Author Topic: Cell Phones and purity (Read 1881 times)

Matthew · « **on:** March 25, 2014, 07:33:06 AM »

Quote from: Tiffany

Quote from: BlackIrish
Also, it's bogus to blame the internet, when the world, in general, is filled with these images. Go to St. Joseph, he will make these images seem repugnant to you. I'm not a guy, but I know guys who have taken-up the devotion and it worked for them. Works for women, too, but we are less effected by the visuals to begin with.

The internet is not to blame but the technology makes the images even more accessible. Before you had to order through the mail, call, or go into a store, now it's seconds away. The old keep the computer in the main room isn't a safeguard now with hand held devices.

The adult industry has driven technology in part too.

All the more reason to avoid "hand held devices" altogether.

1. Children don't need cell phones. I don't care what anyone says. I lived my whole childhood without one and got by just fine. I went to public school and rode the bus for 1/2 hour each way. My school was on the bad side of town even. I had to walk several blocks to/from the bus stop. And did I mention I was small, skinny, and wimpy for my age? If I could get by without a cell phone, any kid could.

2. Teens don't need cell phones either. If they need a portable phone you can get them a NON-smart phone. :) Problem solved.

3. Adults don't need cell phones. If they really need a cell phone (not just to ask the wife "what kind of spaghetti sauce did you want again?" while standing in the aisle of the grocery store), they also can get a non-smartphone variety.

4. Yes, even in 2014, they are still producing mobile phones without smartphone capability. They are inexpensive, but still being made. They work every bit as well as a smartphone for staying in touch -- maybe better since they don't waste battery power on fluff.

5. You don't need a camera to take blurry pictures of what you had for lunch to post on Facebook. Digital cameras, even 7 years old, will be far superior to your phone. I've actually tested this.

6. I'm not telling you what to do, just giving a suggestion. But how about this for a deal -- the first time you find yourself checking out something bad out of curiosity (not necessarily the worst filth there is, but *anything* you'd be ashamed for your priest to know you viewed), on your phone OR your tablet/video game system/desktop/laptop, you sell your smartphone and get a dumb phone, just as a precaution. Deal?

7. Life is short; eternity is long. This isn't a game. If you're serious about saving your soul, you'll take all the means necessary to achieve that goal.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2014, 07:41:45 AM »

I think it's amazing what people think they can't live without today, that EVERYONE lived without 20 years ago.

Cell phones, the Internet, the list goes on.

My wife and are still living the cell-phone-free life here in 2014. We simply developed the ability to plan and communicate, so I know what kind of spaghetti sauce I'm supposed to buy BEFORE I leave the house. Also, if something comes up (Shiver me timbers! they're out of your brand of ranch dressing!) I either use my own problem solving skills (which allows them to NOT atrophy), and if I made the wrong choice, big deal. We are without ranch dressing for an entire week. And yet, somehow, life goes on.

When I'm driving, how do I pass the time? I think, meditate, pray, listen to music, etc. Or even *gasp* talk to the person sitting next to me!

In the past 8 years, maybe 2 or 3 times we've had our car break down and had to go into a Pizza Hut or something and ask to borrow the phone, so we could call relatives or a tow truck. It's never been a problem yet.

Last, but not least, cell phones aren't "the same price" as a land line. That wasn't true 15 years ago when they started saying it, and it STILL isn't true. Not unless you only want 50 minutes a month on your cell phone. A land line is *still* cheaper; usually only $20 or $25 a month which includes 100 minutes of long distance.

And when someone calls you, you aren't charged any minutes! :)

Tiffany · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2014, 07:47:58 AM »

You can also get a land line with limited local calling if you aren't using it to call much. I have 30 free calls a month then it's .10 cents a call. My monthly rate is less than a basic unlimited local plan.

Immaculata001 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2014, 11:10:42 AM »

Quote

1. Children don't need cell phones. I don't care what anyone says. I lived my whole childhood without one and got by just fine.

I'm a high school teacher and we have constant problems with cell phones (which are officially banned from the school). Students plan to commit crimes; they are targeted if their phones are expensive; they harass one another through texts and social media; they take pics of teachers against our will and publish them; and they watch pornography -- sometimes the porn is of themselves. They use the phones to cheat and avoid disciplinary action and to avoid the police. They use them to score or sell drugs.

