I am a Christian, and my question is about employment.  As a Christian, would it be wrong of me to work in a nightclub?

Sincerely,
Bouncer Bound?

Dear Bouncer Bound,

The Scripture never specifically condemns working at a nightclub, but there are a plethora of reasons for a Christian to avoid nightclubs.  Alcohol flows freely in nightclubs (drinking parties are wrong – 1 Pet 4:3).  Nightclubs are designed to bring men and women together and encourage inappropriate behavior.  The music is often vulgar and crass, and immodesty abounds.  Nightclubs are meant to promote ungodly behavior.  Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor 15:33).  Hanging out in a nightclub night after night is definitely bad company.

Should christians believe in old wives’ tales and superstitions?  I was sitting outside on the front porch with friends, and a bird flew in the front door.  Everyone started saying this was a sign of bad luck or death.  What is your view?

Sincerely,
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

Dear One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,

Superstition is wrong.  Christians know that all blessings flow from God (Jas 1:17) and that if things work out for us, it is because God took care of us (Rom 8:28).  Luck has nothing to do with it.  Superstitions try and bring control in our lives by predicting the future through random events (black cat crossing your path, carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot, etc.)… but that is nonsense and ignorance.  The Bible declares that trusting in such things is foolishness and unfit for christians.  We should all do exactly what Paul said to Timothy: refuse old wives’ tales (1 Tim. 4:7).

While on vacation, I had heard other christians say it’s okay to take the Lord's Supper in their hotel room.  My concern is when checking out places to take vacations, shouldn't a christian go where they know a church exists?  It seems you’re not putting God first – but your vacation.

Sincerely,
Travel Agent

Dear Travel Agent,

There are some issues that it would best not to be too dogmatic about – this is one of them.  Some brethren feel that you can take the Lord’s Supper and hold services in your hotel room on a Sunday because God says that “where two or three are gathered together, there I am” (Matt 18:20).  Others feel as you do, that all vacations should have a congregation to visit planned into the trip.  It is impossible to say that one brother is right and the other is wrong in this sort of situation.  Paul tells us that when the Scriptures leave room for personal choice, that we should allow each christian to independently decide because we all must face God independently (Rom 14:3-4).  You have a very valid point in your view of this issue and should make sure to never offend your own conscience by vacationing where there is no church (Rom 14:23), but don’t be too judgmental with those who feel differently.

(This question is a follow-up to “Sssomethings We Don’t Know”)

I have another question almost similar to the serpent of Eden.  In the Old Testament in Numbers 22:28… about the talking donkey: did God possess the donkey, or did God just give the donkey the ability to speak?

Sincerely,
Bray-ve Questioner

Dear Bray-ve Questioner,

Num. 22:28 simply says that God opened the donkey’s mouth – it doesn’t provide further details.  All the donkey talked about was that he didn’t like being whipped and the fact that he had been faithful to Balaam (Num 22:30).  All the things that the donkey said could have come directly from God, or they could have come directly from the donkey.  The Scriptures simply don’t say.  This is another great example of the secret things belonging to God (Deu 29:29).

Is going to Hooters restaurant sinful?

Sincerely,
Food Critic

Dear Food Critic,

Any restaurant that is designed around immodestly dressed women and provocative overtones is wrong.  The whole concept behind that restaurant is to glorify the lust of the flesh (1 Jn 2:16).  God makes it clear that some situations and places are unhealthy for our souls.  Whether it be a restaurant, a party, a friendship, etc., if it is built upon an unwholesome foundation – it probably isn’t the type of place you want to be a part of (1 Tim 6:19).  Guard your soul carefully and protect it from wicked temptation (1 Jn 5:21).