Thank you to those who sent me encouraging words, and who told me that the last few posts were actually reasonable compared to other exchanges out there. Looking back at the source of my discouragement, I see that it originated from me responding to a comment thread. Comments probably aren't the best vehicle for discussing these issues. I much prefer a longer, well-thought-out, argument. For that I can't think of anyone I enjoy reading better than Robert P. George on sanctity of life issues, and the editors of Touchstone magazine on religious issues in general. For bloggers, Shane Raynor, WesleyBlog, is doing a fine job, and he has an excellent post up, an interview with Beth Stroud, the minister whose conviction for violating the Book of Discipline for having a lesbian relationship while serving as a Methodist pastor was just thrown out on appeal.
I'm going to keep the blog, I do discern a role for me in speaking out on issues of faith, and its role in culture. What I'll do differently in the future: whenever I quote someone like Pope Benedict XVI, or someone from the church renewal movements, I will let their statements stand on their own. They've already stated their positions much better than I could in a comment anyway.
glad to hear that you are going to keep blogging!
Posted by: Jonathan at May 4, 2005 11:38 PMI love your blog, thanks for keeping it up. My guess is, that the religious left will grow in its impact in the years to come. And there are not many who consistently talk about these issues.
kim
Posted by: kim ringsmose at May 6, 2005 02:46 AMFollowing the 'rending of the veil,' where in the New Testament is there validation for a priesthood?
Posted by: James Fletcher Baxter at May 6, 2005 08:43 PMI just found your blog. Please keep writing; yours is a unique (balanced) perspective I think we Christians need. Thanks.
Posted by: ts at May 17, 2005 10:15 PMJoel,
I'm pleased you'll be continuing your blog as I think there is not nearly enough dialogue between people of differing viewpoints. Yes, some of your strong and judgemental statements have offended me. But I want to be clear with you. I am not mad at you for doing so. I appreciate the fact that you are trying to articulate a viewpoint that you clearly believe in.
I guess I'd like you to acknowledge that those of us who see the world differently are not all just like the folks you used to worship with (the unitarians). I personally count many unitarians as friends but feel that many unitarians are open to just about every viewpoint EXCEPT the Christian one.
Keep on keeping on.
Peace,
Cousin Sue