Thinking Winsomely About The Purge

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Hello, and welcome back to Thinking Winsomely, a ChatTGC podcast.
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Today's episode is one of the most important issues of our time. The reality of the purge has been thrust upon our nation, not to any small debate amongst
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Christians. We here at TGC are all about thinking through these issues with a spirit of winsomeness that is so often missing from these conversations.
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I recognize that many good Christians on both sides of the issue regarding the goodness of the purge often lead to heated discussions around the dinner tables and at our churches, and so we wanted to provide a winsome approach to navigating the complexity of the issues regarding the purge with an emphasis on Gospel -centered
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Christian discernment. Won't you join me on this journey? Let's begin, and this is a very important article that was written by the editors of ChatTGC.
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Introduction. In the realm of societal experiments, the concept of the purge has stirred great debate for its provocative nature and potential implications.
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While ethically complex, some argue that there may be nuanced benefits to embracing this event, drawing parallels to Christian themes of catharsis, renewal, and most importantly, redemption.
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In this exploration, we'll delve into why proponents suggest that the purge could offer unique advantages within a framework that reflects
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Biblical principles, while also considering why Christians might exercise caution and discernment in supporting such an idea.
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The purge proposes a structured outlet for the release of pent -up emotions and societal tensions akin to the concept of catharsis.
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Proponents posit, in a controlled environment, individuals may find a way to express their frustrations and grievances without the constraints of legality.
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This cathartic release, they argue, could potentially lead to a decrease in overall societal unrest.
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As individuals have an outlet to vent their frustrations, let me pause the article just for one moment.
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I think there's some nuance that could be had here with this issue. I know that when you hear about the concepts of the purge, the first guttural reaction that we have is one of disgust and immorality.
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But maybe a thought experiment. Should we be pursuing the policies that lead to less societal unrest, that lead to less crime, less problems over time?
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Or should we slavishly promote policies that have been proven to lead to poverty, that lead to violence, and overall societal unrest?
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These are complex questions, and I don't think that the answers are as clear as many fundamentalists want to make it seem.
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We should be looking and working towards a society where societal unrest, poverty, these are unthinkable.
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Let me go back to the article. Please excuse my small interruption there. These are issues that I cared very deeply about.
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The article continues. Considered controversial, the annual occurrence of the purge could be viewed as a societal reset button, challenging individuals and communities to re -evaluate their values and priorities.
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The event may encourage introspection and a collective commitment to rebuilding after its occurrence, fostering a renewed sense of community and shared responsibility.
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Central to Christian teachings is the notion of individual responsibility and accountability.
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Proponents of the purge argue that the event, by lifting the usual legal constraints, may foster a heightened sense of individual responsibility.
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The knowledge that actions during this period are not exempt from consequences may, they suggest, encourage more thoughtful decision making.
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Here's where the rubber meets the road. I'm taking a little break from the article just for another moment. This is the central theme of Christianity, and we ought to think long and hard about the parallels we can find within the event of the purge and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
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Back to the article. In contemplating the concept of sacrifice and redemption, proponents may draw parallels between the purge and the
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Christian narrative. While recognizing the vast theological differences, they might argue that societal catharsis and renewal could parallel the redemptive act of Christ on the cross, offering a form of collective renewal and forgiveness.
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Let me step out of the article because I believe that the author of the article was a little bit nuanced, a little bit tentative of how far he could have gone.
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I would argue that there could be an argument to be made to say that Christians should be the ones offering themselves as a sacrifice for the good of society to be purged.
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This is the ultimate form of love for a
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Christian to offer themselves, instead of fighting the purge, instead of fighting your neighbor and imposing your religion upon your neighbor and your morality and your ethics upon your neighbor.
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We dare not do that. We don't see Paul in the New Testament doing that. Instead of fighting your neighbor and disregarding their beliefs, why not instead take a still better way and offer yourself as a
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Christian for the good of your society. Allow your neighbors to purge.
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Christians should be at the front of the line, offering themselves for the benefit of society, for societal resets and renewal and redemption to create a world that's not just heaven for one day.
