Don't let it bother you C1, I told you it did not bother me. Emotional response is something that happens when we are dealing with an issue, Theology, which is perhaps the most personal issue man contends with.
The entire reason for much of what was said was in fact to illustrate that was what was going on, and sometimes, when we are on a forum for too long we can get set in patterns and not realize it. So it may be that a new forum might be a good idea for a while, though I don't think I would recommend abandoning this one altogether, where you have made friends who will be grieved at your absence. It is just my opinion that we can gain in going into new areas with the intention of preaching the Gospel, getting outside of what may have become a comfort zone for us.
You know the old saying, "Familiarity breeds contempt." This is true in all of our lives, even with our spouses. I try to stay on guard to that destructive principle that I see in myself from time to time.
Again, apology not necessary, it is just discussion, which can get heated at times...and no wonder. Again, this is the most sensitive issue that has only one thing the world likens to it in terms of avoiding speaking about...taxes.
And I cannot think of a better thread than to also announce that I am leaving as well. I had only intended to show up and post a few threads while I took a break from that last forum, and ended up being here for a little while. I'll be back again, Lord willing, perhaps as a quick visit, perhaps another round, I don't know, but, when I do, I hope to find you have retained your membership, and, perhaps have gone out to another forum with the intent of challenging others, as well as yourself. Some of the people we meet in those travels can, despite being our antagonists, help us in our growth in Christ. I owe quite a bit to atheists, who have challenged me and forced me to face the apologetics of their ministers, which has only helped fortify my faith in Christ and the Word. My brothers and sisters of opposing views have also helped in that area, sometimes pointing out conflict, sometimes pointing out character issues, lol, which were warranted. Doctrinal Discussion Forums are, I think, the best training grounds we have as Bible Students, and not as many take advantage of that as they should. But what we can say of those that do, is that they have a stronger desire to understand better and they spend more time in the Word than most.
So in the immortal words of my friend Bilbo Baggins...
...Good-bye.
And...
God bless.