I wish people would stop buying these things. They serve no purpose and are almost always being used for sinful purposes, I can assure you. You have no idea what kinds of problems we have with students and their phones. The phones alone are making my job impossible.

Tiffany · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2014, 11:32:48 AM »

I wouldn't say they serve no purpose as pay phones are non existent these days. Mothers may need to know when to pick up after a practice or game. If you are waiting for a call from a dr or something important it's nice to have a cell.

Mama ChaCha · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2014, 12:49:07 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

I think it's amazing what people think they can't live without today, that EVERYONE lived without 20 years ago.

Cell phones, the Internet, the list goes on.

My wife and are still living the cell-phone-free life here in 2014. We simply developed the ability to plan and communicate, so I know what kind of spaghetti sauce I'm supposed to buy BEFORE I leave the house. Also, if something comes up (Shiver me timbers! they're out of your brand of ranch dressing!) I either use my own problem solving skills (which allows them to NOT atrophy), and if I made the wrong choice, big deal. We are without ranch dressing for an entire week. And yet, somehow, life goes on.

When I'm driving, how do I pass the time? I think, meditate, pray, listen to music, etc. Or even *gasp* talk to the person sitting next to me!

In the past 8 years, maybe 2 or 3 times we've had our car break down and had to go into a Pizza Hut or something and ask to borrow the phone, so we could call relatives or a tow truck. It's never been a problem yet.

Last, but not least, cell phones aren't "the same price" as a land line. That wasn't true 15 years ago when they started saying it, and it STILL isn't true. Not unless you only want 50 minutes a month on your cell phone. A land line is *still* cheaper; usually only $20 or $25 a month which includes 100 minutes of long distance.

And when someone calls you, you aren't charged any minutes! :)

Ironically, I use my cell phone in my car to pray the Rosary. And then usually forget it in there when I go inside the store anyway.
My mother would never allow a cordless phone in our house so that phone calls could never be in secret. We had one phone in the kitchen for all 9 of us. A big box phone with what seemed like a 400ft cord. Remember having to unwind yourself before you could hang up after you and your bff worked out your matching outfits to wear to school the next day? Okay, maybe not the boys, but life sure seemed a lot simpler and a lot more creative before everything had the internet on it.

Ursus · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2014, 03:33:31 PM »

My wife and I don't have smartphone but don't have a landline either.

Landline fees went up again this year as the big companies are looking to ditch them. It's hard to find pay phones places. In this day and age you should at least have a prepaid cell phone for emergencies.

Sigismund · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2014, 09:17:08 PM »

Quote from: Mama ChaCha

Quote from: Matthew
I think it's amazing what people think they can't live without today, that EVERYONE lived without 20 years ago.

Cell phones, the Internet, the list goes on.

My wife and are still living the cell-phone-free life here in 2014. We simply developed the ability to plan and communicate, so I know what kind of spaghetti sauce I'm supposed to buy BEFORE I leave the house. Also, if something comes up (Shiver me timbers! they're out of your brand of ranch dressing!) I either use my own problem solving skills (which allows them to NOT atrophy), and if I made the wrong choice, big deal. We are without ranch dressing for an entire week. And yet, somehow, life goes on.

When I'm driving, how do I pass the time? I think, meditate, pray, listen to music, etc. Or even *gasp* talk to the person sitting next to me!

In the past 8 years, maybe 2 or 3 times we've had our car break down and had to go into a Pizza Hut or something and ask to borrow the phone, so we could call relatives or a tow truck. It's never been a problem yet.

Last, but not least, cell phones aren't "the same price" as a land line. That wasn't true 15 years ago when they started saying it, and it STILL isn't true. Not unless you only want 50 minutes a month on your cell phone. A land line is *still* cheaper; usually only $20 or $25 a month which includes 100 minutes of long distance.

And when someone calls you, you aren't charged any minutes! :)

Ironically, I use my cell phone in my car to pray the Rosary. And then usually forget it in there when I go inside the store anyway.
My mother would never allow a cordless phone in our house so that phone calls could never be in secret. We had one phone in the kitchen for all 9 of us. A big box phone with what seemed like a 400ft cord. Remember having to unwind yourself before you could hang up after you and your bff worked out your matching outfits to wear to school the next day? Okay, maybe not the boys, but life sure seemed a lot simpler and a lot more creative before everything had the internet on it.

