Paul,

I appreciate your words and why you say them. I am struck by the resiliency and sight of your daughter, beyond physical limitations.

I appreciate your intentions... Today, this is my answer/understanding.

Using analogies... I’m limited to certain conclusions. For example: “I don’t know all the detail, but...” I believe we were created rather than evolved out of chaos. I believe this because design is recognizable, deliberate and intelligent. Such a statement sweepingly says to the evolutionist “She’s saying *don’t confuse me with the facts*” Bringing up this analogy to you, in this context, is saying the same thing.

2 people each receive maps to where to dig for the same treasure... included: an intense amount of detail, some parables... and the answer implicitly ‘by that big oak tree.’ Yet, these two persons end up anyway in two different locations. I am going to look at that detail and those parables in light of that answer implicitly... ‘by that big oak tree.’
For as much as it has been observed that I have glossed over statements... in favor of my own picture, one: that works both ways... two: I had more statements to respond to, and the topic is deep.

My problem is the conclusion and that big picture. And conclusions. Earlier I asked, “Is it possible to consider Jesus Christ too important in the Godhead?” I was told ‘Yes’. Of course, I’m picking and choosing here... a rebuttal:

1Cr 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

To me, this verse says more than enough. It was Jesus Christ who blinded Paul on the road and spoke to him. Call me a modelist; It was the voice of Almighty God that spoke. Right there is where I stepped over the line.

Numbers, group consensus, and traditions have always had snares... so too, there have always been heresies. That historically consensus says ‘God is triune’ – the Word of God says ‘the Gate is Narrow.’ Many will say Lord, Lord AND/YET ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord’... or believes on his name will be saved. YET, the consensus of Christendom IS that they ALL do indeed have the name correct, and believe. Ecumenism... at its most basic, conservative... ‘catholic’ (universal) level, is I believe what we have and will have reaffirmed in the future “Lift Him high... but not too high.”

It is the name of Jesus that is hated by the world... Yet so many love and respect the name... (surely we must mean ‘them’ the ‘others’) The apostasy we read of IS the Church herself.

Meanwhile, the Hegelian Dialect of divide and conquer has always been in full swing... Yet I see that its purpose is to rally everyone towards that ecumenical creed... and it is catholic (as in universal). Ironically while you reject RCC. And I believe it is a test, by design... Lift Him too high? I can’t help but consider the metaphor of man’s tower of unity... and then God swept it down and confused the language.

By design:
Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

I am as sincere, stubborn, un-teachable at present... perhaps, yes. I know you want to convince me. I don’t know what else to say. I want to be a Jacob.

My prayer is for the narrow gate. And if He should knock me down and blind me, or un-blind me, that I’m blessed to recognize his hand in the mix.

(thank you)
-Kathy