Christian Etiquette and Christian events

[Mr.Elwood]

PLEASE! Do not think I am singling out Gomers, or anyone in particular. I go to all sorts of events and these are my observations.
What prompted me to post this was MY reaction recently when it was clear my Brothers and Sisters have a different view of things than I do.

Here is the scenario: We go to the Carowinds concert and there is a line of kids sitting in our seats. I walk up to the kids and show them my ticket stub so they know they did not pay for the seat and it's time to stop squatting and move. They don't move and look back to mom and dad for instructions. Mom and dad apparently don't seem to care to much either and just advise them to move over a little more. Please remember I have my family with me which means I get very nasty with people if they are (in anyway) going to affect my kids experience. After Hawk Nelson gets done we go out for a few minutes to eat and come back. The kids have pushed back over into our seats, and once again look back to mom and dad for instructions on what to do.

I of course told them what to do very aggressively and impolitely :eek: (I later apologized to the father for my rude behavior).

Here is the next scenario: This is prompted by my wife and daughter (and several others out there all over the place).
At Carowinds the picture rule is very clear and enforced very vigorously. I personally didn't bring anything with me because I knew the rules in advance and that I wouldn't be taking pictures. My wife and daughter, on the other hand, pulled out a camera and went to town trying to get pictures. They did put it away after getting their warning, but we had a chat afterwards regarding rules even when there is "grey area".

So here is my observation and question for Y'all

Even though the incidents are very minor in relation to other sins and disobedience, what is the example and Witness we are giving to those seekers when they see us acting no differently than anyone else at any other concert. People squatting in seats they know are not theirs that they didn't pay for; supposed leaders and parents fostering the behavior by the "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" saying; People knowingly and continually trying to "get away with" things they know are not allowed because it's "not a big deal in the grand scheme of things".

I post this in this forum because I think it should be discussed as a concert question.


For me, I like trying to follow the rules as closely as possible and still get my pictures or access or whatever, but I try very hard not to cross that line.
I know I do cross that line on occasion, but I do not make a habit of going around the rules for my own personal pleasure. It sucks and I get jealous sometimes when I see others getting away with things, but I do consciously try to remember someone is always looking and judging me on my actions whether I see them or not, so being a good example is the goal.

Any of you have thoughts on this?

[sandyandporter]

I am SO with you on this. But then I'm just a rule follower (except the speed limit, which to me is just a suggestion). I would never think of sitting in someone else's seat. And if I did and that person came along... I would be mortified.

I may have tried to get a few shots with my cell phone but if cameras aren't allowed, I wouldn't risk bringing mine in and having it taken away.

So... I for one have to agree with you here.

[3D NC fan]

We actually had a similar experience with seats for this concert. We arrived at the park late and opted to just catch 3D. After carefully checking our tickets, we found 2 young men sitting in our seats. We politely asked them to move and they did slide down, although it was somewhat reluctantly. We had good seats and I planned to find one of the ever present security guards if they hadn't moved. The one young man was very tall when he finally stood up and my husband later joked that I wanted him to get into an argument with the jolly green giant. :)

As for cameras, it certainly is clearly posted that pictures are not allowed. I was very disappointed not to be able to take pictures at the HOB show in Myrtle Beach. I think we have to make an effort to follow the rules even if we don't like them.

[kristalball]

I didn't know us "christians" have different rules than "non-christians".

[Genna14]

I didn't know us "christians" have different rules than "non-christians".
I think what he's saying is that, as Christians, we ought to follow the rules more closely, therefore shining that light we're supposed to be shining.

I know personally that there are plenty of non Christians who attend Christian events *like the UnderOATH show I went to last year*. If these people are getting that kind of treatment from Christians, how is that shing the light of Christ?

[webo]

I'm with you, Elwood. If you're sitting in seats you did not pay for, you should move immediately and never return. It would be very embarrassing for me if I had done that, and then returned to the seats I already had been asked to leave, only to be kicked out again. But things seem to have changed over the years. People are no longer embarrassed about behavior that used to be embarrassing.

