PastorTim

ALLOW ME A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, SINCE SOME HAVE EXPRESSED SOME CONCERN ON MY BEHALF, BASED ON MY LAST POST... and clearly, I wasn't clear enough there!

When I said I might not post any more, I only meant in this particular thread. I'm not sure it would be helpful or add much to the debate -- and the rhetoric has grown considerably since I last posted. I think that's a good thing.

I think being able to exchange and engage other ideas is profitable. When I tried to observe that perhaps much of what is expressed here is somewhat anti-thetical to a Christian world view, it wasn't of necessity a criticism, rather an observation.

I lived for 23 years before I was "born again" or converted to Christ. During the last 6 of those years I was a very good sinner, if you get my meaning: ie: I sinned well, and took lots of opportunities to practice it. So I'm not ignorant of how it is to be on the "other side of the aisle" so to speak.

I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of, and I'm very thankful for God's grace in forgiving me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm not surprised at the point of the view the majority enjoy, accept, express, etc.. here. And in general I'm not offended by it, nor shocked etc..

What saddens me is that it sometimes seems some will try to bulldoze their point over and use ad hominem attacks to bolster their argument. I would like to think we can interact with each other without stooping so low. And even if others do I'll try not to.

Frankly, do I think I'll "convert" anyone on here? No. [Biblical clarification: it's not my job to convert anyone; that's God's business. My job, as a Christian, is to try to be the best ambassador for His Kingdom that I can be.] But perhaps some one can have their "field of vision" enlarged by something I write, and I know I don't know everything -- not even close! -- so I'm sure I can learn some things, too.

Again, I may or may not post IN THIS THREAD again simply because I'm not sure if I have anything productive to add to the discourse. I haven't had time to read and re-read the whole thread, and I'm not sure I could keep up with it all. If I do post again, it may be to try to make a few general observations and perhaps a few specific reactions / refutations.

One main observation, if I may, is that while I'm still a little bit surprised that I'm the only pastor on TFP -- at least it seems the only one who's "fessed up" -- I'm encouraged that this thread has seem to drawn out many voices who in general may lean more towards my way of thinking on a whole host of issues.

Y'all have probably been here all along, but this brought you all together for me to see all at once! And that's encouraging to me.

Also, I'm very thankful several have expressed concern towards me and for me. Many have been very kind towards me, and I'm hubmly thankful for them.

Again, the thread in the main has been interesting, invigorating, and thought-provoking. I'll be checking in again from time to time, and perhaps I will post in this thread again, but maybe not. I'll think and pray about it.

My blessings to you all.