From: Josh Bembenek (jbembe@hotmail.com)
Date: Thu Sep 11 2003 - 14:15:27 EDT
Ted: "I only wish that some of the exchanges on this list were more in
keeping with this spirit--which is generally characteristic of our journal
and our meetings. It would be lovely, indeed, if we could require that
people joining the list must first read the journal (ie, join the
organization or at least subscribe to PSCF) or attend an official ASA
function (the annual meeting or a meeting of one of the local sections)."
Howard: "There is a remarkable irony in this expression of fear that I am
encouraging people to ride the slippery slope to disbelief in God. The truth
is that I am thinking about God more than ever. In fact, I have alerted
several friends to the fact that if there is ever a few second lull in our
social conversation, I will probably get a distant look on my face and be
deep into thought, working on my portrait of God."
-When I cast down Mormonism and religion altogether, I remember shaking my
fist skyward partly in rebellion and partly in desperation thinking "God, if
your there, show me." He has continually revealed himself to me over time
and I believe that my vision of God has improved dramatically since I was
Mormon. As Christians, we should act on our belief that the power of prayer
is one of the strongest and greatest gifts we have. I can think of no
better thing, when considering this dialogue, than for us to pray for one
another on this list after Pauls' writings in 2 Peter 1:3-10:
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness
through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that
through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the
corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and
to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these
qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective
and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone
does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he
has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and
election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you
will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ."
Notice the progression, from goodness, full-circle to love. I pray that we
might all follow after this charge.
Josh
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