Expert: Scott Talbot - 11/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Scott,
Thank you for you quick last response. I'm having a bit of
difficulty determining what the Bible considers fellowship
with darkness. I understand that according to 1 Corinthians
10 it is fellowship to partake in an idle feast, but Paul
seems to have read and quoted pagan scripture without any
trouble. So where is the line drawn? Going to public school,
paying to see a secular movie, museums ect.

ANSWER: Michael,

Fellowship with darkness involves engaging in that which is clearly sin, embracing that which is not true (darkness). It means adopting the mindset of the world, and accepting an agenda that is contrary to God's agenda.

I see no problem with attending a public school. True, there may be certain teachers whose opinions are erroneous and untrue. But, throughout life, we regularly need to filter what we hear through the Scriptures to prove what is right and what is wrong.

A movie is perfectly fine, so long as it does not contain explicit material. Same with a museum. (I'm curious to know who would condemn visiting a museum, and what their reasons would be.)

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I asked about museums because they have teachings, and I am never amazed
what people condemn nowadays. But most of the question is because of verses
like 2 John 9-11 which says that it's fellowship if you welcome or encourage
false teachers, so that's why I thought paying money to see a show, or museum
may be considered fellowship.

Answer
Hi Michael,

I understand what you're saying.

We need to make a distinction between two different ideas. One idea is that of being exposed to information or teaching which may be false, or which may be tainted with the world's viewpoint. The other idea is that of becoming a student of, and buying into, a belief system that is contrary to God.

The first is unavoidable. Every time we read a book, pick up a newspaper, even talk with someone who knowingly or unknowingly holds ideas or opinions contrary to God's ... we expose ourselves to false ideas. Not only is this OK, but it is unavoidable. We are constantly exposed to a multitude of ideas. This is why we are challenged to "renew our minds" (Romans 12:1-2)--so that we can recognize error when we hear it and counter with God's truth.

The second idea is different. It's about accepting, embracing, condoning, entertaining false teaching.

It all comes down to choice. Do I choose to pursue and accept God's truth, or do I choose to open the door to worldly philosophies? It isn't about what I'm exposed to. It's about my response to what I hear.

Scott