I couldn’t have said it better, myself. Thank you, Pastor Randy for saying it like it is.
Welcome to another edition of Throw It Out There Thursday! The target today is something is filling the headlines today. No, not the impeachment. No, not the impending death of the United Methodist Chaos, excuse me, “Church” (if you can actually call it that with a straight face or without regurgitating). But it is behind these and all other expressions of hate and confusion that invades and pervades our culture.
It’s Admiral Farragut’s famous expression: Damn The Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead. And what once was the motto for courage and determination in the face of danger has become the Mantra for a subculture of folks from all walks and stations in life. It’s the subculture of I WANT WHAT I WANT BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT’S BEST AND I’M THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY!
It’s the subculture of people thinking AND acting without considering the consequences that is corroding the very fabric of…
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The Recovering Legalist 
The rockers that indulged in drugs in the 60’s became the lawyers who sue the pants off of anything. I’d say it went rather well for them and not so much for the rest of the chumps who don’t adhere to the me 1st mentality. You ever notice that those who accuse others of being selfish, are usually selfish themselves?
This hireling has a seriously flawed theory and should have a good look in the mirror, as we all should.
I know plenty of good, successful hard working ex drug using rockers who have done quite well for themselves without begging for money from people trying to sell them something they didn’t own.
Perhaps the hireling should head sown and speak to the homeless and ask them how serving their country has worked out for them.
I’m not impressed Anthony, and you and your clergy friends wonder why no one wants to join your churches.
The me 1st is the baby boomer mentality, it’s time to admit it and stop projecting it on the millennials.
Instead of preaching about “leading by example” it’s time to start doing it.
You know, Stephen, a lot of people on every side of every issue mess up. Nobody is perfect. But what I read in your comment is a condescending arrogance that drips with bitterness. I’m just helping you, as you suggested, look in the mirror.
There is without question a “damn the torpedoes” mentality that is sweeping our culture, and, in my opinion, destroying it. The ultra autonomy of the individual at the expense of logic, common sense, and even science, is the cornerstone on which some of our most controversial and damaging social arguments are based: abortion, gender identity, marriage equality, etc.
I read in your words a real hatred for anyone in ministry and a common tendency to malign their character, including Pastor Randy and myself. It’s like you see us all as jet-setting charlatans offering miracles in exchange for donations. It seems to me that you have a very poor understanding of what the average real pastor does and what he and his family endures for the sake of others, not themselves.
So, I don’t know what it is you experienced in your life to cause you such hurt, but I do wish you would take the time to get to know some real pastors, not just “hirelings,” who love God, love His people, care about the pains and struggles people go through, and, yes, do what they can to address the injustices they encounter in this fallen, broken world.
Once again, there is no hurt. Like a well oiled automaton, you keep repeating that same story that I’ve ben hurt. It’s the protestant playbook to believe that anyone who disagrees with religious “leaders” has been hurt by one, then proceed to apologize for the hurt and let them know to keep searching for a good one. Give it a rest all ready.
With that kind of logic, one would believe that Jesus was hurt by a religious leader.
I know a few pastors, the honest ones have left the world of religion.
And boo hoo for pastors, the hardest job in the world and people should bless them more. Rather ridiculous Anthony, I bet you 50% of your congregation has it worse than you but that won’t stop you from soliciting money from them under the guise that it’s Gods’ money.
Unlike the U.S, here in Canada we have access to all religious business accounting info. I’ve spent a fair bit of time studying the site and know where the money goes. I have good reason to be disgusted as a minimum 80% of money collected is stays within the 4 walls of the building that only benefits the building and those employed within the four walls. It don’t matter if the business takes in $200,000 a year or 3.5 million.
Feel free to send me your detailed financial disclosure to prove me wrong Anthony, you know my email address.
Those employed in religion get hurt and offended when laity call them out but don’t seem concerned that they’ll have to give account to Jesus for their actions. If I were you, I’d save your justification for Jesus, but then again, I believe that might be a one way conversation.
And the Truth pertaining to your last paragraph, there’s more people out there doing such things without a collection plate and “pastor” job title.
I don’t have to “hate” something to disagree with it.
I love those in ministry, those who freely give what they have received from God.
Grow up Anthony and quit your whining.
