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Post by metalikhan on Apr 6, 2010 20:33:52 GMT -5
I agree that there are no Real Die Hard rules -- more like guidelines. Or maybe suggestions.
If we go by the no scripture allowed edict, then we can never have a Bible-believing follower of Christ as a character, eh? Or a Bible scholar. Or...
There will always be people who think any mention of Christ or Scripture is an immediate attempt to evangelize to them. (Maybe God pricking their spirit?) But I think that because the fallen, sinful nature of man is a main reference plane in Christianity, people who don't want to see/hear that point an accusatory finger and say "you're telling me I'm bad and I have to change."
Isn't it odd, though, that you don't hear the same preachiness accusation about books that are blatantly Buddhist, or Islamic, or pagan, or...?
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Post by Spokane Flyboy on Apr 12, 2010 14:30:15 GMT -5
I think it ultimately comes down to the same thoughts on witnessing that several of my peers and mentors have. When witnessing, it's better to see scripture in action than in word, and with staunch unbelievers, it's amazing how speaking scriptural truth in a natural form (e.g. "Yeah? Just let it go. Think of the damage to your rep when others see this go down? Besides, how would you feel if he did the same thing to after a mistake?" rather than "You shouldn't do this for God says, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' "). Having done street ministry, it's amazing how quickly directly quoted scripture turns up the walls of someone who isn't a believer. Yet, say the scripture's truth in your own words and you'll find they often agree with it without realizing it's scriptural.
As for in writing, I'd avoid direct quoting of scripture in the narrative and leave it strictly for dialogue. In dialogue, it becomes an action of the character whereas the narrative reflects heavily on the writer. I know as a reader, it's easier to keep reading when you dislike one of the characters, it's far harder to continue when you're turned off by the narrator.
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Post by newburydave on Apr 14, 2010 20:20:34 GMT -5
I tend to paraphrase a lot, even when I'm actually preaching. Put it in natural "shirt sleeve English", that's what Jesus did (except for Him it was Aramaic and Greek). Did anyone ever stop to think that Koine greek was the Roman Empire's equivalent of Ebonics? When I quote scripture I usually use one of the public domain "low level" translations like the CEV, NET or BBE translations since KJV English is an "unknown tongue" to most modern Americans under the age of 50. Or, recently I've started using the Message, most people don't even recognize that as scripture unless you give the citation. But above all just let the truth flow through you. Sometimes I think we get so formal about things that God can't get an inspiration into us sideways. Write on Brothers and Sisters
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