Saturday, February 2, 2013

The Seven Deadly Sins

That is the name of our current Bible study. Yes, heavy material. Revealing too, how the habits incurred by the practice and desire of virtues guide a person to make sound decisions through life, in the hope of becoming a better person. Yesterday, I took a break from the self reflection the study demands and decided to page through a mindless magazine while I waited for my sons swimming practice to end. The magazine, Real Simple, had a section called Life Lesson Expertise. Sounds enlightening. And it was enlightening. The article had 5 sections, written by 5 experts, dedicated to the pursuit of VICES! The first expert, Paul Bloom is a PROFESSOR of psychology at Yale and explains how participation in office gossip helps build friendships and keep you informed. The second expert, Erica Jong, the EDITOR of the anthology Sugar In My Bowl, embraces sloth as a an incredible way to veg out and do nothing. Then there is the third expert, John Portmann a PROFESSOR OF MORAL HISTORY at the University of Virginia who writes that the pleasure a person gets from the misfortune of others can feel great, because you can rejoice that the karmic system works. And there is Sabrina Jefferies the best selling author of 34 romance novels who writes in praise of being lustful and encourages girls to embrace their lust and acknowledge sex as an essential component in any intimate relationship. Also Graham Hill, the founder of TreeHugger.com and LifeEdited.com claims it is OK to be a weekday vegetarian and eat pork, beef and chicken on the weekends. But still be a vegetarian, since the all or nothing approach is impossible for some people. I am shocked that I am shocked.
Posted by Annmarie Pipa at 4:12 PM

45 comments:

  1. in the end, we feed our pleasures...this is the society we have become...in many ways...

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  2. Annmarie, Almost makes you not want your kids to read, right? I know there are still wonderful beautiful people in our world. But I can see how much our lifes have changed. Our morals are slipping. God help us. xoxo,Susie

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  3. that's why it's so important for us to keep His Word hidden in our hearts, and written on our doorposts, so we can know the truth despite what others try to tell us.
    Debbi
    -yankeeburrowcreations

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  4. Annmarie: Max Lucado,in his book-Next Door Savior,describes the moral fabric of our society today as "Mardi Gras Morals" I believe you have read what that means. I still pray for God to pour out His spirit on our nation.

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  5. Perhaps its time to start writing for magazines.....seems they are in need of some real inspirational articles.

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  6. Wow, it's gotten to that pathetic spot, eh? In reference to quietspirit, I love, love, love Max Lucado's books. So super easy to read and understand! And, so much good old fashioned common sense, which, unfortunately, doesn't seem to be that common anymore.

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  7. To be in the world but not of the world...
    the world says these actions are okay - our heart and mind say otherwise!

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  8. Oh boy, that is just well...hummm. Hrumph!! I believe I will take this one up with Father and let Him deal with it.

    <><

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  9. I say go back to the Bible study. :)

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  10. What a wide variety of opinions. Mind boggling.

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  12. This doesn't surprise me. One Wednesday evening at church, our pastor was telling about very smart college professors that are proposing ridiculous scenarios about Jesus. Really unbiblical. Intellectualism can really lead us away from God. It is the heart He is after. And the most brilliant professor in the world is nothing if he does not have a heart for God, and a heart for others.

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  13. What is truly shocking is that this sort of information is printed for all to read. Unless you have a background in Biblical values, any fool would be drawn to this stuff. Sad, very sad.

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  14. It's a changing world. Unfortunately, many of the changes aren't for the good.

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  15. Sad commentary on our world. I can try and justify all the things I do that I know I shouldn't, but it's still going for excuses.

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  16. rather a bleak outlook for us I would say, sad very sad,

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  17. I rarely am shocked about anything anymore. I think a large segment of the world today is preoccupied with doing whatever they want in their quest to get whatever they want. Unfortunately, I don't think that looking for constant pleasure or seeking out material wealth ever really fulfills anyone.

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  18. I think it is good you are still shocked. It shows that you have a conscience~

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  19. It shocks me too. It makes me sick to my stomach. It seems that the speed of this moral breakdown is exponential. God help us indeed!