Well, alrighty, then! You’re not hurt. You’ve never been burned and are not harboring deep-seated hatred for someone or some institution that promised you one thing, but then delivered something completely different. Good for you! I’m glad. You simply consider all pastors the same and lump all of them into one bucket of filth. That’s great! You’re not hurt; you’re prejudiced.
If it comes across as “whining,” I apologize. I certainly don’t want to do that, for I am blessed. But because you can’t seem to understand what a real pastor does on a daily basis… what pain, suffering, brokenness, and heavy situations on other people I deal with on a regular basis… what I joyfully sacrifice for the ministry of the gospel… you think if I attempt to defend myself, I’m crying “woe is me!” No, I’m just trying to show that I’m not in it for the money.
As to the finances, I find your assumptions and accusations interesting, albeit somewhat misleading. It would seem that what you think should happen is that a congregation of believers should meet together in an open field, their should never be any paid staff, and that every dollar given (in offerings that should never be asked for) should be given outside the group, not managed by anyone in it, for the benefit of charities, the homeless, and the hungry. Never mind that the people within the 4 walls, the members, have needs, too.
We are a community of believers who meet for the mutual encouragement of each other and the ultimate fulfillment of the Great Commission. We meet in a 130-year-old building that needs upkeep, insurance, electricity, and water (like even the charities need). After a year’s search and after 100+ resumes, the congregation willfully called me to be their pastor and offered me – I did not request – a pre-determined compensation (commensurate with my experience, education, and ability, along with what they considered appropriate with their designated budget). All other staff is voluntary, but I’m expected to be here every day and on call 24/7, the exception being one day a week away with my wife and 2 weeks vacation. No bonus. No airplane. No percentage of the offering. No paid benefits. Only a parsonage to live in, which means no equity and no place to live if I leave or get asked to resign. Up until this church, I was bi-vocational and always worked at least 2 jobs. This is the first church that wanted to pay me a salary so that I did not have to split my time and energy up with other things, but to focus my time and energy on the needs of this congregation and our community.
My salary, FYI, is 28,500 a year, plus housing allowance and expense account. The annual budget of our church is 128,050. Yes, much of that goes to insurance, housekeeping, nursery workers, building maintenance, pest control, internet (that I am using right now), water, teaching materials, etc. However, we also budget money toward international missions, national missions, local ministries, and maintain a food bank that feeds anywhere from 3 to 15 families a week (outside our church family). Our people volunteer in prisons, nursing homes, schools, on the fire department, and in constructing ramps for disabled people in the community. We give to support a crisis pregnancy center and help support a live-in drug and alcohol rehab house which helps young men. Our people also help with disaster relief and give items to send to those affected.
But, you have your opinion. I’m thankful, at least, that you took the time to share it on my blog. At least you visited it. I doubt I changed your mind on anything, but at least I took a few minutes to reply. I hope you respect at least that.
Yes Anthony, I do respect that and other stuff you do. Some stuff I don’t much care for as with not only clergy, but all walks of life.
Considering it costs a minimum of $2000 a month just for shelter and utilities, I’d say your pay is decent, definitely not poultry.
I am a father of four and my wife is a home maker, I need to come up with $3500 a month just to pay rent, utilities and food, so you won’t get much sympathy from me. After 22 years of shingling roofs, the Lord Jesus blessed me with a manager position with a small roofing company. So you’ll have to excuse me if I’m not impressed with how the majority of church businesses spend their money and how they collect it.
As for the church model you justify, this model is found no where in the bible. I’ve always found it odd that people who claim to follow the bible, justify unbiblical systems and beliefs.
That’s an interesting observation, Stephen – about non-biblical models. The reason I say that is because I wonder what model you think IS biblical? I’m not asking a trick question, but I’m curious how you determine it. Several things must be factored in to what is biblical and what is not, and what simply falls under the category of grace. The way it was done in the first few chapters of Acts cannot be replicated in its entire context. And, for that matter the church model in the first few chapters of Acts look very different from later congregations described in Paul’s epistles.
One of the bones of contention is having a dedicated building for the purpose of gathering. Others contend that ministers should not get paid anything. The first century church modeled much of its gathering practices on traditions they carried from synagogue worship. Are we to say that chairs are unbiblical because the people stood while the rabbi sat and taught? On top of that, the first church in Jerusalem met daily, both in homes AND the temple. Should we be doing that?
