Bucky on “Grey’s Anatomy”
[This post is in response to a wall-to-wall convo I've been having on Facebook with a couple of my good friends. I decided to move this post to LJ instead of someone's wall since it's so long. Also, I know that some other people are curious as to what the heck I'm talking about regarding "Grey's Anatomy" being demonic, so if that's you, feel free to read]
Israel: “I have no clue, as I haven’t seent it. Demonic might be a bit hyperbolic to say, though.”
Well, we apparently have different worldviews on this issue. However I think I know where you’re coming from, because even about a year ago, I probably would have agreed with that statement. But recently the Lord’s taught me a lot about the battle we’re in, and unfortunately I’ve had to learn it pretty much by myself…because churches — at least the one’s I’ve grown up in — tend to avoid the topic (probably because it seems so “off the deep end” to western society and would run off a lot of folks. That’s a whole other issue though). But let me tell you this; when you SEE demons manifest, that’s when it hits the fan. That’s when you start to realize how the world really works.
I say all that basically to convey the fact that, because of our different perspectives, we have different definitions/understandings of “demonic”. I don’t want to go any further into that, though. I know it would make me sound like a nutjob to most people. Don’t get me wrong; risking persecution and the loss of my credibility or even friendships is worth truth and freedom to me. But it would be stupid to risk all that if it’s going to fall on deaf ears; to go around explaining this to whom it’s not relevant, or to those who won’t understand or receive it. Don’t take that the wrong way…I’m just saying that I feel that I’m supposed to share that message with Christian brothers and sisters who ARE ensnared by things like Grey’s Anatomy, and that’s not you.
Israel: “Anything can cause someone to ‘slip.’ Like pokemon.”
Josh: “Better start avoiding all that Indiana Jones stuff too. Dr. Jones is quite promiscuous himself.”
First, I’ll say that I don’t have to defend myself against the judgment of men; I’ll answer to my Lord, since only He really knows my heart. I’m not one to go around saying some things are inherently bad and some things are ok. Scripturally, “everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
I agree with your thinking that there are plenty of shows, movies, music, attitudes, etc. that can be used by the enemy to draw believers away into temptation. But that doesn’t mean Christians should just avoid EVERYTHING…the fact is we live in a sinful world, so there is temptation and sin everywhere. Sinners are slaves to sin and don’t realize it; so we’ve got to meet them where they are — in this world. So most of us aren’t called to be monks, but to live in the world yet remain holy (good article on that concept: http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html). And because of the freedom that Christ gives, the decision to submit to or disobey the leading of His Spirit (and the discernment He gives) is up to us. And like I said, only He really knows the intent of our hearts. Refer to this post that I wrote about relevance: http://dcjedi.livejournal.com/92455.html
[Now I'll speak to everyone reading this]
See, I never said “Grey’s Anatomy” itself is any worse than anything else. But I do know there are a ton of Christians out there who are watching it — or even admit they are addicted to it — for their own enjoyment. One problem with that is; what redeeming value does it have, or how are they using it to glorify Elohim (1 Corinthians 4:31) or to reach lost people who watch it? I haven’t seen any evidence of this. If some of them are, great! I pray protection over their minds as they do that. Unfortunately, though, most of them (so far as I can tell) are not doing that. Is that sin? It’s not my place to say, but if you are one of these mentioned people who happens to be reading this right now, judge for yourself (well, you know…in submission to the Lord):
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
-James 4:4-7
More troublesome things (among many) about it: I feel that when you watch the show and root for (or are curious about) certain extramarital sexual relationships, you are celebrating adultery [Disclaimer: like my friend Israel, I admit I don't watch the show. However, I'm assuming these things from everything I hear around me from fans of the show and things I see on Facebook]. What’s not demonic about that? What I mean by that is: it gives satan glory, not God. Personally, that enrages me. Desensitizing people to adultery is a stepping stone the enemy uses toward the agenda of destroying marriage and intended family structure. Another problem is that, if you’re a Christian, when you indulge in something that has that much worldly and potentially tempting/sinful content, you are opening yourself up for demonic influence.
“WHAT?!” you say? “That’s so charismatic! It’s not Biblical!”
Is that so?
