Discerning Between Good and Evil

An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/  about items such as Vampire books. This follows this post about an opium farming valley.  For a free magazine subscription or to get this book for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886-8632.

Discerning Between Good and Evil


A commentary by Darris McNeely



I am learning to discern between good and evil. Are you?



No, I am not a rabid book-burning, narrow-minded fundamentalist.



But I am learning to discern between good and evil. Are you?



The March/April issue of World News and Prophecy contains my article, "Twilight on the Land." The Stephenie Meyer books of vampire teen romance have captivated millions of readers. Reader comments on the article are coming in, and there are mixed reactions, which is what I expected.



One writer comments in appreciation: "Thank you so much for your article on Twilight in World News and Prophecy . Several of my Christian friends are reading these books and are excited about the movies. One friend in particular is against Harry Potter and The Golden Compass, but she embraces these vampire novels. I have had discussions with my daughter about the danger that resides within these kinds of stories after she had heard about the supposed coolness of Meyer's books.



"I am relieved to see someone on the same page as me when it comes to this topic. While I was reading your article, my head kept nodding in agreement. It certainly is a 'subtle deception' with a presentation of good trying to win out over evil. Reading these kinds of stories invites unwanted beings into your life."



Not everyone agrees with my point of view. Another reader says: "I read the article Darris McNeely wrote in reaction to the movie and book Twilight. I was very disappointed with his approach... I think the approach should have been that there is a mix of good and evil—like in most movies and books today. The job of God's people is to discern between these things... Encourage their ability to discern as they take in popular culture..."



Exactly! You and I are to learn to discern between good and evil as we are bombarded with all the elements of our popular culture. The subtlety of evil in today's world is such that we begin to see it as something acceptable to allow into our minds and lives.



You must remember we are in a spiritual war for our minds and lives! We see only the physical and miss the spiritual dimension of this struggle. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:11-12 [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.





See All...).



I said in my article that in my youth I would watch occult-type movies. Over the years I have moved away from that form of entertainment. I am not into burning books or censorship. I believe in the freedom of the individual to choose his or her reading and entertainment. I also believe that God expects us to choose life, not death—to choose what is good and righteous in all areas of our life.



Read the article "Twilight in the Land." Ask yourself how good a job you are doing in raising the spiritual standards of your life. Your peace of mind and quality of life is important. Then write and let me know what you think about the subject.



World News and Prophecy Facebook Page



Those of you who use the social media tool Facebook will want to join our World News and Prophecy page. Through this you can follow the blog we use to comment on topical news each day. It is a growing site for us and one we continue to develop. The March/April issue of World News and Prophecy is also posted online. Keep up with us on these sites and as always...



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A Confused Glenn Beck

An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/  about Vampire books. This follows this post about celebrity influence on things such as drug use and sexual problems. For a free magazine subscription or to get this book for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886-8632.

A Confused Glenn Beck

Last week I was watching Glen Beck’s popular news program on CNN. Glen is a conservative and engaging and articulate commentator. I enjoy his perspective and his enthusiasm.



On this night he interviewed Dr. James Dobson about the state of American morality. It was a good interview with several interesting statements about the trends talking morality down. Particular notice was given to the success of the latest version of Grand Theft Auto, the wildly popular video game where one can hire a prostitute, engage in sexual relations and then kill her. Afterwards the virtual character can go down the street killing cops. Innocent fun for kids and adults to share together.



Both Beck and Dobson clearly agreed such violent games added nothing to the social character. Right on Glen. But what struck me was the next guest Beck interviewed and the praise he heaped on her.



Next up was Stephanie Meyer, a popular author of a series of vampire books for teens. You know what a vampire is, the living dead who prey on the blood of victims, usually attractive women victims. Meyer has written another book that deals with the possession of human bodies by alien beings. All these books are best sellers with a growing audience. Meyer has been called the American version of J.K. Rowling.



What struck me was Glen Beck’s fawning praise for Meyers books. How can you go from criticizing the state of American morality in one segment to praising the fascination for literary worrks about vampires and spiritism? Doesn’t he understand the connection? Tales of evil spirits dressed in fanciful literary garb and sweetened with romance and nice people are just as corrosive to morals as virtual immorality and murder.



But it seems Mr. Beck is oblivious to this and little wonder. Even the most astute among us are unable to see the complete depth of deception our world is under. Isaiah says there would be those “who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!



See All...).



Evil and sin distorts our ability to clearly discern. Slowly over time even the most astute social observers can blur the lines and miss the point of understanding how insidious and pervasive is the evil in this world. Be clear and certain about your course. Keep the lines between evil and good clear in your own mind.







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