All I’m saying is that there is a lot of freedom in the Body of Christ. As long as we are faithful to the commands of Christ, living out and sharing the gospel, making disciples of all nations, and being prudent in the context we are given, we should be careful not to be too critical if one group decides to meet in a building to encourage each other, while another group meets in a tent or in a home. Contexts determine what is better in different situations.
On a different note, kudos to you for taking care of your family! I’ve never shingled a roof, but I’ve ripped one off. Most of my income has been earned through pest control, sales, and driving a school bus (notice the book?). All total, I’ve had over 50 jobs since 1985. Gotta do what you gotta do.
In all honesty Anthony, I’m not a believer that acts is the model for the Church.
The Church are those who belong to Christ. We are a living organism and not an organization.
So I’m really not against a building per se.
My only concern about “The Church” is what does Jesus want His church to. What is Jesus’ example, He is The Head after all. I don’y buy into the theologies based on what the apostles have recorded. And not so much that I don’t believe their testimonies, more, I don’t trust those who interpret those testimonies.
As for your comment on “what is biblical”, the bible is subjective, so it means what ever you want it to mean. Reality proves this, Jesus Christ on the other hand, the Right hand, He IS not subjective as we will all see. People manipulate the bible, but Jesus Christ who IS the Word of God, He will not be manipulated.
It is my hope that He IS graceful beyond our understanding.
And there’s no way preaching the Gospel should be a paid position. Jesus is the model of what the Church should be, not Paul.
The “5 fold ministry” are not titles or positions, they are talents and state of being.
All those I’ve met who are legitimate in such talents, didn’t carry the labels, nor were they employed in religion.
For the record, I have to strongly disagree with your conclusions regarding the Bible. Very strongly. And I say that, if for no other reason, for those who might come along later and read this thread. There should be a clear distinction between us on this matter. However, I appreciate your comments and your honesty. You’re welcome to disagree.
I know you disagree all those who belive the infallible, final authority or the word of God must. Their whole faith lies in their belief in the bible. Almost as if, God ceases to exist if the bible has errors.
But 30,000 plus denominations based on one book is not an opinion, nor the many opposing theologies based on one book.
I am glad we’re in agreement that Jesus Christ, who Is the Word of God, is not subjective. Nor will He bend to our interpretation of who we think He is.
But I must ask this… which Jesus? From where did you learn of Him? What makes him different from the Jesus of Islam or Mormonism? Or, for that matter any other cult? The Jesus in whom I put my faith and trust with my eternal soul is the historical Jesus as revealed in the Bible – the whole Bible. Do people disagree with what the Bible says? Yes, but it says what it says, and not all of it is difficult to understand.
Here’s the thing… if you or anyone trusts a personal vision or unique revelation of who Jesus is over Scripture, then your claim is just as valid as Joseph Smith or Mohammed. Do you see what I’m saying?
No, I don’t see what you’re saying. I’m not claiming anything other than Jesus Christ.
If Joseph Smith stopped at proclaiming Jesus Christ, there wouldn’t be a problem would there? Where Joseph Smith goes wrong has to do with religion, but there’s no shortage of religious institutions who go wrong there.
Most protestants believe catholics aren’t christians, and yet, really their religion wouldn’t exist without it.
Mohamed is not a christian.
You yourself, you believe in the baptist Jesus os opposed to the word of faith Jesus, but you both use scriptures to justify your belief on who Jesus is and what He taught.
The Jesus of the bible can be many different images to many different people and yet you seem to think a unique revelation is wrong?
What about Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joseph etc? What book did they use to confirm their “unique revelation”?
Don’t you preach that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow? Is God not alive and involved in people’s lives anymore? Has He ceased to give dreams and visions of who He is?
I put my faith in Jesus who has been faithful to and empowered me all my life. The Jesus who set me free in the blink of an eye from bondage I didn’t even know I was in. Jesus who has always spoke to my conscious to guide me in the ways of righteousness, I wish I would of realized it was Him a little sooner speaking to my conscience.
I understand you’d love to bind me to religion and the bible, but Jesus Christ has set me free from the opinions of men and has never let me down. I will never follow anyone else but Jesus Christ.
