Gossip, An Urban Form of Sorcery

[Michie]

Ran across this. I'm really turned off by gossip anymore & was looking for Christian viewpoints on it.

I started reading this & it presents an interesting POV.

I'll post more viewpoints as I find them.

Thoughts appreciated.


To read- http://www.timbooktu.com/lennox/gossip.htm

[Michie]

The Three Evils of Gossip

The one who Gossips, the one who Listens, and the one who Carries the Tale back to the victim.

Good article- http://jypsidream.wordpress.com/2007/06/19/gossip/

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Ran across this. I'm really turned off by gossip anymore & was looking for Christian viewpoints on it.

I started reading this & it presents an interesting POV.

I'll post more viewpoints as I find them.

Thoughts appreciated.


To read- http://www.timbooktu.com/lennox/gossip.htm
Very interesting...:thumbsup: Great article!

I try very hard not to gossip...but fail at times. Sometimes I've done it to vent my frustration about a bad situation. Other times I've done it to fit in and get attention. :sorry: But I'm learning the fine art of keeping silent. The Bible talks about it in many different places. :)

[Michie]

Very interesting...:thumbsup: Great article!

I try very hard not to gossip...but fail at times. Sometimes I've done it to vent my frustration about a bad situation. Other times I've done it to fit in and get attention. :sorry: But I'm learning the fine art of keeping silent. The Bible talks about it in many different places. :)
We've all gossiped. But I don't think most realize the lasting damage it does. People seem to be addicted to drama & turmoil. Gossip facilitates that.

There is a difference I guess between discussing problems or things that happen to us. But I'm finding it to be a fine art in how to word things. Which can be difficult.

The person that says little is usually not one of the popular folk. I do think that is one of the reasons people do gossip. To fit in. But it is sadly at the expense of others.

I've noticed a lot of judementalism in gossip also.

I find that scary because Scripture talks about being judged according to how you judge others.

A lot to ponder...

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

We've all gossiped. But I don't think most realize the lasting damage it does. People seem to be addicted to drama & turmoil. Gossip facilitates that.

There is a difference I guess between discussing problems or things that happen to us. But I'm finding it to be a fine art in how to word things. Which can be difficult.

The person that says little is usually not one of the popular folk. I do think that is one of the reasons people do gossip. To fit in. But it is sadly at the expense of others.

I've noticed a lot of judementalism in gossip also.

I find that scary because Scripture talks about being judged according to how you judge others.

A lot to ponder...
That's for sure. :)

It's apart of building your character in Christ. WWJD has been overused but when it comes to gossip...definately something to ask yourself before you speak...OR post.

[Joykins]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while. I have ended up just keeping a lot of things I otherwise would have said to myself. I don't know that I'm particularly a better person *myself* for it but it must be minimizing harm to others.

But the one who both Listens to gossip and then carries and repeats a Gossip’s tales back to the victim of gossip is even MORE evil, as that action is designed to give the carrier of tales the satisfaction and delight of actually witnessing the harm done by such careless words.

That helps put some things I have seen/experienced into perspective.

[Tavita]

The Jews call it Lashon Hara, and is considered one of the most deadly of sins because it can devastate lives.


Leviticus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus) 19:16: "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people; neither shalt thou stand idly by the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD."

[Rhamiel]

neat

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

Gossip is definitely a sin that is taken too lightly by many christians in our modern world. It is extremely damaging, yet done often by many. It is something i myself am working on. You dont realize how much gossip goes on every day around you till you start trying NOT to gossip. I think the hardest thing is...what do you do when OTHERS are gossipping to you..without being rude or judgmental? How do you tell your mom or sister or best friend that you won't sit and listen to it? any suggestions?

[Criada]

We've all gossiped. But I don't think most realize the lasting damage it does. People seem to be addicted to drama & turmoil. Gossip facilitates that.

There is a difference I guess between discussing problems or things that happen to us. But I'm finding it to be a fine art in how to word things. Which can be difficult.

The person that says little is usually not one of the popular folk. I do think that is one of the reasons people do gossip. To fit in. But it is sadly at the expense of others.

I've noticed a lot of judementalism in gossip also.

I find that scary because Scripture talks about being judged according to how you judge others.

A lot to ponder...
I agree.
It's a very hard thing to deal with - and so easy to slip into.
Something I am trying to avoid - but not doing too well.

And the problems it causes can be immense. :(

[RebekkaH]

Gossip is definitely a sin that is taken too lightly by many christians in our modern world. It is extremely damaging, yet done often by many. It is something i myself am working on. You dont realize how much gossip goes on every day around you till you start trying NOT to gossip. I think the hardest thing is...what do you do when OTHERS are gossipping to you..without being rude or judgmental? How do you tell your mom or sister or best friend that you won't sit and listen to it? any suggestions?
That is hard. It's difficult not to gossip when others are gossiping around you.

I hate gossip. I try not to gossip but I don't always succeed.