“And do not give the devil an opportunity” -Ephesians 4:27
“And do not offer any parts of [your body] to sin as weapons for unrighteousness…” -Romans 6:13
“What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey —either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?” -Romans 6:15 & 16
The main thing is, though, that of course anything (even religion, i.e. false teaching or legalism) can make a Christian “slip”. Unfortunately, this is because the adversary has been around for a very long time and really knows how to decieve and tempt humans. This is why if you do find yourself as one of those Christians who are “addicted to Grey’s Anatomy” and you are in fact being led astray, you probably didn’t even realize it. Thus I’m not calling any of those people bad individuals. You still live in your fleshly body and have to fight against it, so nobody should expect you to be perfect. I’m just trying to share a wake-up call as I believe the Lord burdened me to do.
Anyway…..the fact is, however, that SOME things are like “secret weapons” for the demonic realm. I believe “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of those. Look how popular it is, especially among Christians here in the south [Side note: on Facebook, look at the TN Tech or Nashville network stats. We're totally in the 'Bible belt' (note the most popular book), yet this show is #1]. Is it not pretty much just a fancy, well-made soap opera? I believe there is a power behind its popularity. Also disturbing: look how many groups are called “Addicted to Grey’s Anatomy”. I know the name is probably tongue-in-cheek, but since when is an addiction something to be proud of? I actually think most — if not all — addictions are demonic strongholds!
Furthermore disturbing: search for groups with the keywords, “jesus grey’s anatomy”. Look at the results for a minute, then read about the group called, “Does Grey’s Anatomy Count As Religion?”. Just a sample from that: “For Every devoted fan who think NOT what would moses/jesus/god/the gods do but what would [enter favorite character's name from GREY'S ANATOMY] do?”, “For ever fan who uses Grey’s as an anti-drug to forget about there own lives”.
I’m sorry….but that’s how you specifically offer up Yeshua’s place in your life to something else. That’s called the “spirit of the anti-Christ”. Now, given; this is probably a secular group, but it shows you the demonic deceit/influence associated with the show.
You’ve asked, and now you have my answer (this is just the brief version of it!): THIS is why I hate “Grey’s Anatomy”.
If you are in fact a Christian who is using this show to bring the Lord glory, please tell me about it…I seriously want to know. That would be quite a victory. The Lord gets SO much glory from using a tool of the enemy for something holy, so I’d love to hear about it.
Now, Josh…. in case you were really wondering: yeah, I do think “Indiana Jones” has redeeming value to it, and it doesn’t cause me to struggle with sin. Granted, Dr. Jones does enjoy the ladies and the movies could possibly draw someone’s curiosity about the supernatural/relics toward the occult, but like I said two sentences ago, Elohim gets glory from redeeming something of the world to be used for His purposes. One example: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” can be used to start spiritual conversations with Jews, archaeologists, historians…even neo-nazis! The thing is…we Christians must be relevant to reach the world, and I believe it all boils down to personal conviction, the intent of a Christian’s heart, and obeying the prompting of the Spirit.
For my Christian brothers/sisters: The Paradox of “Relevance”
Wrote this on a forum, thought I’d share it…
There are several things to bear in mind when it comes to how a Christian should behave concerning secular media or activities. First of all, since we are under the New Covenant and are expected to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit, I don’t believe there is any certain dogma dictating the “appropriate” actions for ALL Christians. Just as the Body is made up of may parts — many diverse Christians with different gifts and abilities — I think that different Christians have different callings pertaining to media or “relevant” living….but the LORD determines this for each one! I also believe that, as Christians have different purposes in the Kingdom, they also have unique strengths and struggles. Obviously, some believers (such as film-makers, musical artists, athletes, inner-city ministers) are probably called to be relevant to our culture, but you can bet that those folks are hit with many struggles as a result of being exposed to it. So hopefully such brothers & sisters have very strong convictions and a clear vision of their ministries. On the flip side, there are many Christians who may be weaker when it comes to resisting temptation (thus they should probably avoid secular media….obviously this is my opinion since they should ultimately follow the Spirit) or those who are called to be radically different for one reason or another…maybe some prophets, intercessors, or foreign missionaries. A lot of “younger” Christians (new to the faith) may struggle with giving into fleshly desires and should be careful about media, but they should not abandon their lost friends…those closest to them are the ones who will best notice the change Christ has made in their lives. See…it’s different depending on your specific area of ministry or your level of strength. Thus, I don’t think there is one clear, cut, and dry standard for all of us. However, the LORD does have several very clear things to say about this:
>No matter where you fit into the Body, you are supposed to be set apart and holy, as a light in the darkness. This concept is all over the New Testament. Be IN this world, but not OF it. So, for example; if you’re called to be a Christian rock star, know how the industry works and what attracts lost people (so you can share the Gospel), but don’t just follow trends to be popular.
