Jim,

>Doug,
>
>Please forgive my blasphemy here, but having read your whole diatribe I feel compelled to say that the "logic" you presented is more convoluted than anything I have read in a very long while.

<g> Well, what specifically confuses you? Grace? Most folks don't get this but it's the heart of the good news.

>
>To me it serves to confirm (yet again, sadly) that a "Christian" who pushes his specific religion (branch of Christianity) determines interpretations to suit his needs.

I have no desire to either 'push' or privately interpret Christianity. Rather, I'd desire to understand that Christianity that Paul preached. It was all about grace, not ceremonies or tradtions.

You know, here's something to ponder and add to your confusion... <g>

Religion seeks to make people better whereas Christianity seeks to make people worse.

It's the sick that need the physician Jim, not the whole....

Are you sick enough yet for God?

I am. I need God more than air and my daily food.

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

If you do not understand what I just wrote I'd suggest you revisit this issue.

>
>What you've written makes me decidedly not "Christian" in your eyes and there can be no doubt about it.

My eyes have nothing to do with this as you will never need to fear about having to answer to me. I am not qualified. You will answer to God for your life, not me.


>
>Yet I am convinced that I am one!

Well, what makes one a Christian then? Or, what is the perceived difference here that you see. If I'm somehow not communicating correctly I need to remedy that as fast as possible! (I'm quite serious about this please understabd.)

>
>No, I don't want to get into any kind of discussion at all with you on this, because it simply is not my cup of tea.

Too late. <g> If you have the right to "lob" one at me and then say you don't want to continue the discussion then I have the right to "lob" one back at you
I'd think. You opened this door so don't complain about it now. That's like opening a door, tossing a stink bomb in and then saying you don't want to talk about the smell... <g>

Perhaps you just don't know what you believe. If you do, and know why, that's cool but at least demonstrate it in our relationship here and give me the courtesy of not just "lobbing" one. Very cheesy IMO...

>
>But I can say that I forgive you.

Thanks! Always appreciated. <g> And constantly needed!!! Thrilling to know I have been completely.

>
>JimN
>

>snip<