I agree with you regarding This American Life. Its always a fascinating, well produced hour of radio.

I just enjoy it for what it is. I don’t get too bogged down wih the subtext of Ira’s philosophical points of view. I wouldn’t stop using a Mac because of Steve Job’s ideologies, or the ideologies of the people that make my clothes, build my cars, etc.

I’m not referring to your post here, I think it was very insightful, but in reading the comments, I’m always struck by how complicated some people make religion.

Was it always like this, or is this another internet phenomenon.

What comes to mind is the old minutae cliche of how many fairies can dance on the head of a pin.

lol, yes, my comment was for Chris P’s remarks, not the OP.

Regarding my “horrible Pastor” statement, I still stand by it, though I cringe slightly at its roughness, but perhaps it is a needed roughness. If a Pastor felt they could/should simply speak the Word and expect the Holy Spirit to do the rest while leaving the Pastor to assemble his next sermon, I would sincerely be concerned for, if not flatout doubt, the Pastor’s call to ministry.

Does that seem faulty to anyone or am I onto something here?

(By the way Phil…I heard part of that episode. It was hilarious. Unfortunately, anyone who hears it probably identifies thrmselves in it.)

Who cares if any believe us or not?

And therein lies where you fail in your ministry if this is how you feel in your heart regarding salvation. Do you truly feel nothing or apathy if someone rejects the Word? Do you not try to chase them? Continue to help them, seek them, make them understand in their terms? I’m not suggesting changing the Gospel (as you think so many people do) but rather simply trying to convey and reconvey the Word until they get it.

I’m sorry but if you think that simply speaking the Word and letting the chips fall where they may is enough, then you, sir, are a horrible pastor. We are not responsible for someone else’s salvation, but we are responsible to care for them, regardless of their state.

How does loving my enemy/opponent translate into we’re all stupid/wrong/sinful etc so none of us know anything to be true or are able to speak truth?

Well that’s not anything close to what I said, really. The fact that you interpreted that way say quite a bit really.

All I said is that we all have the tendency to present ourselves as experts in areas where we really have limited knowledge in, especially on discussions on blogs.

But, hey, you seem to be all-knowing, so I’m sure being anything close to humble is just below you.

How does loving my enemy/opponent translate into we’re all stupid/wrong/sinful etc so none of us know anything to be true or are able to speak truth?

Who cares if any believe us or not?
Give the message,speak the Word, we are not responsible for the results, unless of course you think your relationship with, or your good works for, will save others.
1 Cor 3:5-7

“I, sadly, have been a Modern Jackass.”

No argument there.