I pity you spouters of religious fear. My father-out-law (X's dad) is a Baptist minister, runs a 200 year old church in Virginia. I have had so many wise, insightful conversations with him on the subject of religeon. He believes. I can feel it in his words, softly spoken with power and humility. The comments about teachers versus ranters were so true. True men of God don't need to slam others, as the peace they feel comes from love of a good thing, not fear of retribution.
Oh, you wish you made my blood boil. I laugh at you, and fear only for any children you may have influence over.
My blood boils at coercion.
My blood sometimes boils over ignorance.
I rage over nothing. It serves no purpose.
Powerful atitude and those like him are lost humans, raging on and on that we won't believe like them. Sad they need that confirmation.
A respected minister with poise, conviction, and a gentle ability to hear others and find common ground much more closely represents Christianity to me.
And he laughs about the old testament stuff too!!
Can't be TOO literal with a text written by men, translated by men, and probably embellished for effect.
His point: the messages are Powerfull enough to not need an Attitude.
Bill
