Sage

Speaking from the point of view of someone who was once very, very much a Southern Baptist...

I feel like, as has been stated, that if there was anyone on TFP that was very Christian, they would soon find that they are not in like-minded company. As, in my upbringing, I was taught that Christians were to associate and seek out others who shared the same faith in the understanding that associating with those of like mind would stregnthen the faith of everyone, I doubt that they'd be around long.

I admit, when I read Pastor Tim's first post I did a little eye-rolling. In my expierence, I have encountered about five outspoken Christians in my lifetime that didn't make me want to respond to their lifestyle with a quick right hook. However, Pastor Tim is the kind of person I wish every Christian could be- very calm, collected, and secure in his spirituality, and willing to meet other people's viewpoints with an open mind. He has earned my respect, and I gladly welcome him and his point of view to this community.

However, most Christians (including my own mother) are *very* outspoken and blindly follow their own ideas about the tenants of their faith. This leads to some heated, feverish, soapbox-style supporting of their point of view to the exclusion of everyone else. As I believe that the TFP supports open mindedness, this kind of mentality would not be welcomed on the boards. However, if this kind of close-mindedness was shown by any member, regardless of sex/sexual preference/religion/etc, it would not be tolerated. Therefore, I think TFP is welcoming of EVERYONE, provided they show themselves to be willing to listen to what others have to say and treat the other members of the board with respect.

I would like to see more people with the conviction and solidarity in their own spirituality like Pastor Tim. Hearning the opnions and viewpoints of a myriad of people makes me a better person. I will not brush off a Christian's opnion simply because it is a doctrine to which I no longer hold- I will, however, find that person's arguments at fault if they fail to respect my own point of view at the same time.

Keep it up, Pastor Tim... you'll never know how much I wish my mother was like you....

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