[Michie]

"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
Proverbs 16:28

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."
Proverbs 20:19

"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down."
Proverbs 26:20

"In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."
1 Timothy 3:11

"Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty ... of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them... Detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2477-9

[Michie]

Sarah Benchly wouldn't be caught dead with the National Enquirer on her coffee table. She doesn't need it. She's found her own sources for the "inside scoop." Maybe not about Robert Redford or Jacqueline Onassis, but more local celebrities--the choir director's obnoxious wife, the six foot wavy-haired newcomer whom Ernestine brought to church last week, and the latest failing of the pastor she's never liked.
What's wrong with that? We all talk about what's going on. After all, it's only harmless gossip.

Continued- http://www.joyfulheart.com/maturity/gossip.htm

[Michie]

He who divulgeth secrets cannot or will not forebear to publish other things, and so is not fit to be trusted with anything. Matthew Poole


How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth himself with other men's matters...? Thomas a Kempis


The old country doctor of my boyhood days always began his examination by saying, "Let me see your tongue." It is a good way to start the examination of anybody. Vance Havner

It is required of us that we be tender of the good name of our brethren; where we cannot speak well, we had better say nothing than speak evil; we must not take pleasure in making known the faults of others, divulging things that are secret, merely to expose them, nor in making more of their known faults than really they deserve, and, least of all, in making false stories, and spreading things concerning them of which they are altogether innocent. What is this but to raise the hatred and encourage the persecutions of the world, against those who are engaged in the same interests with ourselves, and therefore with whom we ourselves must stand or fall? "Consider you are brethren. Matthew Henry


It is a sign of a perverse and treacherous disposition to wound the good name of another, when he has no opportunity of defending himself. John Calvin


Gossip is a low form of communion with the saints. Anonymous


It is easier to be silent altogether than to speak with moderation. Thomas a Kempis


A gossip is a beast of prey who does not even wait for the death of his victim. George Meredith


"All generalizations are false, including this one," yet we keep making them. We create images - graven ones that can't be changed; we dismiss or accept people, products, programs, and propaganda according to the labels they come under; we know a little about something, and we treat it as if we know everything. Elisabeth Elliot


...none are more liable to slanders and calumnies than godly teachers. Not only does it arise from the difficulties of their office, that sometimes they either sink under it, or stagger, or halt, or blunder, in consequence of which wicked men seize many occasions for finding fault with them; but there is this additional vexation, that, although they perform their duty correctly, so as not to commit any error whatever, they never escape a thousand censures. And this is the craftiness of Satan, to draw away the hearts of men from ministers, that instruction may gradually fall into contempt. Thus not only is wrong done to innocent persons, in having their reputation unjustly wounded, (which is exceedingly base in regard to those who hold so honourable a rank,) but the authority of the sacred doctrine of God is diminished...Not only so, but as soon as any charge against ministers of the word has gone abroad, it is believed as fully as if they were already convicted. John Calvin


You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you. Anonymous


A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip. Billy Graham

[Michie]

Few things are as enticing as finding out secrets. It is the main task of the media, finding out things and telling others.

"For the good of the people."
"We have a right to know."
"So you can pray for him."
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
I have been the subject of a nasty little gossip ring. Four people I thought were my friends were trading rumours about me. When I confronted one of them, she said it was because they were "concerned" about me. They were so concerned that they couldn’t pick up the phone or write a letter, drop round to see me or send an email. They were more concerned with spreading what they thought were my guilty secrets. Never mind that their "news" was bad guesses showing the situation in the worst possible light, or that their guesses were completely wrong. Never mind that none of these people had even seen me in several weeks. They were "concerned."
James 3:7-8
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Continued- http://www.christian-depression.org/cdp/articles/gossip.php

[Michie]

I'm fully convinced that gossip is like the plague spreading through out the Body of Christ. Hence so many hurt people. People are becoming more & more hurt from it while at the same time, becoming more & more immune to the fact they are propogating it.

All under the guise of self-righteousness that supposedly justifies it. But the simple truth is, it is still gossip. It still hurts in the long term with lasting & even permanant effects.

It's easily seen on the internet. The most popular places tend to have a lot of fingerpointing & drama.

How can we promote healthy interests again?

Instead of looking at the car crashes & their victims on the side of the road....

These articles give a lot to think about. How do we pull ourselves out of the pit & start being a healing force in the world again?

I believe this is a very serious issue among Christians anymore & I think it is only getting worse. On the internet & off.

We are talking about everything it seems but actually walking the walking & edifying one another.

Lots of good people out there but they are usually the ones overlooked only because they do not involve themselves in it all. But quietly do good without the left hand knowing what the right is doing.

[Michie]

(http://www.reverendfun.com/index.php?date=20060606)http://www.reverendfun.com/add_toon_info.php?date=20060607&language=en

[Michie]

(http://www.reverendfun.com/index.php?date=20060427)http://www.reverendfun.com/add_toon_info.php?date=20060428&language=en

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

(http://www.reverendfun.com/index.php?date=20060606)http://www.reverendfun.com/add_toon_info.php?date=20060607&language=en
LOL..thats cute!

