I am highly disappointed in this post. All of your points are sound and you make the case for taking the scripture as a whole which does powerfully undermine most goofball theology. But it is your humble tone I dislike. You should call the other side morons and close with “you goys should just be grateful to get in at all! No Seder dinner invites for any of you smelly rednecks.”
I must admit Jeff, that I like your style. “No Seder dinner invites for any of you smelly rednecks.” Hilarious my friend. I am obviously not where you are, just yet, but don’t give up on me. There’s hope. I have to do better at summoning up those dormant “go for the throat” genes. Love you buddy.
Attempt at Humor to drive engagement. God called me to the ministry then He remembered the sense of humor He gave me, rescinded the offer, and sent me to run businesses. As laity I have a degree of freedom that I really need. Keep writing. I’ll keep reading.
I think your post was intended as humor, but insulting other people because of their opinions is generally not an effective way of getting them to seriously consider one's own arguments.
That's one of the reasons that I have always gotten a lot out of interacting with Stuart. He and I agree on the vast majority of things. There are a few things where we disagree. When we do, I give him my perspective and from experience I know that he considers it, and he gives me his opinion and I always consider it. Occasionally that results in one of us revising our opinion -- usually me because he's usually the one who is right. That, plus a general fear of triggering the NYC in him.
I of course ment it as humor. I absolutely think we need to be less uptight when we discuss theology. Jesus wore sandals and walked everywhere he went. Now we discuss theological opinions like we are negotiating international trade deals.
Good stuff Stuart! This will be helpful when discussing this topic, especially with younger generations who seem to get the "government" of Israel today confused with biblical Israel.
You are right Tom baby. Clear distinction between the government of Israel and the people of Israel who, under the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant, have land rights in perpetuity, in spite of themselves, and all for the glory of God.
When folks blindly follow the government of Israel or the USA I think they confuse being “blessed” with being “perfect in action”. That said, I am 100% in support of the nation of Israel for religious and secular reasons. I believe it has the right to exist and defend itself. I distain war and the costs of it but also believe Augustine’s “just war” arguments make sense. At least I think it was Augustine. It might have been some other smart dude from antiquity.
Well said Stuart. Thank you for speaking truth.
Thank you Jerome. Grateful for your willingness to read these articles.
Another worthwhile commentary on biblical truths. Thanks Stuart!
Thank you Les!
I am highly disappointed in this post. All of your points are sound and you make the case for taking the scripture as a whole which does powerfully undermine most goofball theology. But it is your humble tone I dislike. You should call the other side morons and close with “you goys should just be grateful to get in at all! No Seder dinner invites for any of you smelly rednecks.”
I must admit Jeff, that I like your style. “No Seder dinner invites for any of you smelly rednecks.” Hilarious my friend. I am obviously not where you are, just yet, but don’t give up on me. There’s hope. I have to do better at summoning up those dormant “go for the throat” genes. Love you buddy.
Attempt at Humor to drive engagement. God called me to the ministry then He remembered the sense of humor He gave me, rescinded the offer, and sent me to run businesses. As laity I have a degree of freedom that I really need. Keep writing. I’ll keep reading.
I think your post was intended as humor, but insulting other people because of their opinions is generally not an effective way of getting them to seriously consider one's own arguments.
That's one of the reasons that I have always gotten a lot out of interacting with Stuart. He and I agree on the vast majority of things. There are a few things where we disagree. When we do, I give him my perspective and from experience I know that he considers it, and he gives me his opinion and I always consider it. Occasionally that results in one of us revising our opinion -- usually me because he's usually the one who is right. That, plus a general fear of triggering the NYC in him.
I of course ment it as humor. I absolutely think we need to be less uptight when we discuss theology. Jesus wore sandals and walked everywhere he went. Now we discuss theological opinions like we are negotiating international trade deals.
Good stuff Stuart! This will be helpful when discussing this topic, especially with younger generations who seem to get the "government" of Israel today confused with biblical Israel.
You are right Tom baby. Clear distinction between the government of Israel and the people of Israel who, under the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant, have land rights in perpetuity, in spite of themselves, and all for the glory of God.
When folks blindly follow the government of Israel or the USA I think they confuse being “blessed” with being “perfect in action”. That said, I am 100% in support of the nation of Israel for religious and secular reasons. I believe it has the right to exist and defend itself. I distain war and the costs of it but also believe Augustine’s “just war” arguments make sense. At least I think it was Augustine. It might have been some other smart dude from antiquity.