How do we tell if something is evil or good ?

[Lou Newton]

There is much argument over things; doctrines, beliefs, books, movies, denominations, practices etc; about if they are evil or good, OR neither, but just OK.

How do we tell if something is evil or good, or OK ?

Here are some things to consider in deciding this:

Jesus created everything that exists, nothing exists that He did not create:

John 1 The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life,and that life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.
8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--
13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John testifiesconcerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "
16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Colossians 1 The Supremacy of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Notice is says things visible and also things we can not see. Also it includes all powers and all authorities.

1 Corinthians 8 1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
3 But the man who loves God is known by God.
4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols:We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),
6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

These scriptures show us that Jesus created everything that exists and NOTHING exists that He did not create.

There is but ONE Creator. Satan can not create anything. Neither can man.

When God uses the word create, He means He creates something out of nothing. Satan can only twist what God has already created. Man can only form something from what God has already created. No man can create something out of nothing. That is recognized by science as the 1st law of the universe. Matter or energy can not be created or destroyed. But in the beginning God created all matter and energy out of nothing. If any man thinks he is smarter than God, let him create even one atom out of nothing as God created the whole universe.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning - there was no time before this beginning of time. God created time in the very first instance of time - the beginning.

God created the heavens and the earth - God created space and matter ( or energy)

This makes up the universe - there is no other universe. Satan can not create another universe to fight against God. He can only try to use the universe God created to deceive men to serve him instead of serving God. After all, Satan himself was created by God and only exists because of God.

Satan can not create anything. He can only try to twist what God has already created. Notice when Satan approached Eve, he said, "Did God really say" - he did not start with an idea he thought of, but twisted a command that God had already told Adam.

Point 2

John 14 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?

God reveals truth- Satan hides the truth. Jesus is THE Way, there is no other way. Jesus is THE Truth, there is no truth outside of Him. Jesus is THE Light, there is no light except for Him.

1 John 1
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

God is LIGHT, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So there is no gray area. Only light and darkness. Something is either from God, or it is NOT from God.

Everything that exists came from God. BUT if something has been changed or twisted it is NO longer from God, but is from Satan.

Let us look at a glass of milk. If it is pure milk, it is good for us. BUT if someone would put a glass of half milk and half fecal matter on the table, it would obviously not be good. It could kill us. But that would not trick many into drinking it, would it. It would look bad and smell bad. But Satan is far more tricky. He takes a glass of milk and puts the smallest amount or poison in it. It does not look or smell bad to most. Remember he is far smarter than any of us.

Would you drink a glass of milk with a very small amount of fecal matter in it. Would you drink it as long as you could not see or smell the fecal matter ?

God has created substances that are poison to us to teach us about poison. It takes only a very tiny amount of arsenic to kill you. But far worse, one can put a tiny amount of arsenic in your food everyday and eventually it will add up and kill you. You see the arsenic goes into your body and your body has no natural way to get rid of it. So it accumulates in you until it kills you.

Satan's lies are like that. He feeds a person a very little lie, and then keeps feeding them very little lies until they have believed a very big lie.

This is what all of the cults do. They teach men to be good. BUT they also teach men that they can be good without giving their life to Jesus. Men believe the little lie that men can choose to be good or evil. Then they end up believing that men can be good without surrendering their life to The Lord Jesus. But Jesus is the Only Way. There is no eternal Life without Him. He is LIFE.

So they end up believing the biggest lie of all. That they can be saved without Jesus.

What are you thoughts or questions about this?

Lou Newton

[Lou Newton]

POST FROM BLANE:

How do we tell if something is evil or good? Scripture has so much to say on this topic. I can't think of very many topics more important for us to be considering in this late hour. So foundational is this topic.

We know that all things come from God, for he is sovereign. James tells us that every good and perfect gift comes down from God. Scripture also tells us dozens of times that God sends evil and affliction upon the land for a variety of reasons. Those reasons include, but are not limited to:

1. Disciplining his children for sin, judging the wicked for sin.
2. Drawing all men to Christ.
3. Displaying God's power, glory, sovereignty in the earth.

In a nutshell, here are a few scriptural principles that I can think of relating to this topic...

Anything that exalts or glorifies Jesus Christ is good. Anything that detracts from or maligns the truth of Christ is evil.

Anything that leads us towards Christ is good. Anything that causes us to trust in ourselves or in anything but Christ alone for our righteousness, provision, hope, or strength is evil.