You do realize that the Jews murdered Jesus because they know they would lose all control over those who followed Him? Only John the baptist was willing to hand over his disciples to Jesus. Greatest man born to woman Jesus is recorded as saying.
So you’ll have to excuse me if I don’t abandon Jesus for your theology and beliefs. I’m standing on the Rock, not the letter, the letter kills, but the Rock, who IS spirit, Jesus gives life and life beyond.
Stephen, I’m sorry, but there’s a lot you are getting wrong. I don’t want to anger you. I don’t want to question your faith. But, for example, the only reason you could even use the “John the Baptist” analogy is because that story came from the Bible.
Denominations of Christianity differ on many things, from organization to music. However, we rarely differ on the nature and Person of Jesus Christ. That Jesus is revealed in Scripture, and Scripture is closed.
Jesus was not a spirit being, avatar, or holy man. Jesus is not the divine consciousness of God sent to show us how to be the best humans we can be. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, the Son of God, uncreated, eternally self-existent, and the One who was born of a virgin, Emanuel (God with us), lived a sinless life, the second Adam, died as prophesied, rose again as prophesied. This same Jesus ascended to heaven and will one day physically return. In the meantime, the Holy Spirit of God, the Power that raised Christ from the dead, indwells the believer and makes us part of the Body of Christ in the world.
I was lost and on my way to a literal hell when I realized I couldn’t save myself from judgment – I needed a Savior, and that was Jesus. I repented, gave my life to Him, and because of His imputes righteousness I can one day stand in the presence of the Father redeemed. It is by grace, through faith, and not of my works.
You’re not angering me at all. The bible does in fact accurately describe who Jesus IS. I’m not debating that point.
And the bible also contains much Truth.
Wether you question my faith or not is irrelevant to me. Also you thinking I’m wrong, also irrelevant. I won’t stand before you when my spirit leaves my body, and I’m not saying this to be mean, it’s just the facts.
And I’ve heard your version of what the gospel is, there’s other versions, but they’re all similar. I don’t contest this to be true.
The bible might be closed as you say, but God is not confined to a book written and compiled by man. Or do you not believe that God is sovereign?
I’m pretty confident that I’m quite right on who Jesus Christ IS, I know Him and know that He knows me.
I don’t worship and follow Him to avoid hell, I do it cause I love Him and am greatful for His Love, mercy, strength, grace and most of all, His gift of physical life that I might have spiritual life.
There’s no shortage of irony out there is there Anthony? Religious beliefs are plastered with them.
Probably so. Have a great Canadian day 🙂
Thanks Anthony, -34F here this morning but I will rejoice in it.
And a good weekend to you as well.
Holy snowman, Batman!
Stephen, I look in the mirror every day. Some days I like what I see, some days not so much. But one thing I’m doing less and less of every day is making assumptions about people. I sincerely work at trying to understand others rather than doing emotional calisthenics of jumping to conclusions. Oh, and that comment about old-time rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Gram Parsons, just to name a few, didn’t make it to old age.
Hello Randy,
You know who else didn’t make it to old age? The couple Anthony just wrote about with the big bible in their house. What about the innocent children who die of cancer?
For a man who claims to be a man of God, perhaps a little more time away from the mirror and in the world might help you with reality.
You deceive yourself if you think you don’t make assumptions. Some are based on evidence, some on beliefs.
Anthony keeps assuming I’ve been hurt, more than assume, he’s convinced.
Stephen, I honestly think you simply took Randy’s point and found fault by applying it to a different context. What he said was true in its context.
But the ironic thing is that at one point you chastised him for NOT looking in the mirror. Now you’re telling him to walk away from it LOL! Are you actually somebody’s wife 😉
Stephen, I know, I mean really know, how screwed up this natural world is. The other things you mention like a child dying of cancer, is the result of Adam and Eve’s decision to damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. They didn’t consider the full consequences of their decision. Things happen to us that are beyond our control. In those moments we are faced with a multitude of choices. The choice we make comes out of our source of wisdom. Point is, our choices, even the choice to ignore the consequences, creates even more chaos and heartache. I can’t debate why bad things happen to good people. But I do know that God can and does redeem the worst situations when we look to Him for wisdom, the wisdom to make the right choice.
