Q: How can something be right and wrong at the same time? For example, on the article (on the site) about Harry Potter, the general message seems to be that for some Christians the series is not alright to indulge in, while for some Christians it is. At the same time, there is another article ("Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth?") that says it is not right to have the attitude of "What might be 'right” for you does not mean it is 'right” for me". So, are the two things actually different? I don't really understand.
A: Great questions! How can something be right and wrong at the same time? Well, it depends on perspective and context. Take the subject of lying for example. Colossians 3:9 says, "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." This verse is a clear condemnation of lying. However, let me give you an example to ponder. You are walking down the street one night. Out of the darkness a young woman is running toward you with torn clothes, is bleeding and has a look of terror on her face. She asks you to protect her from a man who is chasing her. You agree to do so and guide her to safety. Moments later, the man she is fleeing from confronts you and asks, "Where is the woman?" You mislead him and he goes off in another direction. The woman is safe. Now, ask yourself your question. In this particular instance lying was the right thing to do because it served the greater good of protecting the woman. Hebrews 11:31 says, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." Rahab is commended for lying to the King of Jericho regarding the Israeli spies she had hidden. In this case, Rahab lied because it aided the purposes of God. Again, the greater good was served by her lie.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between lying to serve the greater good, as defined in the examples given, and the practice of lying in order to live a life of deceit or to promote evil. Regarding the article on Harry Potter, it appears that the author is not intending to confuse the reader or be contradictory in his explanation. Rather, it appears that the author is allowing the individual to determine for themselves if they want to view the movies based on their level of maturity in the Christian faith. We have to realize that Christians are all at different levels of maturity in their faith. Therefore, some may see the Harry Potter films as evil and heretical while others may decide that viewing them is not going to shake their faith. Take, for example, Romans 14:1-3. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." In other words, if one man wants to watch Harry Potter, he should have the freedom to do so apart from being condemned. Similarly, the man who does not think watching the films is a good thing should not be condemned either. The more mature man, the one who desires to watch the Harry Potter films, should be aware of the stumbling block he may be to the man who does not want to watch the films and avoid it for the sake of his weaker brother in Christ. And the weaker man, who does not watch the film, should not condemn his brother for doing so.
When it comes to the article regarding absolute truths, what it appears to be saying is that we must have a standard of truth in which to base our decisions. Without rehashing the examples given in the article, let us use the earlier examples of the victimized woman and Rahab. Nobody in their right mind would say that lying as a rule is a good and positive thing to do. However, as Christians we have to view our world and the circumstances we encounter through God's eyes. That is why the Bible says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)." In the case of the victimized woman we have to ask the question, "Is it right to allow a woman to be assaulted and possibly murdered in order to avoid lying?" Also, in the case of Rahab, she must have asked herself the question, "Is it right to tell the truth about the Israeli spies and be destroyed by God when the Isrealis attack the city or lie to the King and be spared by God?" In both instances lying served to protect the women and serve God in the process. We do not live in Heaven. Therefore, the wisdom of God allows us to use our own judgment to assist us in our daily decision making so long as it is based on His Word.
Therefore, answering the dilemma of whether something can be right or wrong at the same time is not about what we think right and wrong is, but how God views what is right and wrong based on an understanding of His Word. Ultimately, the Bible tells us that, "Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12)." Thus, in every circumstance, what is right and wrong is based on what is profitable and consistent with God's Word. And when we have a clear understanding of God's Word, making that decision becomes easier to make and easier to live with because the Lord is assisting us. God has given you, and all Christians, the freedom to determine what is right and wrong regarding watching a movie like Harry Potter and deciding what is absolute truth. And when you are relying on His revealed Word, recorded in the Bible, the decisions you make will be more consistent with how He sees the situation. In the end, it is wrong to practice lying, but depending on the circumstances, lying can be the right thing to do if doing so serves a greater purpose in God's eye. I pray this answer shed some light on your questions. May God continue to reveal His truth to you. Grace and Peace.
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