Anything that agrees with scripture is good. Anything that contradicts scripture is evil.

The world foolishly believes that only "good" things come from God and only "bad" things come from the devil. But Jesus stated that a certain man was born blind so that the glory of God could be revealed in him. So worldly wisdom will always insist that no man was ever born to adversity because God willed it.

Some things that come from God sting, burden, crush, or destroy, but they are still good. The devil loves to send things our way that feel really good. They often puff us up with pride and feelings of strength, liberty, or self importance, but eventually they lead us away from Christ, and are therefore evil.

I guess almost anything, no matter how spiritual it might seem, can lead us away from Christ and therefore be temptations toward evil. And almost anything, no matter how base it may appear can actually be good, IF it comes to us from God.

Great topic, Lou. Thanks for starting this thread.

Blane

[Lou Newton]

POST FROM BLANE:

How do we tell if something is evil or good? Scripture has so much to say on this topic. I can't think of very many topics more important for us to be considering in this late hour. So foundational is this topic.

We know that all things come from God, for he is sovereign. James tells us that every good and perfect gift comes down from God. Scripture also tells us dozens of times that God sends evil and affliction upon the land for a variety of reasons. Those reasons include, but are not limited to:

1. Disciplining his children for sin, judging the wicked for sin.
2. Drawing all men to Christ.
3. Displaying God's power, glory, sovereignty in the earth.

In a nutshell, here are a few scriptural principles that I can think of relating to this topic...

Anything that exalts or glorifies Jesus Christ is good. Anything that detracts from or maligns the truth of Christ is evil.

Anything that leads us towards Christ is good. Anything that causes us to trust in ourselves or in anything but Christ alone for our righteousness, provision, hope, or strength is evil.

Anything that agrees with scripture is good. Anything that contradicts scripture is evil.

The world foolishly believes that only "good" things come from God and only "bad" things come from the devil. But Jesus stated that a certain man was born blind so that the glory of God could be revealed in him. So worldly wisdom will always insist that no man was ever born to adversity because God willed it.

Some things that come from God sting, burden, crush, or destroy, but they are still good. The devil loves to send things our way that feel really good. They often puff us up with pride and feelings of strength, liberty, or self importance, but eventually they lead us away from Christ, and are therefore evil.

I guess almost anything, no matter how spiritual it might seem, can lead us away from Christ and therefore be temptations toward evil. And almost anything, no matter how base it may appear can actually be good, IF it comes to us from God.

Great topic, Lou. Thanks for starting this thread.

Blane

WOW - GREAT POST BLANE.

BOLD and highlight is my addition

Lou

[redsoxmaloney]

Very good words, Blaine and Lou. I don't like to hear that suffering sometimes is far better than living life easily. We often never diligently search or work hard unless we are pushed. I'm also reminded that we love to have "just ok's" in our lives. Reminds me of many churches I've been to lately. I've been learning that the key to seeing any truth is admitting I don't see any. Then, I'm excited to look for things and test things with few biases. I think the number one fault with the mainstream church is that they don't confess their sinfulness to the core on a continual basis. I always hear, "we are strong; we are saved." I always hear, "being immersed in water is a better or more serious commitment that Christians can make." I'm glad you guys point out that there's absolutely no grey area with Jesus. It's great or awful, no exceptions. And then we can pinpoint what scriptures mean with that kind of logic. I think if you guys pray about it, that that topic would be great on a Facebook page where many can read it.

[Lou Newton]

Very good words, Blaine and Lou. I don't like to hear that suffering sometimes is far better than living life easily. We often never diligently search or work hard unless we are pushed. I'm also reminded that we love to have "just ok's" in our lives. Reminds me of many churches I've been to lately. I've been learning that the key to seeing any truth is admitting I don't see any. Then, I'm excited to look for things and test things with few biases. I think the number one fault with the mainstream church is that they don't confess their sinfulness to the core on a continual basis. I always hear, "we are strong; we are saved." I always hear, "being immersed in water is a better or more serious commitment that Christians can make." I'm glad you guys point out that there's absolutely no grey area with Jesus. It's great or awful, no exceptions. And then we can pinpoint what scriptures mean with that kind of logic. I think if you guys pray about it, that that topic would be great on a Facebook page where many can read it.

Thanks for your reply Tom. You made some very good observations.

Yes, it is written that God is light and there is no darkness in Him.

Here is another test to apply to our walk:

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

So if we are not being led by His Holy Spirit to do something, we should not be doing it.

