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Originally Posted by abaya
Thank you for your candor, Tim. I have to say that I have a heightened sensitvity about usage of evangelical language, seeing as I used to inhabit that world and know it well. But I am thankful for your sincerity and desire for clarifying your words.
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You're welcome.
I am curious about your past, but I will endeavor to discuss / address / and ask about it in response to your comments in my journal. Seems more appropriate there.
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Originally Posted by abaya
The "blessings" part also seemed a bit odd to me, given the statements you made (or posted) about Muslims... I wondered how a Muslim on the boards might view those two things together. But that's just me being curious.  |
It's very true that I have some strong concerns and opinions on some things, but don't we all? And again, even though I might strongly differ with someone, I would still hope I can agreeably disagree, and in the process, attempt to show while I might differ in thought and opinion, I wish them personally no ill will.
I hope the post I "re-posted" [ha] is not viewed as a personal attack, though I could see how it might be. But if it accurately states some historical facts, and then issues a conjecture about current events, is that truly attacking a person, or the ideas they are embracing, living for?
Can it be said that on these boards the Judeo-Christian "ethic" [world view, or call it what you will], and many aspects of it, are regularly attacked, and sometimes in less than nice ways?
I don't mean that to be a blanket statement, but it does seem that most people come from a non Christian view point, and some of those world views are strongly anti-thetical to Christianity? Is that a fair assessment? I hope so. And perhaps it is wholly true that I'm just "sensitive" [or even over-sensitive] to negative comments about the world view I have embraced.
I guess that's normal?
However, as long as it is not an ad hominem attacks, then well and good. If it is an attack on the ideas and thoughts and reasons underlying my faith, and not an attack on me, we can at least interact and have a discussion.
The truth is, as perhaps you are familiar with, the Bible exhorts believers to do all they can to live as exemplary as possible, so that if we are criticized, even if unfairly, those criticisms in the end won't stand against us.
I know there are plenty of bad examples of Christianity. And I know I'm not perfect! But I can still try.
I would also be loath to embrace a faith which can't be examined, and engaged with.
Well, just some thoughts in brief in response.
God bless,
Pastor Tim