with others, you might as well have just booked a one way ticket to hell with that sip of a cocktail?
It makes no sense. Where in the Bible does it say "thou shalt not engage in social drinking"? In my copy it just says to not be drunk with wine. I don't know what you're reading... Who cares if I go out for a drink with my friends? I'm not saying that I completely disregard every rule, I just want to know what the basis for the rules are. If you cannot give me a reason other than it being your opinion or the way that it's always been, then I will decide for myself what is right or wrong for me. I'm sorry, but imposing your so called morality on someone without any kind of real biblical basis is wrong. It's like when people tell me that I am sinning because I have tattoos. Where the heck are you basing that? I'm not forcing you to go to the tattoo shop and get inked with me. It says NOTHING in the Bible about tattoos. NOTHING. Same with piercings.
I believe in the Bible. Every word of it. I believe it is truth. But I also believe that we need to keep things in context. Don't pull out individual pieces to make it say what you want it to say.
Another thing that's a lot less bible related. Who decided what words are socially acceptable. I could list a ton of words that would fit into this question. The way I see it, though, is that it's like when we were kids. When we were little, our parents always told us not to say words like stupid, dumb, shut up, crap... those were "curse words" for us.
I actually asked my mother this question the other day. Her response is that it's the context of the word. And while I understand that, I must also point out that that could apply to any word in any language. I could say "tree" and make it sound super insulting. However, a tree is a tree is a tree, right? So what's the difference is saying crap, poop, or shit? They're all the same thing. So who decided the magnitude of inappropriateness for each word? I may be completely off base on this, and if you can find a legitimate biblical basis for why I am wrong, I welcome it. However, if it's an opinion, I will argue that my opinion is just as valid as yours.
So while I do not want to do anything that will personally offend anyone, I do have my own opinions and ideas. Everyone is allowed that. If it seriously offends you to have alcohol around, that's okay. It doesn't bother me, personally. If certain words bother you, that's okay. They just happen to not bother me.
That is all I have to say.
Let me know what your thoughts are? Seriously, I am open for whatever input you may have. But I will point out again that I will not change my opinion unless you can give me a solid, in context, biblical reason as to why my opinion is wrong at all.
Much love
Kate