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

Matthew Poole


Thomas a Kempis


Vance Havner

Matthew Henry


John Calvin


Anonymous


Thomas a Kempis


George Meredith


Elisabeth Elliot


John Calvin


Anonymous


Billy Graham
awesome! thanks for sharing these quotes!

[Michie]

I'm glad you liked them. I'm saving for reading & rereading.

[Romanseight2005]

Can anyone give a definition of gossip? Obviously some gossip is overt and apparent, however sometimes I am not sure what is appropriate to say and what is not. For instance, is all forms of venting about someone's hurtful behavior gossip? I had to work very closely with someone last year who just plain didn't do their job. I ended up doing it because my job involves children, and if no one did it, the children would suffer. I went through proper channels, and kept it to myself(besides my husband) for awhile until some others at work began to notice this person's lack of work. I had a very difficult time at this point, not joining in on venting about the day's calamities. I know that much of what I did crossed over into gossip, but did all of it?

[Michie]

I think telling your superior & venting to hubby did not. But kvetching with co-workers is never a good idea.

Basically, my rules are this- for problem solving go to the appropriate party or parties. Even the offending party. So the bone of contention can be removed. Speaking to a spouse or family about daily problems seems ok. Disinterested parties with no bias....professionals such as Dr or therapist.

But talking to people in the enviroment that are not in the situation just colors other's views of the person. And it just gives something or someone to talk about.

It's a really tough call just for one's self preservation of not bottling things up. I tend to bottle then explode.

I think it takes praying, common sense & just messing up a few times to really get the knack.

I haven't got the knack yet....but really trying to only say what is necessary to the appropriate parties. And not repeating offenses to others just to make myself feel better.

I mean, if the person knew you were saying these things to others would you be embarrassed or feel bad? If so, don't say it.

By saying these things is it for a practical reason that will work out for the good of all?
Then say it.

Am I just in deep dislike of this person & wish to sway others to my way of thinking?
If so, don't say it.

*shrug* It's hard to tell sometimes. I guess questioning self before speaking as to motivation might help.

I'm still trying to figure it out.

[Romanseight2005]

He knew what I thought of him. I was pleasant, and went to him about issues. At first I was very supportive, and willing to step in and help, the problem was he was happy with me doing it all. I don't want to be gossipping now, so I won't go too much into it, but it was a serious problem, because I did go through all the right channels, and everyone knew what was going on but nothing changed. I work in a school, and I am a Special Ed Para, who happens to have worked with a really good and experienced Sp. Ed teacher for 8 years. So when this person who had come from a high school environment came in, I was quite willing to jump in and do what needed to be done, which was to figure out how the kids needed to be placed, structure their morning, and do all of the lesson planning. In short, I did his job. I was attempting to show him what the kids needed. I wasn't pushy or bossy about it, I was like,"Would you like me to..." After awhile the principal had a meeting with us, and we were supposed to plan together with the idea that he would take over. It didn't happen. To make matters worse, he would let them play if I wasn't in there, so when I tried to get them to work, I mean like read during Reading class, they would throw fits and say,"Mr._____ let's us play. Anyway, I lost a lot of sleep worrying about the kids in our room. I was so concerned that they weren't getting what they needed, and it affected me physically. It really did seem a temptation more than I could bear, to vent when others were already venting about him, I was already bursting at the seams with frustration.

This year, so far God has blessed me, and I don't have to work directly with him. I joined the union and will go that route if I am put in that situation again. I do feel guilty about all the complaining and gossipping that I did, but I am not sure that I would be able to keep my mouth shut now either if it happened again, so I made up a plan of action so I cna remedy the situation rather than endure it. It all would be so different if it didn't involve the welfare of children. If it were a different kind of job, I could simply not do his part and let him fail, but how could I let those kids suffer, not to mention the parents. I would be insanely furious if my son's teacher just let him play.

[Michie]

It really sounds like you did everything right as far as I can tell. You had a serious situation there. I understand venting. I really do.

You live & learn in these situations so don't be too hard on yourself about the venting.

I really think it's a progression. We try to get better each time. Nobody ever hits it out of the park in this area it seems.

It does not sound at all like you were trying to do anything but protect the kids & your own sanity.

I'm glad you have not had to work directly with him this year. But if it should happen, it looks like you have a sound plan. :)

[Romanseight2005]

It really sounds like you did everything right as far as I can tell. You had a serious situation there. I understand venting. I really do.

You live & learn in these situations so don't be too hard on yourself about the venting.

I really think it's a progression. We try to get better each time. Nobody ever hits it out of the park in this area it seems.

It does not sound at all like you were trying to do anything but protect the kids & your own sanity.

I'm glad you have not had to work directly with him this year. But if it should happen, it looks like you have a sound plan. :)

Thank you!:hug: