Posted by marcos on December 01, 2002 at 21:31:30:
In Reply to: Re: observation about the "straight edge" life-style posted by Mister Metal on December 01, 2002 at 20:44:01:
: :
: : I have had quite a few friends who consider themselves straight edge. Some of them have truly embraced the philosophy of that life style and don't make a big deal about being "straight edge". On the other hand, there are those who embrace the "identity" of being "straight edge" rather than the philosophy behind the life style. You can usually tell the difference in about 30 seconds.
: : Just another discrepency to think about... I know a lot of people who (insert "claim to be" here if you follow the premise of your post) are Christian and can't seem to quit sinning. Which is stronger, the call of God or the call of a cultural identity group?
: i hear ya cari..but at the same time...my take on the christian lifestyle is that it all boils down to your(the christian's) need of a savior..of a GOD who is in control..while the straight edge movement is more of an arrogant thing..well just maybe my view on it..and my experiences with kids who claim the edge...i just think that many of them fail to see that whether its drugs..or porn or gamblin..its still a fix..
: but i am seein what ya mean..well for many of these kids...their edge is in an essence..ehh i hate to say it..but its their religion...i am one who doesnt like to use that word..thats how i see it tho...i just have a bad taste in my mouth with the edge movement..but i am open to talk about it..and learn...thats why i posted about it on here..not that many who post here even claim the edge..but yeah..eh...thought i'd give it a try.
~I've been attracted to the concept of the straight-edge movement before. In fact, I would say that I
see some favorable things about it, but the problem is that when it comes down to it,
it still leaves you empty, and there is no power to be able to follow the lifestyle, not for long.
Your still empty, and that emptiness will sooner or later pull you away from it, and your soul will be searching for fulfillment in other things, in other places, then you'd find yourself living contrary to the "straight-edge" you were resolved to follow. It does help when your identifying with a group, but this alone cannot be enough. Then there is a lack of "grace" if you will,
what happens when you mess up? where are you gonna run to for love and forgiveness?
This is my opinion anyway. When it comes down to it, I am nothing, everything that I try to do
is as filthy rags, I can never be good enough for myself, I can never like myself enough, I can never
feel that I am doing what I should, I most likely I don't. I see no meaning to anything, to this life, to this world; apart from God, in the person of Jesus, but in Him, I can see everything,
grace to live over sin, unfathomable love, a fulfillment stemming from having been called to worship him, and serve him by serving others, a meaning to life and death, to suffering in this life, realizing all things here are passing, worthless treasures rust (circle of dust), and that sister death is now a friend not foe, and her sting gone as we share in the Resurrection and come total fullfillment with Him.
Well, I've said enough. Straight-edge: good idea but not enough