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Christians are assured of heaven one day, but also a world where we can truly love our neighbors through our own sacrifice.
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This is the model of the life of a Christian. Those are my words, not the author's.
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I want to be very clear, but he could have gone further. Nay, he should have gone further.
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Let's complete the article. Historically, Christianity has grappled with the idea that great beauty can emerge from great evil, mirroring themes of redemption and restoration.
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While acknowledging the darkness of the purge, some proponents may suggest that the event could potentially inspire a collective response leading to societal creativity, innovation, and positive transformation.
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Let me step out of the article one more time, if you'll indulge me. We have heard reports.
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We have heard reports. And I'm not talking about just the conservative radio reports of all of the chaos and evil that happens on purge nights.
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Yes, we recognize that there is great darkness revealed during the purge, but we dare not.
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We dare not ignore the many stories heard on reputable outlets like NPR, MSNBC, of the great acts of kindness on the annual purge night.
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The great acts of selflessness and beauty in the midst of the darkness.
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We understand we are but sojourners on this earth and there will always be darkness with us, but yet we can be as a shining light upon a hill.
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Let's continue. This is the most important part of the article, Christian discernment and nuance.
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While exploring the potential merits of the purge within a Christian framework, it's crucial to note that many
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Christians may find themselves uncomfortable or even opposed to such a concept.
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The Christian faith often emphasizes values of love, mercy, and justice.
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And some may argue that endorsing an event with the potential for widespread harm contradicts these principles.
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However, it is essential for Christians to approach the discussions about the purge with winsome nuance and grace, recognizing that sincere believers may hold sincere but differing views on the event, making sure to engage in thoughtful and respectful and winsome dialogue without demonization of your opponents allows for a more comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives within the
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Christian community. In conclusion, while advocacy for the purge may appear counterintuitive, proponents argue that it could offer many unexpected benefits within a framework that reflects biblical principles.
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However, Christians should approach this topic with discernment, recognizing that sincere believers may hold differing views, engaging in a thoughtful and respectful dialogue allows for a more comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives within the
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Christian community. What a wonderful article.
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What a wonderful offering into this very complex conversation regarding the annual purge night.
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Now, I have my own opinions, but I dare not share them completely with you.
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This is an issue that that needs to be grappled with, wrestled with within our local church bodies.
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And remember, above all, that many Christians may differ on the issues regarding the purge.
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But what I will say, what I will say without hesitation, come what may, is that we dare not act as if we have a monopoly on truth.
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That if that if that if a Christian does not agree with me on the purge, well, they're not really a
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Christian. We dare not. That's not our decision to make. God bless you all.
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I hope that this this this article gave you a lot to think about a stone in your shoe.
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And God bless America. I hope you enjoyed this. This has been Thinking Winsomely, a
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TGC podcast. One more thing.
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I just I was editing the previous video. Oh, by the way, excuse me for my attire.
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I'm about to go to my Pilates class. I felt like I was
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I felt like what I had offered you was was actually a little bit dishonest because I said
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I would not share my opinion. And I felt the burdened. I felt burdened to share with you while that while I personally and deeply convictionally oppose the activities that happen on our annual purge night,
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I also do not support. I do not support abolishing the purge.
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And I offer you this to think about as you go forward with your discussions and your conversations with loved ones.
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While while you may oppose the purge, think about what it would mean to impose your religion upon the many other citizens of the
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United States that have deeply held convictions of their own. We dare not mix the kingdoms.
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This is not our home. We dare not compel religion.
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This is not what you see Jesus doing when he was walking upon this earth. I, for one, think that the annual purge night is a wonderful opportunity, especially for those of you with children, for you to showcase the difference between God's kingdom and his rule and reign and the goodness and light therein and the kingdoms of darkness.
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And so while I personally, deeply convictionally oppose the purge,
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I do not support purge abolition. I would argue, if you choose to purge on this year's purge night,
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I offer you this. There is forgiveness. There is forgiveness for every sin.
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And though I disagree with the way you choose to express your freedoms,
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I stand by you. I stand by you and we'll fight to preserve what is rightfully and justly your privilege in this country.