For anything that falls short of the glory of God is sin.

[Lou Newton]

Let us now look at a movie. What about the new Star Wars movie. Is it evil or good ?

[Lou Newton]

Let us now look at a movie. What about the new Star Wars movie. Is it evil or good ?

What, no comments about the Force Awakens ?

[Steve Hollander]

Haven't seen it yet sorry.

[Lou Newton]

Haven't seen it yet sorry.

I have not seen it and do not plan on seeing it. But I have seen clips of it. They are plenty for me to be able to form an opinion about it.

[Steve Hollander]

Well my sweet wife is a movie lover and I must endure movies to fellowship with her. I would cut off my arm to be with her so whats a few movies? Star wars is a space flick and science fiction is our favorite type of movie. So we will probably watch it once it is free or available on TV somehow. But we are not fooled by the false messages of all the shows today. But I love my wife and would rather watch TV and not really like it with her; than to not watch TV and not be with her.

[Baruch]

That is sweet, Steve. =)

Lou, I've been ignoring the trailers. But I'm pretty familiar with the Star Wars universe and franchise, and I have thoughts. Before I step out let me say that I don't "judge anyone in meat or drink". But I do want to speak plainly, so please just try to keep my disclaimer in mind and wisely move your toe aside if you see my clumsy foot descending. If the Lord wills and I live, I will likely go to such a city and see this movie at some point.

Star Wars is a modern myth. It fits very well among the many that Hollywood churns out. I read one of the spin-off books a while ago, it read just like one of the movies. Many modern myths seem to be patterned on Gnosticism: light and dark duality, divine spark, overcoming ignorance with (especially esoteric) knowledge. We can see that easily in Star Wars. In myth there usually is no room for Jesus, unless the teller elects to blaspheme. But there are often flawed savior archetypes.

It should be obvious whether Star Wars is good or evil if one is aware that there exists a Jedi cult who worships the Force. Seriously.

But even without the Jedi cult, it is evil. Star Wars is a standard Manichaean tale: good vs. evil. The dirty secret is that these tales are really evil vs. evil, pagan vs atheist vs whatever, simply because both of the opposing sides reject Christ. That makes the heroes fundamentally antichrist, and the struggle a vain one. (Unless one entertains the hope that they will live by the grace of God, and some day receive Jesus. But remember, myths tend to be strictly contained in what they allow.)

That said, I do think one can find truisms, and patterns that remind us of heavenly patterns, just like we can in other works of art. Star Wars has become an element in the cultural psyche, so there may be value in understanding it if God can use it to open a door.

I don't suggest that God needs Star Wars. Only that it can be a way to relate to people through a knowledge of the culture for the sake of the gospel, as the apostle Paul related to people by referring to their sculptures and poets and beliefs.

Lastly, the Bible is not clear on whether God created any humans and wookies and ewoks long ago in a galaxy far, far away. This is a can of worms, but what can one do when there is no absolute basis in scripture for doctrine? This is a conversation the church does not like to have. Vatican is entertaining it, and their conclusions are clearly in error. I think the church should discuss it--with great care, but we should discuss it. If we do not discuss it, for example, we get Vatican's prepared and highly polished false doctrine.

Maybe that was a longer and more involved answer than you were looking for. If so, sorry!

[Lou Newton]

That is sweet, Steve. =)

Lou, I've been ignoring the trailers. But I'm pretty familiar with the Star Wars universe and franchise, and I have thoughts. Before I step out let me say that I don't "judge anyone in meat or drink". But I do want to speak plainly, so please just try to keep my disclaimer in mind and wisely move your toe aside if you see my clumsy foot descending. If the Lord wills and I live, I will likely go to such a city and see this movie at some point.

Star Wars is a modern myth. It fits very well among the many that Hollywood churns out. I read one of the spin-off books a while ago, it read just like one of the movies. Many modern myths seem to be patterned on Gnosticism: light and dark duality, divine spark, overcoming ignorance with (especially esoteric) knowledge. We can see that easily in Star Wars. In myth there usually is no room for Jesus, unless the teller elects to blaspheme. But there are often flawed savior archetypes.

It should be obvious whether Star Wars is good or evil if one is aware that there exists a Jedi cult who worships the Force. Seriously.