Hi Anthony. I came here via InsanityBytes22, via Pastor Randy, LOL! Interesting conversation with Stephen. He represents some of the animosity toward the institutionalized church that I have come across, as I’m sure you’re aware of, too. Frank Viola came out with “Pagan Christianity” several year ago and the rest is history. 🙂 Some of the criticism is deserved, and we should be more organic, but its adherents mostly parrot popular straw man depictions (like protestants hate Catholics, etc.). And we “churchians” would even agree with them on things like making God’s love and our relationship Christ the priority over other things.
But one recurring theme I keep hearing, one that was only implied here, is that churches shouldn’t be in buildings or paying pastors (we dismiss them as “hirelings”). I also keep hearing the theme in other places that we don’t even need leaders having authority over us (and that would relate to what Pastor Randy was alluding to). This notion is only viable in the West, in our “you’re not the boss of me” culture! Such individualism is totally foreign to any semblance of what we see in the Bible. As you know, most of the time “you” is used in the New Testament, it is speaking of a corporate “you” (“all-y-all!”). It’s speaking to the church, not an individual. We read individualism through our Western paradigm.
More to the point, these romantic notions of the early church are nothing more than myths, usually taught online on YouTube and social media, by former pastors who’ve left the institutionalized church and created their own “house” church following (I’m not against house churches). Again, there’s a lot wrong with institutionalized church (since the fourth century) but we shouldn’t throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. We should also be honest with ourselves about why we resist authority.
Anyone who has a knowledge of church history knows that the only reason the early believers met in houses was because they had no choice! Christianity was deemed illegal by the Roman Empire for the first three centuries. They were being hunted down and persecuted, even killed at times (depending on who was Caesar at the time). They hid in catacombs and caves during the first and second century.
Another fact about the early church. They had Bishops over cities and regions from the first century on, pastors, elders over every local church. And they were paid, (gasp!), usually through the support of those they were ministering to. They didn’t draw a salary because there was no such thing in their ancient economy. People usually bartered and traded for their livelihood.
Stephen brought up that Jesus didn’t get paid. Actually, that’s not technically true. Jesus was supported financially by wealthy women who followed Him (and others). Paul said that those who are taught should support those those who teach them (Gal.6:6). Paul himself, was supported by the Philippian church.
I could go on but I don’t want to write a book. Sorry for the long comment but this exchange is ironically a classic example of what Pastor Randy was talking about.
Oh, you’re more than welcome to leave a long comment! You wouldn’t be the first, that’s for sure 😉
Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the discussion. We are on the same page. But even more, your comment highlights another important lesson Christian bloggers need to remember: people read comments. Therefore, it is just as important how we deal with objectors as how we write the original post.
Again, thanks.
Very true. The comments tend to clarify the point and answer assumptions not addressed in the post.
Thanks for joining the conversation Mel. Quite a moth full from you . I have never read “pagan christianity” but have read the bible cover 7 times and listened to the audio version probably 7. I continue to study the bible with my trusty “blue letter bible” app.
A lot of what you speak is traditions of men and not based in fact but your own assumptions with cherry picked bible verses. But that’s ok, every believer does that.
If you don’t like the label “hireling”, I suggest you take it up with Jesus, I didn’t invent it.
Jesus didn’t put His trust in man, so I’ll continue to follow what Jesus has to say instead of you cherry piked Paulian theology. Salvation comes by Jesus Christ alone, attending a religious business that cloaks itself with the name “church” has absolutely no bearing on anyone’s salvation and attending one does not make a person a christian.
Just like standing in a garage doesn’t make a person a car, or so I keep hearing from the pulpit. Lol
The cognitive dissonance required to sit through a sermon and not puke is astronomical. But then as we all know, the psychopath target the weak.
Perhaps your time would be better spent pontificating to your flock Mel. I don’t have much patience for manipulators.
By the way, I don’t find you much different then how you first describe yourself in your “why I write this blog”
God is no respecter of persons, your man made title seems to have swelled up your head and I can assure you Jesus won’t be nearly as impressed with your title as you seem to be.
pon·tif·i·cate
verb
/pänˈtifiˌkāt/
1.
express one’s opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic.
Yep, I think that’s what you’re doing, Stephen. Sorry.
It should read “I have read the bible cover to cover”.