How do you use your cell phone to pray the Rosary?

jen51 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2014, 09:26:58 PM »

When my phone contract expires I've contemplated giving up the cell phone all together. The thing I dislike the most about cell phones is that they make me too accessible. I don't like being available to anyone at any time- which is why I leave it on silent and forget about it, or purposefully leave it at home when I go out sometimes.

Kids these days are obsessed with smartphones. It's a disturbing trend.

Mabel · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2014, 10:02:31 PM »

Quote from: jen51

When my phone contract expires I've contemplated giving up the cell phone all together. The thing I dislike the most about cell phones is that they make me too accessible. I don't like being available to anyone at any time- which is why I leave it on silent and forget about it, or purposefully leave it at home when I go out sometimes.

Kids these days are obsessed with smartphones. It's a disturbing trend.

Me too.

I live too far from anyone if I need help, so that is why we keep mine, but otherwise, I don't really need it. My family and two of my in-laws, plus three friends have that number. I get about 4 calls per month or less that are not from my husband. It is a dumb phone too, I still call people and ask them to look up an address now and then to save time and gas, if my plans change.

poche · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2014, 11:00:21 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

Quote from: Tiffany
Quote from: BlackIrish
Also, it's bogus to blame the internet, when the world, in general, is filled with these images. Go to St. Joseph, he will make these images seem repugnant to you. I'm not a guy, but I know guys who have taken-up the devotion and it worked for them. Works for women, too, but we are less effected by the visuals to begin with.

The internet is not to blame but the technology makes the images even more accessible. Before you had to order through the mail, call, or go into a store, now it's seconds away. The old keep the computer in the main room isn't a safeguard now with hand held devices.

The adult industry has driven technology in part too.

All the more reason to avoid "hand held devices" altogether.

1. Children don't need cell phones. I don't care what anyone says. I lived my whole childhood without one and got by just fine. I went to public school and rode the bus for 1/2 hour each way. My school was on the bad side of town even. I had to walk several blocks to/from the bus stop. And did I mention I was small, skinny, and wimpy for my age? If I could get by without a cell phone, any kid could.

2. Teens don't need cell phones either. If they need a portable phone you can get them a NON-smart phone. :) Problem solved.

3. Adults don't need cell phones. If they really need a cell phone (not just to ask the wife "what kind of spaghetti sauce did you want again?" while standing in the aisle of the grocery store), they also can get a non-smartphone variety.

4. Yes, even in 2014, they are still producing mobile phones without smartphone capability. They are inexpensive, but still being made. They work every bit as well as a smartphone for staying in touch -- maybe better since they don't waste battery power on fluff.

5. You don't need a camera to take blurry pictures of what you had for lunch to post on Facebook. Digital cameras, even 7 years old, will be far superior to your phone. I've actually tested this.

6. I'm not telling you what to do, just giving a suggestion. But how about this for a deal -- the first time you find yourself checking out something bad out of curiosity (not necessarily the worst filth there is, but *anything* you'd be ashamed for your priest to know you viewed), on your phone OR your tablet/video game system/desktop/laptop, you sell your smartphone and get a dumb phone, just as a precaution. Deal?

7. Life is short; eternity is long. This isn't a game. If you're serious about saving your soul, you'll take all the means necessary to achieve that goal.

Last summer I had a flat tire on the way to work. I needed to call them to let them know that I would be late. I went to the only business in the area that was still open, a bar. I asked the man at the door if there was a phone I could use. He said "no." there were no payphones anywhere. If I can't get a cellphone then how do you suggest I communicate with them in the future?

holysoulsacademy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2014, 12:25:45 AM »

Our business relies heavily on using these devices, we use it for many different things everyday.
Maybe because we use them (devices), instead of being used by them (a propaganda campaign by the devil), IDK.
We have extensively explained the evils promoted through these devices, and the older ones understand the evils too and stay away and know how to guard themselves.

I think it is a blessing that my children pretty much see them for what they are for, a means of communication, a camera, a notation device, a recording device, etc.
I really haven't had problems with them.
But I do see the problem with other children in the chapel and I can't explain where the problem stems from them, as I do not see it with us.

All I know is I am thankful to their guardian angels I don't have that problem.

