Jim,

('ve snipped that which has gone before)

>Hi Doug,
>
>It's a huge subject and one that I generally avoid because it is complex and highly dependent on personal interpretation and one with writings supporting many views.
>
>But I did want to reply to the pov that "God is not necessarily capricious but disinterested and uninvolved."...
>
>My personal inclination is that HE exists and that HE is interested and involved. I think it is the estimation/attribution of the degree of involvement that causes strife among believers. This is one of the silliest reasons that I can think of for people(s) to war with each other, hate each other, fear each other, etc.
>
>I am satisfied that it is truly impossible to know for sure. I must also admit that I feel negatively when I hear anyone claim that they know for sure.
>Please note that I am *not* saying that you have come across that way here.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Jim N
>
>

>snip<

Well, I too believe in a personal God. That is, one whom has a personality and is self-aware and aware and interested in me. Not only that, and I run the risk of attempting to explain something that does not change based on my experience, which are anything but timeless. <g>

There is a very rich body of work that has eminated from the Historic Christian world. Some of the most brilliant minds of all times were Christians. Pascal and Newton to name two. Hospitals, universities, orphanages, as infinitem have all been created as a direct result of the impetus of love that flows from the Historic Christian view of things.

Something has affected all these people - and in such a fashion that they willingly laid aside personal ambitions for a greater calling.

Even in the 20th century you had men like Malcolm Muggeridge, C.S. Lewis and others who where giants in their fields. And yet, even as I type this message there are more Christians being killed and persecuted than at any other time in history. Some 100 million killed in the last century alone - more than all prior centuries combined. Yet... These people take death rather than the easy way.

Something has affected them. People snicker, yet I personally know hundreds of ex-drug addicts, murderers, drunks, sex addicts, thieves, etc whose lives have been dramatically changed.

People whose lives were empty and when asked what has happened to them they simply will say, "I met God. And He loves me."

Some folks could care less. That's a shame but their exercise of their choice.

I just do not want to go through life and miss the best part. <g>

Best,

DD