| Struggling in here has had a profound effect on me. I have learned so
much. Having my own faith under attack, although painful, has
strengthened my own faith. I feel very connected and part of many in
here who I have never met.
Someday I will be an ordained minister. I may even consider some form
of electronic ministry!
Patricia
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| Well, I've certainly learned a lot. Mostly, I think I've gotten a better
understanding of how and what devout christians believe. I've learned that
strict belief in the bible establishes basline fact FROM which some begin
discussion. Matters and evidence of science or nature are regarded as
secondary to biblical fact. I was not (and am still not) in my element when
discussing matters inside that arena. But, since that's the context in which
many prefer to converse, I do my best... and learn as I go.
I've gotten a better appreciation for the bible in the process. I've become
more open minded when regarding biblical passages and wisdoms. I do not and
may never believe that it is word-for-word truth... or "God Breathed". But
I've become more open to those parts which I can and do accept thanks to the
efforts of some in this conference. Again, I've learned from you and for
that I express my gratitude.
In my efforts to find the truth, I've wandered into the realm of eastern
thought. I've discussed, or tried to discuss, some of the more striking
parallels I've noticed between christian and Zen Buddhist philosophies. A
sparse few have seen some truth in what I've proposed. Many more have
admonished the notion to the point of almost not wanting to consider the
possibility. I'm still puzzling over why that's so.
Despite all the differing views on the various topics, I'm pleased to find that
most "stick with it". Offenses are sometimes inadvertently given... and
mistakenly taken and sometimes things get heated. But eventually things cool
down and healthy interchange again prevails. To those I've offended over
the months or years, I offer my sincere apologies.
I've said that I'm in the process of searching for the truth, whatever that is.
I do not expect to ever be in any other mode. I suspect that searching is what
I've been "designed" to do and that the real truth is either not available to
me or recognizable by me. As I go, my beliefs change as a function of what
I've learned. And I've learned a lot from the interchange in this conference.
-dave
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