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  20. Hmmmmm ..... I think it is about time for those who still holds good "old" moral values to write in that magazine.

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  22. "I am shocked that I am shocked." Well put.

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  23. I'm not shocked really. These things are already happening and these people have come out and written about it. Many mags roll this way.
    Sad, yes.

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  24. In light of what's "advised" in this magazine, this should just motivate us Christians to truly be the light of the world as we are called to do. The world needs us now more than ever to be a reflection of Christ.

    XO,
    Meredith

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  25. This is a really great post! I enjoyed reading this, it was well written.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  26. We all live different lives and should not judge. Isn't that what Jesus said? Getting old is not easy, but what I have learned and embraced is to accept others, no matter their journey through life, no matter their beliefs (because, maybe I can learn from them) but only judge them through their character and compassion for others. I do not need a book nor a sermon to tell me the path to goodness, I just need to reach out to someone who needs me, whether they be friend or foe, stranger or neighbor. I learn goodness and fulfillness from others to whom I extend my hand. Life's lessons are what guides us, and an open heart is what takes us to peace. i find it to be the answer to "why am I here".

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  27. When I read your post, a scripture came to mind...Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" It seems like there is more and more of that these days. Sigh...

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  29. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions...pity they are often so misguided.

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  30. These are the messages being sent to our young people. Very discouraging!
    Mary Alice

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  31. This sounds so familiar! I have read something just like this in another magazine that someone gave me a subscription to. It is all so disturbing!

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  32. I have that magazine sitting unread on my desk at work. Now I'll have to go check this out. What is wrong with the world?

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  33. The one that bothers me the most is the way people today seem to take so much pleasure in the misfortune of others (the Prof of Moral History). Facebook often seems to be a place where a person can post a picture of some poor person on the skids and expect to get some laughs. Worrisome.

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  34. Anna Marie,
    I always say, No God, No Wisdom, and you can sure see there is no wisdom in those philosphies................It is shocking, but like you say things never cease to shock us, and in a way I think that is good................

    Haven't been by in a long while as I have somehow lost my blog roll,
    but happened to read an old blog post today and say your comment
    and thought I am gonna go visit. Hope all is well with you and yours, Blessings, Nellie

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  35. This is so scary because just because I don't read this garbage, or am affected by it negatively as you are, does not mean there are those who don't fall into the pit. It is very scary. We have such a responsibility to lead and guide those that are put in our sphere of influence. And much more that our influence is good.

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  37. Annmarie, There are too many experts or 'talking heads' out there telling us what we should or shouldn't be doing or feeling. I say "Do unto others..." and be true to one's self! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

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  38. Unbelievably sad that this kind of "advice?" is published in a magazine like Real Simple. Most of my feelings in response to your post have already been stated by others. It is what is to be expected in a sinful world that doesn't know Jesus. We have to teach our children well.

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  39. It's the coarsening of America as ever more Americans have nothing to do with the Bible or church. We Christians must shine our light before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.

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  40. A lack of self respect and respect for others is the problem. Back in the 50's we lived in a much more moral society. So called experts over the years have made it acceptable to behave in an obnoxious manner. Our so called role models don't help. I'm no prude, but when I accidentally catch any of these 'bare all' T.V programmes I despair. Sodom and Gomorrah spring to mind.

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  41. Sheesh. I like to think that we are better than this...

    "/

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  42. The part in the Bible where the Lord tells us to live in the world but not be a part of it is getting easier. I want no part of this screwed up new age thinking.

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  43. I think this is where we need to set very good examples for our children. Let them see you working out and taking care of yourself. Tell them that sex before marriage is not okay. Let them see you go out and do service - and them serve right along with you.

    Just because they are so called "experts" means nothing. Let them see you making the right choices - and they will be inclined to do so.

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  44. wow! what a disturbing article. I think that our society is all about getting what feels good where-ever you can get it! great post!

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  45. We're getting ready to see Fr. Robert Barron's series on the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Lively Virtues. This is going to be our parish Lenten study. We will start with Stations of the Cross, followed by the Rice Bowl meal and then the film.

    Thanks so much for visiting, commenting on and following my blog! I am going to be your newest follower as well!

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