Of course you do Anthony, it’s always the laity that needs to be corrected. You must assume your position. I am not surprised or offended by your reaction, it’s what I expect from the leader. Now throw some platitudes my way and please include the definition of platitude and pompous while your at it. And also a couple bible verses to justify your authority and put me into submission, it helps if you affirm it’s the word of God. The irony by you here is a good example of what we talked about earlier. Lets keep in mind who gets paid to preach the gospel and believes people should submit to their title.
You must maintain dominance so as to not look weak before your flock. No worries, I understand you don’t need to apologize for speaking your opinion.
Still gonna follow Jesus instead of you and Mel.
Sir, you really don’t understand me, nor do you seem to have a good grasp on the role of a pastor (a role gifted to the churches by the Holy Spirit). I don’t understand why you have to be so snarky and disrespectful, either. You talk to me like I’m a child, like I’ve only read the Bible once. But if you can’t trust the Bible, what does it even matter?
Sola Scriptura.
https://melwild.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/the-fallacy-of-sola-scriptura/
You can debate sola scriptura with Mel.
Jesus never spoke of giving pastors or to His people. In fact, Jesus spoke of only one pastor, the Good Pastor referring to Himself.
I’ll follow Jesus, you can follow Paul if you want. Any religious leader would have a hard time justifying their position without Paul’s writings so I understand your desire to bind people to the bible.
Myself Anthony, I’ve been set free by Jesus Christ, I will stay free.
I really cannot understand why this freedom in Christ offends religious people. Why does it offend you that I preach Jesus Christ alone?
First, yes, I can take issue with Mel on his take of Scripture. Not here, but I could. Frankly, it would be much more beneficial to discuss our differences on “sola Scriptura” through private correspondence, thereby giving less fuel for folk who like to point to disagreement as proof of no Standard. At least Mel does base his understanding of Jesus on an interpretation of Scripture, regardless the hermeneutic. You, on the other hand, dismiss the bulk of the New Testament, all of which I consider inspired. Which brings me to wonder, do you dismiss the writings of Luke? Both his gospel and his record of the birth and spread of the Church in the book of Acts? It is, after all, in Acts where Luke supports the apostleship of Paul. The whole record, he implies, is beneficial for confirming the faith of Theophilus.
Jesus Christ alone? No problem. But it was Jesus who gave commands to His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49), after which they would be able to evangelize the world, beginning with Jerusalem. It was Luke who continued the story which included foundational principles of servant leadership (Acts 6:3-4). And there’s more, especially when we read further.
Nevertheless, any argument I make is moot if you do not accept the letters and epistles of Paul. Peter accepted them, but not you. So, I guess I’m done, for we have little common ground, other than salvation is in Christ alone – but I learned that from the preaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:14).
I’m not interested in biblical gymnastics or playing bible verse ping pong.
I hope I’ve made my profession for Jesus Christ alone loud and clear as I learned this from Jesus Christ Himself. This Truth was learned by many and some recorded it. And some of those testimonies were compiled and put in a book that we now call the bible. Fallible men to who’m God revealed Himself to. God has not stopped revealing Himself to men, He doesn’t need a bible to reveal Himself.
I’m done with this conversation Anthony,
My intention in all of this is to push you further into the reality of Jesus Christ. Christianity is in decline, but even worse, the NAR/Word of faith movement is gaining ground. It’s gaining ground because of the failures of orthodox and evangelical teachings and the hypocrisy. People want more than a sermon sandwich, small group bible study and to be talked at instead of being talked to. People want to make a difference in the world, noT support a cult. Unfortunately Anthony, you really aren’t much different than any other baptist, you just try to hide it better.
The priority needs to be on Jesus Christ and taking care of the needy. Not worldly garbage, politics and self help sermons. Spirit filled people don’t need sermons on the bible and why one should be good.
I give you the last word on this matter.
Peace.
Mel, it’s been a year. I hope you are doing well. I just re-read your comment and gained a new appreciation for it. I am in the process of writing a new post about talking with Stephen and directly confronting some of his accusations. It is not because I want to argue, but because I genuinely want to answer some of his points in public so that others may learn (at least those with enough humility to avoid pointing out how many times they’ve read the Bible). So, anyway, God bless.
I look forward to reading it. 🙂