I don't know you at all, but I take my hat off to you (it's a black homburg). How you've lived your Christian life sounds honourable, courageous and most importantly, God fearing. Intellectually honest too, as rare as winged potatoes in this day and age. And yes - NO guilt by association thank you - after all, where would that put Jesus?
May God continue to bless you, your family and your church.
I’ve known you for about 8 years, and at times up close and personally. I’m glad for that—I believe in your heart and mind—you’re using them as an asset for the benefit of others and not your own ego.
In that same 8 years of time, I’ve lost respect for dozens of influential figures who were ostensibly on “our team.“ Also, during that time, my wife and I have grown immensely in our respect for you, and this latest post only solidifies that. I’ve completely dropped out of the social media space except for a couple peeks into Substack here and there. I have not lost anything in the process. The disappointment and disillusionment with all of these influential figures that we all know and at times have been close to or supported has been immense, and devastating. It’s all so stupid and tragic and unnecessary.
First of all, yes on the echo chamber of only following/being with people that agree with you. A friend from my congregation recently said if he disagreed with as many things as we do he would be looking for a different congregation, and I found that really interesting. Also, glad to hear someone quoting scripture on the “Jewish question” vs. some influential writer or recent doctrine. I am puzzled how people read Gal. 3:16-29 (and other passages) and conclude that the Israeli nation is extra-special to God.
Thanks for this. The "ethnicity" point of Galatians as I see it, and have seen it for some twenty-five-odd years or more, is in *affirming* these gentiles in *their own* heritage, which was helleno-gaelic (the men of Gaul-atia being distant cousins to the Celts of Gaul and Ireland), and that Christ calls everyone *where He has planted him* to repent.
I would call myself "Zionist" in the same sense that I'd affirm the Irish Nationalism of the IRA (a pack of braying socialists otherwise, most of them): let all nations flourish in their own lands that God has planted them in, and let them bow to the King of Kings *as themselves,* not as makeshift Jews nor second-hand Goyim nor apologizing for being born too rich, too poor, too dark, or too pale.
You're one of the bravest and most level-headed writers I know of on the web, even if not terribly exciting (because rarely excitable).
I see this alot and I appreciate how you have responded. My exposure to this type of finger pointing based on association or on disagreement, has brought me to a similar place that you see to occupy. I consume quite a bit that is contrary to my own beliefs and it helps me to strengthen position as a follower not only of Christ in concept but of what his word truly says to us. The whole Jew gambit and the Dispensationalism you speak of, is something I’m dealing with currently. Thanks for the note on this subject. The idea that one’s identity is based on simple agreement with this or that.. dangerous and lazy. God bless and thanks again.
#PhilCollinswasright
...what? Where did this guy even get that idea from?
I was afraid we were about to get RickRolled 😆
I walked in to a new dentist today and they had Never Gonna Give You Up playing as their background music. Then I let him stick a needle in my mouth.
You are right on the money and Phil Collins was perfect punctuation for your thoughts.
The Phill Collins link at end.. mic drop..lol
I don't know you at all, but I take my hat off to you (it's a black homburg). How you've lived your Christian life sounds honourable, courageous and most importantly, God fearing. Intellectually honest too, as rare as winged potatoes in this day and age. And yes - NO guilt by association thank you - after all, where would that put Jesus?
May God continue to bless you, your family and your church.
I’ve known you for about 8 years, and at times up close and personally. I’m glad for that—I believe in your heart and mind—you’re using them as an asset for the benefit of others and not your own ego.
In that same 8 years of time, I’ve lost respect for dozens of influential figures who were ostensibly on “our team.“ Also, during that time, my wife and I have grown immensely in our respect for you, and this latest post only solidifies that. I’ve completely dropped out of the social media space except for a couple peeks into Substack here and there. I have not lost anything in the process. The disappointment and disillusionment with all of these influential figures that we all know and at times have been close to or supported has been immense, and devastating. It’s all so stupid and tragic and unnecessary.
First of all, yes on the echo chamber of only following/being with people that agree with you. A friend from my congregation recently said if he disagreed with as many things as we do he would be looking for a different congregation, and I found that really interesting. Also, glad to hear someone quoting scripture on the “Jewish question” vs. some influential writer or recent doctrine. I am puzzled how people read Gal. 3:16-29 (and other passages) and conclude that the Israeli nation is extra-special to God.
The best part about ole Tim is his kravMaga tag.
Nothing like bashing the Jews while becoming a student of their fighting techniques.
Thanks for this. The "ethnicity" point of Galatians as I see it, and have seen it for some twenty-five-odd years or more, is in *affirming* these gentiles in *their own* heritage, which was helleno-gaelic (the men of Gaul-atia being distant cousins to the Celts of Gaul and Ireland), and that Christ calls everyone *where He has planted him* to repent.
I would call myself "Zionist" in the same sense that I'd affirm the Irish Nationalism of the IRA (a pack of braying socialists otherwise, most of them): let all nations flourish in their own lands that God has planted them in, and let them bow to the King of Kings *as themselves,* not as makeshift Jews nor second-hand Goyim nor apologizing for being born too rich, too poor, too dark, or too pale.
You're one of the bravest and most level-headed writers I know of on the web, even if not terribly exciting (because rarely excitable).
I see this alot and I appreciate how you have responded. My exposure to this type of finger pointing based on association or on disagreement, has brought me to a similar place that you see to occupy. I consume quite a bit that is contrary to my own beliefs and it helps me to strengthen position as a follower not only of Christ in concept but of what his word truly says to us. The whole Jew gambit and the Dispensationalism you speak of, is something I’m dealing with currently. Thanks for the note on this subject. The idea that one’s identity is based on simple agreement with this or that.. dangerous and lazy. God bless and thanks again.