Ursus · « **Reply #12 on:** March 27, 2014, 08:43:43 AM »

There's nothing wrong with these devices and they have their place as long as it doesn't disturb your faith or lead to occasions of sin.

The most obvious is people looking at things that care clearly sinful or toxic. Another problem is their distraction to the here and now and people around you.

While they can be very useful tools to gather knowledge quickly, where to buy something, find a service or gather news it's very tempting to waste time on drivel and nonsense.

Matthew · « **Reply #13 on:** March 27, 2014, 09:20:45 AM »

Quote from: poche

Quote from: Matthew
Quote from: Tiffany
Quote from: BlackIrish
Also, it's bogus to blame the internet, when the world, in general, is filled with these images. Go to St. Joseph, he will make these images seem repugnant to you. I'm not a guy, but I know guys who have taken-up the devotion and it worked for them. Works for women, too, but we are less effected by the visuals to begin with.

The internet is not to blame but the technology makes the images even more accessible. Before you had to order through the mail, call, or go into a store, now it's seconds away. The old keep the computer in the main room isn't a safeguard now with hand held devices.

The adult industry has driven technology in part too.

All the more reason to avoid "hand held devices" altogether.

1. Children don't need cell phones. I don't care what anyone says. I lived my whole childhood without one and got by just fine. I went to public school and rode the bus for 1/2 hour each way. My school was on the bad side of town even. I had to walk several blocks to/from the bus stop. And did I mention I was small, skinny, and wimpy for my age? If I could get by without a cell phone, any kid could.

2. Teens don't need cell phones either. If they need a portable phone you can get them a NON-smart phone. :) Problem solved.

3. Adults don't need cell phones. If they really need a cell phone (not just to ask the wife "what kind of spaghetti sauce did you want again?" while standing in the aisle of the grocery store), they also can get a non-smartphone variety.

4. Yes, even in 2014, they are still producing mobile phones without smartphone capability. They are inexpensive, but still being made. They work every bit as well as a smartphone for staying in touch -- maybe better since they don't waste battery power on fluff.

5. You don't need a camera to take blurry pictures of what you had for lunch to post on Facebook. Digital cameras, even 7 years old, will be far superior to your phone. I've actually tested this.

6. I'm not telling you what to do, just giving a suggestion. But how about this for a deal -- the first time you find yourself checking out something bad out of curiosity (not necessarily the worst filth there is, but *anything* you'd be ashamed for your priest to know you viewed), on your phone OR your tablet/video game system/desktop/laptop, you sell your smartphone and get a dumb phone, just as a precaution. Deal?

7. Life is short; eternity is long. This isn't a game. If you're serious about saving your soul, you'll take all the means necessary to achieve that goal.

Last summer I had a flat tire on the way to work. I needed to call them to let them know that I would be late. I went to the only business in the area that was still open, a bar. I asked the man at the door if there was a phone I could use. He said "no." there were no payphones anywhere. If I can't get a cellphone then how do you suggest I communicate with them in the future?

Poche, you have my blessing to get a regular cell phone that doesn't have a camera or Android/iOS (in other words, a non-smartphone).

That will do the job just fine.

I understand that in 2014 there are no longer any payphones, because of the wide proliferation of cell phones.

However, any person you stop on the street will have a cell phone. Problem solved! Herd immunity saves the day.

Also, you are not under 18, Poche. I even stated in my OP that adults might need them for work, etc. but one really has to dig to make excuses for children to have them.

For those occasional "practices" or "track meets" you can lend them the family dumb-cell-phone. By the very fact that he shares "his" phone number with the entire family, he won't be giving out the number to any prospective love interests.

See? Problem solved. But the kids won't get to waste time on games, texting, chatting about absolutely nothing, flirting, or much worse. Too bad.

Matthew · « **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2014, 09:24:44 AM »

Quote from: Tiffany

I wouldn't say they serve no purpose as pay phones are non existent these days. Mothers may need to know when to pick up after a practice or game. If you are waiting for a call from a dr or something important it's nice to have a cell.

In these cases the family should have a basic "non-smart" cell phone, and they can lend it out to ANY AND ALL of their children as needed.

That way each child doesn't have his OWN cell phone. There's a world of difference.

In the good old days, you only had one phone in the kitchen. Any chatting with your boyfriend/girlfriend had to be done there. Let's just say that kept countless people on their best behavior. Now we've lost that.