But even without the Jedi cult, it is evil. Star Wars is a standard Manichaean tale: good vs. evil. The dirty secret is that these tales are really evil vs. evil, pagan vs atheist vs whatever, simply because both of the opposing sides reject Christ. That makes the heroes fundamentally antichrist, and the struggle a vain one. (Unless one entertains the hope that they will live by the grace of God, and some day receive Jesus. But remember, myths tend to be strictly contained in what they allow.)

That said, I do think one can find truisms, and patterns that remind us of heavenly patterns, just like we can in other works of art. Star Wars has become an element in the cultural psyche, so there may be value in understanding it if God can use it to open a door.

I don't suggest that God needs Star Wars. Only that it can be a way to relate to people through a knowledge of the culture for the sake of the gospel, as the apostle Paul related to people by referring to their sculptures and poets and beliefs.

Lastly, the Bible is not clear on whether God created any humans and wookies and ewoks long ago in a galaxy far, far away. This is a can of worms, but what can one do when there is no absolute basis in scripture for doctrine? This is a conversation the church does not like to have. Vatican is entertaining it, and their conclusions are clearly in error. I think the church should discuss it--with great care, but we should discuss it. If we do not discuss it, for example, we get Vatican's prepared and highly polished false doctrine.

Maybe that was a longer and more involved answer than you were looking for. If so, sorry!

Thanks for the replies Steve and Barry.

I can not answer for others, but only for myself.

I seen the original Star Wars when I was much younger. At first I was inspired and thought how I wanted to be on the side of good and not evil. But later was sorry that I had supported such a mockery of the truth.

There was a man in Europe some years ago who was inspired to do something about the injustice and wrongs done in and against his nation. The problem was that he did not include Jesus in his life and he made himself the judge of right and wrong. Instead of helping his people he brought total destruction upon it. There was not one city that was not destroyed. That man was Adolf Hitler. Today, because of the guilt the people feel because their fathers followed him, they are handing their nation over to the Muslims.

George Lucas is a Buddhist and the movies are simply evangelistic tools for the Buddhist religion even though Lucas is not as involved in the newer movies. For myself, I do not want to support the Buddhist religion in any way. It is pure evil that takes people to eternal hell.

As an example of not wanting to support a false religion I submit this: I wanted to have the Book of Mormon, and the other books written by Joseph Smith ( Doctrine and Covenants, etc) to be able to use his own statements to show people the contradictions he had made and how his writings did not agree with the Bible. But I did not want to purchase them and give support to the false Mormon religion. Not long after two Mormon men stopped by my home. I invited them in to tell them about Jesus. When they asked me if I would like a Book of Mormon; I said I would and I also would like the other books. They brought them all by on their next visit and I did not give one penny to support that false religion.

I would caution others on inviting people from cults into their home. I did so after many years of study of the Bible and the cults. But most important, I was led by His Holy Spirit to do so. Because The Holy Spirit led me to do this, does not mean The Holy Spirit would lead you to do the same. There is danger involved if one does not have knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the cult involved. I can say that many new followers of the JW cult were turned to The Lord Jesus by following His Holy Spirit is these meetings.

The Star Wars movies make a mockery of The Lord Jesus. They portray that the universe is run by a FORCE, not a person. That force has a dark side and a good side. That force can be manipulated by men. It is not only EVIL it is very dangerous.

Let us look at a glass of milk. If it is pure milk, it is good for us. BUT if someone would put a glass of half milk and half fecal matter on the table, it would obviously not be good. It could kill us. But that would not trick many into drinking it, would it. It would look bad and smell bad. But Satan is far more tricky. He takes a glass of milk and puts the smallest amount or poison in it. It does not look or smell bad to most. Remember he is far smarter than any of us.

The glass with the small amount of poison is far more dangerous than the one with little. Very few would drink the first glass, but most of the world has drank the second glass. Look how most of the world has flocked to this movie. It has become a cult in itself. I spoke against the movie and a person who claims to follow Jesus became very rude and even cruel against me. He acted this way because of this movie. I seriously doubt that he would defend Christ with the same zeal.

Jesus is a person, not a force. His highest nature in NOT His power, but His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus has no dark side and is the only ONE who is righteous. He can not be manipulated by men or demons. He can not be fooled or tricked into following anyone.

Peter tell us that no move of God starts with any man.

One only has to ask, is it from The Lord, or Satan. Is it light or darkness. God is light and there is no darkness in Him.

1 John 1
Test the Spirits

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.



John does not suggest that we can test every spirit; but it is a command to test EVERY spirit.

Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God


but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.


