Paula

Yes, good stuff Cindy!

— general comments —

I will say, though, that while we can rightly be concerned when a believer shows, um, “negative emotional expression”, we still have to try to look past that when in debate. We are only human, and we are not told to discard our emotions but only to try our best to control them.

I’ve heard of other big names in eschatology who reportedly are less than civil to those who oppose them, but I think we have to be careful about connecting their theology to their spiritual health. I’ve done that too, but I need to practice separating the two. It isn’t easy. We should note the spiritual condition but not let it sway us in dealing with issues. Unless God appointed me to correct the person over their behavior, I should learn to ignore it. I’m as guilty as anyone about getting animated, but I do try to control it. Sometimes people presume I haven’t tried at all, compared to them, but God knows my heart.

So it could be, regardless of appearances, that our present antagonist is actually trying to be civil; I don’t know. At any rate, I was wrong to complain about the style, especially since I just ranted in my blog about how others have judged me on that basis. (But I do believe it’s the blog owner’s right to set the tone; it’s their “home” and they “have the final say” 😉 about the atmosphere.)

So “exclaim” away, John. But do listen to Cheryl, and please try to focus on theology and not the people.