In Reply to: My response to Allan (and the other fundamentalists on this chat board posted by Eva St John on January 02, 2004 at 17:47:20:
most would agree, can often get quite agressive in their defense of their deeply held beliefs. at times this seems to lead to arrogance and a condescending attitude towards those seekers who question the neatly packaged formulas that fundamentalist circles have become famous for. (in my mind, in clear contradiction to the spirit in which jesus walked.)
on the other hand, it seems that they may not have a monopoly on dismissive, reactionary approaches to the spiritual life of others. i personally have seen some amazing manifestations of the spirit of christ in many different tradtions, including theologically conservative followers, as well as more nontraditional ones.and for that matter have been deeply moved by spiritual insights of many from nonchristian traditions as well. painting with too wide a brush doesn't seem to me to be that great a technique for this type of activity.
there are way too many broad swaths of historical and theological characterizations in your post to try and challenge point by point, but i would be curious about your sources concerning your read on paul's alledged distortions of the gospel?
eva, i'm curious, you boldly warn others of their delusions, and mock their closed, made up minds. is your mind made up? or are you open to discuss the matters you assert with such confidence?
you've clearly invested an awful lot in your examination of these matters. i'm sure your current perspective would be challenging.