In Reply to: i have to agree posted by Porceleindoll on July 27, 2003 at 00:35:58:
i think it is very difficult to see into peoples hearts, w/o really getting close to them. i believe that many have the ability to filter out much of the more wierd and convoluted antibiblical teachings, somehow holding it at bay from their core heart relationship w/ the real Jesus. when i've gotten close to a few folks still in, it amazes me to recognize this dichotomy. on the one hand, loyal to the family, (which they somehow redefine in their mind.. w/ little connection to the facts on the ground..) and simultaneously holding on to a sincere , tho oddly clouded, relationship w/ the Jesus of the bible, whom they encountered many years ago. are you familiar w/ the term "cognitive dissonance"?