In Reply to: Re: touchy touchy posted by moonshiner on July 14, 2006 at 14:08:00:
When I first read Moonshiner’s post I didn’t find anything offensive about it, though on further reflection, I can see how Acheick might have gotten that impression. Moonshiner wrote, It amazes me that people are still searching for it [Noah’s Ark] believing, as TF does, that the Biblical account is literal instead of allegorical.
Many sincere, born-again Christians, even respected scholars, believe that the first chapters of the Bible are allegorical, not literal. Moonshiner therefore could even have been a Christian expressing this view. Others would have argued with him over his interpretation, as Mr. Don has, but his views in this case are not necessarily an anti-Christian bias. I think given the fact that he’s an atheist, that bias is presumed to be present—but that doesn’t mean that it is. As for him being amazed, all this demonstrates to me is that he doesn't regularly attend churches where such views are common, but moves in other circles where that view is the exception. So it surprises or amazes him.
Mr. Don pointed out a detail I’d missed, though, when he said, In many ways your post started out a might pompous throwing anyone who takes the story of Noah's Ark literally into the same boat as TF. That is a might condenming wouldn't you agree. Re-reading Moonshiner’s post, I can see now how Mr. Don got that impression. However, I didn’t get that impression at first & still don’t feel that’s what Moonshiner intended, since we all know the Family did teach that too. I believe Moonshiner was making an awkward observation but I don't get the feeling he was deliberately making a condemnatory connection.
Yes, I understand how others could feel that Moonshiner must have intended to make the condemnatory connection. However, the matter ends for me because Moonshiner has said repeatedly that he did not intend any malice with it but was merely stating a point. I’ll take his word for it.
I would therefore like to see this discussion ended.