Is it sin? Scripture, euphemisms, and cultural relativity
The hosts work through the theology of language: Ephesians 4 against obscene talk, 1 Peter's call to be holy and set apart, and the childhood scolding over euphemisms like 'geez.' One host argues Jesus reached tax collectors and drunkards without becoming one, while another counters that the culture's definition of obscenity is relative — Isaiah's 'filthy rags' and Ezekiel's excrement passages were deliberately graphic for their purpose. A host adds a Firestone plant anecdote: on the factory floor the F-word is filler, but a pastor saying it would scandalize people because of who he represents.
More on Culture
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Church, emotions, and the self-focus of affluence
- How do you help people in an affluent, self-focused culture see that they need Jesus?
Ben revives a question from two or three shows back: are church services and worship tunes postured toward certain personality types — predominantly emotions and dealing with emotions?
From No. 603 · Found Out
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Dear LFTP: a son's Taiwanese wife
- My son married a woman from Taiwan whom I dislike and have nothing in common with; what should I do?
Mike (speaker-2) reads a Dear LFTP letter from a parent whose son married a woman from Taiwan: she is sweet but the writer calls her 'uncultured,' dislikes her housekeeping, cooking, English, and dress, and says they are never invited over.
From No. 537 · The Bible Confuseth
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Article: why people reject Christianity, and record unhappiness
- Can you be holy and happy at the same time?
- Are people actually unhappier than past generations, or just more willing to say so?
A host reads an article arguing that beneath surface objections, two reasons top the list for rejecting Christianity: bad experiences with professing Christians who look nothing…
From No. 519 · Folk Ain’t Happy