I can, however, judge her actions that do not render any exhibition of submission to our Lord.

So, once more into the breach, friends -

You call it: “prop” or “not”?

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23397596-details/Paris+Hilton%3A+Please+God%2C+save+me+from+jail/article.do

(Mikey – do me the favor of hotlinking this).

I gotta go with prop, simply because of the color of the cover. But, to be fair, it may be the “New American Revised Bling Translation” which comes in “discreet” or “rhinestone” bindings.

The paper back looks read, however. So maybe we are seing a Damascus Road conversion in bad taste.

What’s your call?

Now, if they are sinful, then should we not note that they are contrary to Christian theology? Moreover we are asked to tell our brothers that they are acting in a manner contrary to church teachings.

As for being Christian or not in their heart – that is not for me to decide. However, you cannot have me look the other way to sinful behaviour and note its discordance with doctrine. Otherwise – hey it’s all OK – and that is definitely the way of the secular world. Judge not….does not mean take no note of the sin.

There is a difference between the sinner and the sin. I’m noting the latter, not judging the former.

I agree that the behavior she exhibited wasn’t representative of how Christ wants us to act, and have never defended that behavior.

I disagree with that being any indication that she is not a Christian, or that there is “no fruit of the spirit evident in their lives”.

While I don’t know what’s in *her* heart (hence the disclaimer), I’m making a link between one exhibiting a hedonistic lifestyles and simultaneously wearing a cross, the symbol of a non-hedonistic lifestyle that follows Christ. And while I question why one such as that would wear a symbol that identifies them as a Christian when there is no evidence, no “fruit of the spirit” evident in their lives, you seem to be defending such a lifestyle (while simultaneously saying you’re not defending such a lifestyle). Which part of drunken boisterous premarital public sex honors Christ? And why would you choose to defend that over the lifestyle Christ would call us to lead?

They can do anything they want, but when they engage unashamedly in such behavior *and* identify themselves as a Christian, they’re dishonoring Christ.

I do apologize for misreading your disclaimer. I assumed that since you said your judgemental statements were the result of your hypocritical nature you were making a more direct link between your statement and hypocricy. Although now that I re-read it, I’m even more confused. If you know your statements are judgemental, and that they are, in your words, “purely a result of [your] own hypocritical sinful nature”, wouldn’t that be a warning that perhaps those statements are best left unsaid?

I’m not defending this woman – I don’t know her, or what she’s thinking, or what’s in her heart. No one does. Which is my point.

And you still haven’t explained how her sins are any different from anyone else’s.

I repeat – you asked why non-Christians would wear a cross. I ask how you know whether anyone is a Christian or not, based on a public transgression.

I do apologize for misreading your disclaimer. I assumed that since you said your judgemental statements were the result of your hypocritical nature you were making a link between your statement and hypocricy.

The question you haven’t answered is, who does deserve to wear a cross? Is anyone worthy?

I’m not defending this woman – I don’t know her, or what she’s thinking, or what’s in her heart. No one does. Which is my point.

I am called to rebuke a brother and sister in Christ in their sin. I must be careful not to be judgemental while doing so, for I do not know the state of their salvation, and any “plank in my eye” must be removed before I do so. Taking my Lord’s name in vain falls in that category, I believe. If they’re Christians, they need a rebuking for their actions are clearly opposed to the teachings of Christianity. If they’re not Christian, why are they wearing a cross?

Do you believe followers of Christ should lead hedonistic lifestyles? And if so, what scripture are you basing that on? I know of a few that say the opposite.

Samantha, your words ring true. Revelation 3:16, Jesus says, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Jesus has little use for the part-time Christian. He seeks those who seek God with all their heart and soul and mind and body.

Why you are so adamantly bent on defending them? (I’m honestly wondering, not trying to be sarcastic at all).

We have a King in heaven who demands perfection and holiness from us. He died on a cross to redeem us from our sins. It’s not something that we can take lightly. You are either a Christian or you are not. You can not teeter on the road going to hell and the road leading to heaven.

You see the point? We have to be very careful that we are not only hearers of the Word, but doers. And while from a simple picture it is impossible to tell the state of that person’s heart, their fruit gives them away.

The least that we know is that they are not being the sort of witnesses that show Christ.

Or do you disagree?

You admit it’s a hypocritical stance. Why are you defending your hypocrisy so adamently?