Chapter 5: Slaves to Sin

This chapter focuses on man's fall and how communication can be used for both good and bad. After listing various examples such as Michael Ryan's obsession with sexual experiences (although God's amazing grace turned his life around), and how Adam blamed Eve, who in turn blamed the serpent for their eating of the forbidden fruit.

Communication, although it would be nice to say it only is used for positive reasons, is associated with negative reasons as well. Lying, holding back information, gossiping, "venting" or cursing are forms of this.

The Bible even mentions in Deuteronomy 5:11 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. (NIV)”

All too often I hear people using profanity, or my least favorite, using the Lord’s name in vain.

Like I said (agreeing with the text), communication is not always used for positive reasons).

I especially think communication is interesting is within the media. Overall, the use of media and the effects media has over the major population fascinates me.

In the chapter, Schultze writes, "Like the citizens of Babel, we use communication to create and maintain evil structures of oppression and deception. (80)"

In the context of mass media, I think this is especially true. Is what we see on TV, read about in magazines, or hear of on the radio always true?

Of course not.

But people don't always realize that.

Here are some advertisements I found that demonstrate that sort of oppression and deception within communication (unfortunately, some of which are at the expense of women).

This communication implies that without breast implants, you cannot look your best.

 adagencyconfessional.blogspot.com

 Apparently if men wear Axe Effect, women won't be able to keep their hands off of the man... Hmm. I don't even like the smell of Axe, personally. Therefore, this ad is deceiving. 

 http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss3307_fall2007/2007/09/

Calvin Klein Jeans seem to say that with their jeans, you will have sex. Again not true...

 Communication is an interesting thing. For Michael Ryan, he fell away from Christ and into a trap of deception, addiction, and guilt. For some, communication can be a saving grace. Communication can bring people closer to Christ, tell stories, share memories, bond through experience, and relay emotions.

Therefore, communication can be a tough area to find. 

That being said, does the phrase, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all" ring true?

I think so.