>”Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12). Moderation is very important. Remember that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Don’t purposefully let trash into your body or your mind (see Philippians 4:8). If you do, not only will you be dishonoring the LORD (we were created to glorify Him!), you will negatively affect your witness. As the old saying goes, “garbage in, garbage out.”
>Remember Paul’s example of meat in Romans 14 and 1 Cor. 8: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” You might feel no conviction about something you do, but someone else may be uncomfortable with it or might see it as wrong, whether due to a tradition or their own convictions. ” Avoid causing a controversy among brothers & sisters, as that will just become a distraction from “the main thing”: the Lord. [This opens the door to another whole topic concerning how denominations should probably be done away with, but until then, we CAN get along peaceably while ministering and glorifying Yahweh together. But I won't go there right now.] It also may be that you can partake of something moderation, but another brother may have struggled with addiction or other sin related to it…don’t do that around him (for example: drinking alcohol).
Romans 14: 13-23:
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16 Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
>Something you do or are surrounded by may be inherently OK (refer back to Romans 14:14), but if it is perverted or causes you to sin, STOP IT (Matthew 5:28)!
> I think it all boils down to intent. It is not by what a man specifically does, but by the condition of his heart, that He is judged by the LORD. As per Romans (pretty much the whole book…) we are free from the old law, and are under the New Covenant. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). What REALLY matters is WHY you do what you do. I think it’s a good practice to consider anything that’s questionable in your life, and determine whether you do it to further the Kingdom or if it’s just for your own enjoyment.
>Please do NOT use “being relevant” as an excuse to do whatever you want! If you claim that you listen to certain secular music or watch certain TV shows “so that [you] can relate and minister to [your] lost friends”, WE BETTER SEE YOU DOING THAT! How many friends have you led to Christ by keeping up on your “Grey’s Anatomy”?
Obviously, sin is a struggle we deal with even as Christians (read Paul’s rant in Romans 7). The crazy thing is … an important pillar of the Gospel is the existence of absolute truth. So it’s funny how our freedom brings so many plaguing questions about what’s right or wrong…or what “just depends”. Essential to remember is the fact that these questions are natural…but that means they may be from the flesh, the old man, which can distract us from our relationship with the LORD and from doing our work in the Kingdom. Yes, I believe that it is beneficial and vitally important to point out and discuss harmful things that American Christians don’t often think about, such as gluttony, lust, materialism, self-reliance, ignoring the poor, etc…but this should be done to raise awareness and NOT for the sake of condemnation or argument. Christians who argue with other brothers & sisters are playing right into the adversary’s game to destroy unity in the Body. Anyway..
What was the solution to this problem spoken of in Romans 7? It was given immediately following in Romans 8: Life by the Spirit!
Yes, it’s important to consider righteous living, but don’t dwell on it too much…again I say “keep the main thing the main thing”! Part of the Holy Spirit’s function is to make us continually more like Christ, right?
Well consider this: Yeshua was seen as an absolute radical with a revolutionary message of love that was so far removed (and seemingly contradictory to) anything the Jews had ever heard. He expressed His knowledge of the “ins and outs” of the government, the law, and the Pharisees, AND He hung out with whores, tax collectors, lepers, and beggars. I’d say that earns Him the “relevant” tag. BUT He lived a perfect and blameless life without sin. Yeah, people still said all sorts of trash about him (calling him a drunk and a heretic), but we know His heart is pure and thus were His intentions.
Obviously He had the perfect balance between relevance and holiness, and is the prime example for how we should live. Quit worrying yourself to death about the “rules” and instead concentrate on Spirit-filled living! Listen to the LORD and obey Him. Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and through this obedience He will shape your heart and your life to be more like Christ. You know that it’s not by works that we’re saved, anyway…but by grace through faith.
