Posted by giveawayboy on December 02, 2002 at 01:21:41:
In Reply to: observation about the "straight edge" life-style posted by thistle on December 01, 2002 at 08:58:03:
:
: 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?
Well said Cari. I liked that. Both applications too. Straight Edge and Christian. I think it's easy to go for a quick identity than to work out the issues that face us. We can choose a side of the fence and not address what is real. This quick fix solution is easier than fully realizing who we are and it seems less painful in the present moment. I also see this trend among homosexuals where people would rather slap the 'gay' label on themselves, instead of really getting to know WHO they are or how special and uniquely God has made them. Still, I know not all homosexual people do this. Many of them exist quite independently of the gay subculture. They see through it. Many also are happily serving God, living a single life and still working out how to reconcile who they are, the 'ABBA-Father' part, with everyday life. In this sense they are just like anyone else trying to simply follow Christ.
One problem with our culture, is that we market easy identities for people. Just go to any Christian bookstore and they can fix you up in no time. In a matter of hours you can be sitting in front of a Ron DiCiani print in your dining room, sipping Christian tea out of Thomas Kinkade mugs, listening to Twila Paris or even P.O.D. and thumbing through the latest book in the LEFT BEHIND series. That's what I mean it's prefab.
see you later, Bill