[Psycho Mom]

Ok do not hit me but here is my take on seats and cameras. I do not mind at all if someone else sits in my seat if I am not there. As long as they move when I get there and this has happened to me more than once and it was no big deal. I have actually been guilty of telling Kenny to move up when I have seen people leave. Now I did ask them if they were leaving, but I let him move up. If they can get the blessing of a portion of a concert that I am not there for, good for them. I think this happens more at festivals where there are amusement parks.

Cameras-first of all Carowinds does not know what they want to do there. 2003-cameras no problem. 2004-I took in a disposable, yes a disposable and about got my head ripped off. 2005-I believe Robyn asked and got permission. We all took tons of pictures.2008-y'all were told to put them up again.

I will always take my camera into a venue if I can. (I had to check camera at HOB in Vegas.) If I am told to put it up I do.

That is all.

[webo]

I do not mind at all if someone else sits in my seat if I am not there. As long as they move when I get there


But as Elwood said, they did not immediately move. And then they reoccupied his seats again when he briefly left!

[Psycho Mom]

I did see that. And the kids should have just moved quickly. I just have not had that experience. The people usually just look sheepish and get up.

[Jake]

I've moved up at ball games and stuff before, and there have been times where the actual ticket holder has shown up, and I just apologized and moved. Kinda laughed it off; it's not a humiliating experience. Then there have been times where I've gone through a whole game in a better seat that wasn't actually mine. It's worth the risk, IMO

[tugboat]

Gotta agree with ya Woodrow. We, as Christians are called to set a Godly example and to display the character of Jesus to the world.

[Corrine]

Not sure this is the right forum for this. I'd move it, but I can't decide where to move it to. So I'm waiting to see what direction it takes.

Personally, I have no problem with people who occupy empty seats, as long as they move when the actual seat holders approach (and stay moved!) I think any artist on the stage would rather not see empty seats in the front. It's like at church, when they ask everyone to move up and fill up the empty spaces. What I don't like is people standing in the aisles during the show. That irritates me. (Unless they are snapping a photo and going back to their seats.)

About the camera thing, I've been to so many shows where they say no cameras on the ticket or somewhere else, and yet they allow cameras. Many (seems like most that I've been to) venues say they don't allow cameras, especially "professional" cameras (any camera with a removable lens), but in most cases, it is up to the artist. And since I know Third Day doesn't mind if you take photos, I take my camera most times, regardless of what they say beforehand. And there have been times when we get to the venue and ask, and the camera goes right back into the car. But if they don't stop you at the door, chances are, they are going to let you use it. Amusement parks would be different, obviously, because there are lots of other places outside of the show to take photos. The rebellious side of me admires those who will take a chance, but put the camera away when asked to. I am too paranoid. If I know they aren't allowing cameras, I don't use my camera. We usually just ask security. Of course, many times one guard says one thing and another guard says another. :rolleyes: But it just kills me to go to a show and not take pictures. My photos are the way I remember things.

So to sum up, follow the rules y'all! If you don't, then at least when you get caught apologize and then follow the rules.

If you'd like to read all about Gomer concert etiquette and traditions, check this out (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=92329).

[webo]

I've moved up at ball games and stuff before, and there have been times where the actual ticket holder has shown up, and I just apologized and moved. Kinda laughed it off; it's not a humiliating experience.


I've also gone down to the lower-level seats late in Astros games. When I wrote, "People are no longer embarrassed about behavior that used to be embarrassing," I was referring to the kind of behavior Elwood was describing: where people didn't immediately move, and then after he briefly left, they didn't even wait for the heat to leave the chair. And then he had to again go through the whole charade of urging them to give it up. That SHOULD be embarrassing. My point was that unfortunately, it's not anymore.

[Jake]

Gotcha, webo. I do it a lot at Reds games actually. I go to a few a year, and I always check and see if I can find a better seat.

[BobC]

the only real problem we've had so far was at Soulfest in New Hampshire last year.
I do'nt remember the band that was playing but there were quite a few people there and three boys probably about 18 - 20 years old walked up, sat down , and all 3 promptly lit cigeretts like there wasn't another soul around.