Lou Newton
Grace to you

[Lou Newton]

Thanks for the replies Steve and Barry.

I can not answer for others, but only for myself.

I seen the original Star Wars when I was much younger. At first I was inspired and thought how I wanted to be on the side of good and not evil. But later was sorry that I had supported such a mockery of the truth.

There was a man in Europe some years ago who was inspired to do something about the injustice and wrongs done in and against his nation. The problem was that he did not include Jesus in his life and he made himself the judge of right and wrong. Instead of helping his people he brought total destruction upon it. There was not one city that was not destroyed. That man was Adolf Hitler. Today, because of the guilt the people feel because their fathers followed him, they are handing their nation over to the Muslims.

George Lucas is a Buddhist and the movies are simply evangelistic tools for the Buddhist religion even though Lucas is not as involved in the newer movies. For myself, I do not want to support the Buddhist religion in any way. It is pure evil that takes people to eternal hell.

As an example of not wanting to support a false religion I submit this: I wanted to have the Book of Mormon, and the other books written by Joseph Smith ( Doctrine and Covenants, etc) to be able to use his own statements to show people the contradictions he had made and how his writings did not agree with the Bible. But I did not want to purchase them and give support to the false Mormon religion. Not long after two Mormon men stopped by my home. I invited them in to tell them about Jesus. When they asked me if I would like a Book of Mormon; I said I would and I also would like the other books. They brought them all by on their next visit and I did not give one penny to support that false religion.

I would caution others on inviting people from cults into their home. I did so after many years of study of the Bible and the cults. But most important, I was led by His Holy Spirit to do so. Because The Holy Spirit led me to do this, does not mean The Holy Spirit would lead you to do the same. There is danger involved if one does not have knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the cult involved. I can say that many new followers of the JW cult were turned to The Lord Jesus by following His Holy Spirit is these meetings.

The Star Wars movies make a mockery of The Lord Jesus. They portray that the universe is run by a FORCE, not a person. That force has a dark side and a good side. That force can be manipulated by men. It is not only EVIL it is very dangerous.



The glass with the small amount of poison is far more dangerous than the one with little. Very few would drink the first glass, but most of the world has drank the second glass. Look how most of the world has flocked to this movie. It has become a cult in itself. I spoke against the movie and a person who claims to follow Jesus became very rude and even cruel against me. He acted this way because of this movie. I seriously doubt that he would defend Christ with the same zeal.

Jesus is a person, not a force. His highest nature in NOT His power, but His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus has no dark side and is the only ONE who is righteous. He can not be manipulated by men or demons. He can not be fooled or tricked into following anyone.

Peter tell us that no move of God starts with any man.

One only has to ask, is it from The Lord, or Satan. Is it light or darkness. God is light and there is no darkness in Him.

1 John 1
Test the Spirits

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.



John does not suggest that we can test every spirit; but it is a command to test EVERY spirit.

Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God


but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.


Lou Newton
Grace to you

I will be away tomorrow morning so I want to make sure this thread is still on Today's Posts. I hope to hear your thoughts on my last post.

[Lou Newton]

All I hear is the sound of crickets. If you do not agree, please post your thoughts. Or even if you agree, please say so.

[Baruch]

I agree mostly with your posts, Lou.

I rarely go to the movies. When I go I'm vigilant and have my thinking cap on. It is for this reason that someone told me they don't like going with me to the movies; I don't go to relax and enjoy, I go to learn more about Satan's schemes which manifest through the people who contribute to the production.

I know there are hidden messages in them, they form the modern myths and attempt to get participants on board with a common vision that applies to living, social paradigm, and pulling the cart as a team in a particular direction.

I don't know how fully I agree with your premise for which you gave the example of the book of Mormon. I understand it. It makes sense, and it appeals to the part of me that values standing on principle. I think it is however something I personally would need to evaluate as I go, simply because standing on principle could rule one's life in a bad, legalistic way if taken to extreme (do I need to get rid of my books, TV, radio, foods sold by the Mormon coalition, clothes made by international NWO companies because my purchases support someone who is antichrist?)

The analogy of a drink with a little poison in it is a very good one. It is a case of what you don't know can harm you. We can convince ourselves that we can benefit from the good in something, and tolerate or ignore the bad. This mode of thinking seems unsound. The parables of leaven come to mind here. Leaven is more aggressive. It doesn't just accumulate, it grows and spreads rapidly as it consumes and changes the host material.